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Welsh Affairs
25 February 2021
Lead MP
Kevin Brennan
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Wales
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Kevin Brennan raised concerns about welsh affairs in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate opened with Kevin Brennan moving that the House considers Welsh affairs, paying tribute to Hywel Francis and discussing issues such as Cardiff's development, the state of the Union, respect for devolution, and the importance of progressive policies in Wales. He emphasised that the UK Government lacks an understanding of consent and respect within the union.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Brennan paid tribute to Hywel Francis, discussed Cardiff's development since devolution, criticised the Union unit at Whitehall for its inability to function, and highlighted the importance of respect within the UK union. He also detailed how devolved powers matter in various aspects such as NHS policies, education, transport, and public service values.
Stephen Crabb
Con
Preseli Pembrokeshire
Crabb offered condolences for Hywel Francis and praised the UK's vaccine strategy during the pandemic. He argued against separatist movements and questioned Welsh Labour's stance on Unionism, expressing concern over their rhetoric stoking division between England and Wales.
Christina Rees
Lab
Neath
Honoured Hywel Francis, whose legacy extends across Wales. The people of Wales are parochial yet internationalists; a history of social solidarity is embodied in the miners’ strike and the support received from around the world. Cultural heritage and global connections have fostered community organisations and resilience during crises like the coronavirus pandemic. Despite austerity, Welsh Labour Government has provided substantial financial aid to local authorities, social care staff, and school meals programmes. The £2 billion economic resilience fund secured over 141,000 jobs.
Alun Cairns
Con
Vale of Clwyd
Acknowledges the benefits of the Union during the pandemic; financial aid to businesses and families was unprecedented. Emphasises the importance of Whitehall’s active interest in understanding and delivering for communities, particularly highlighting the need for a railway station in St Athan and a marina in Barry as part of regeneration plans.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Pays tribute to Hywel Francis. The resilience and forbearance shown by Caerphilly constituents during the pandemic are commendable. Health board data shows a reduction in covid-19 incidence and hospitalisations, with encouraging progress on vaccinations. Criticises Westminster Conservative Government for dithering compared to effective leadership from the Welsh Government.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
Expresses sadness at Hywel Francis's death. Discusses the need for clarity in reopening hospitality businesses post-lockdown, highlighting the economic significance of tourism and hospitality in north Wales. Urges the UK Government to work closely with the Welsh Government on a joint strategy for reopening the entire UK hospitality sector.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Neath and Swansea East
Praised Welsh Labour Government's cautious approach in reopening schools. Highlighted issues with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, including a positive case count of over 550 and one tragic death among staff. Emphasised the success of Wales' vaccine roll-out and its impact on reducing cases.
Short response to Carolyn Harris thanking her for bringing the House together.
Discussed improvements in the vaccine roll-out pace in Wales and emphasised the need for directly comparable healthcare performance indicators across Britain. Highlighted infrastructure issues, particularly inadequate public transport services between north Wales and England, and the potential benefits of a UK-wide levelling-up fund.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Critiqued the UK Government's levelling-up agenda as undermining Welsh democracy and regional inequality. Provided examples of projects such as HS2, which do not benefit Wales despite being classified as benefiting both England and Wales. Emphasised Wales' low research and development spending compared to England.
Discussed the challenges faced by small businesses in Clwyd South during the pandemic, particularly in hospitality and tourism sectors. Criticised the Welsh Government's disorganized roll-out of economic resilience funds and its prioritization of south Wales over mid-north Wales.
Craig Williams
Con
Montgomeryshire
Welcomes vaccine programme under the Union, highlighting economic support from UK Government and volunteering in his constituency. Mentions pet projects like Llanymynech-Pant bypass, Carno station, and Montgomery canal. Ends with a tribute to Robert Owen on his 250th birthday.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Highlights the impact of small actions by volunteers in Cardiff North during pandemic. Criticises UK Government's attempt to control Wales’s levelling-up fund, advocating for a strong Parliament in Cardiff. Mentions concerns over cut in universal credit and supports Welsh Labour Government's support package for businesses and free school meals.
Fay Jones
Con
Brecon and Radnorshire
Thanks vaccinators, volunteers, and healthcare professionals at mass vaccination site. Criticises the slow progress of the Welsh Government on river cleanup efforts. Advocates for a veterans commissioner in Wales to ensure support for veterans. Calls for prosperity across Wales under a Conservative government.
Beth Winter
Lab
Cynon Valley
Pays tribute to Professor Hywel Francis, expresses anger and sadness over the suffering of people in Wales due to poverty and hardship. Mentions high rates of death from covid and child poverty. Criticises Tory Government's austerity policies for undermining efforts against the pandemic, attacking benefits system, and stripping Welsh Government of funds (£90 million cuts). Highlights resilience of local communities despite challenges.
Rob Roberts
Con
Delyn
Acknowledges north Wales' rich culture and history but expresses disappointment with Welsh Labour Government's perceived neglect. Debunks claims of underfunding from UK Government, citing examples like the south Wales metro scheme investment versus north Wales. Criticises relative funding discrepancies in health and education sectors. Advocates for Conservative levelling-up agenda to address regional disparities.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Celebrates the advancements of Wales in various fields like vaccine delivery, bioscience, innovation, green revolution, media, military service, and sports. Criticises negative portrayals of Wales by nationalist groups and certain politicians. Emphasises support for the Union but opposes Tory Government's policies such as cuts to universal credit and leaving children hungry during holidays.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Echoed kind words about Dr Hywel Francis, expressed gratitude for key workers and the Welsh Government's handling of the pandemic. Highlighted inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic and the need for practical measures to tackle them. Criticised Conservative policies such as cuts to tax credits that increased in-work poverty. Advocated for investment in railways, broadband, and renewables in Wales. Emphasised the importance of respecting devolution settlements and collaboration between UK Government and Welsh Government. Raised concerns over coal tip safety and urged the Secretary of State to provide funding to tackle it.
Paid tribute to Hywel Francis and thanked people across Wales for their efforts during the pandemic. Acknowledged the role played by devolution in parts but also noted areas where it has not worked well. Mentioned positive aspects such as the Ministry of Defence's vaccine programme, research and development, and financial support provided to businesses like Celsa Steel in Cardiff South and Penarth constituency.
I thank everybody who has participated in the debate today. I pay tribute to our friend and comrade Dr Hywel Francis, expressing sorrow for those who missed out due to time constraints, particularly Members from Wales such as Jessica Morden, Jonathan Edwards, Stephen Kinnock, Tonia Antoniazzi, Ruth Jones, and Alex Davies-Jones. It highlights the need for a permanent St David’s Day debate with sufficient time for Welsh contributions. I join others in wishing good luck to the Welsh team against England on Saturday.
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