Backbench Business — Gangs and Serious Youth Violence

Catherine West Lab

Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Supports the debate on serious youth violence. Highlights the rise of firearms usage among young people, noting it's not just a London issue but one affecting regions as well.

Marcus Fysh Con

Yeovil

Concerned about the spread of drug-related crimes from large cities to regional towns. Emphasises the need for adequate policing resources in these areas to prevent the escalation into violent crime.

Paul Flynn Lab

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

Refers to Harriet Sergeant's work on gang culture, expressing regret over the misunderstanding between official bodies and those part of the underclass. Suggests deeper sympathy is needed for the issues involved.

Chuka Umunna 011:43:00

Fear and trauma are major factors in youth violence. There is a lack of activities for young people outside school hours, leading to surrogate family dynamics within peer groups. Society promotes violence and consumerism, which encourages violent behaviour among young people. Poverty and deprivation contribute significantly to the cycle of violence, exacerbated by high unemployment rates and poor skill sets from education. Youth work should be elevated in importance and funded properly. The Government's decision to disband the ending gang violence and exploitation peer review network should be reversed. More role models who have been victims or perpetrators of violence need to go into schools to prevent future incidents. Entrepreneurial skills should be taught to channel young people’s energy towards legitimate business ventures.

Matthew Pennycook Lab

Greenwich and Woolwich

Acknowledges the desire among young people for material possessions offered by criminal gangs as a quick way to earn money, highlighting the role of low income in this issue.

Karen Buck

Agrees with Chuka Umunna's point about enterprise teaching and commends the Evening Standard’s campaign for turning young people towards business opportunities.

Will Quince Con

Colchester

Congratulates the hon. Member for Streatham on securing a debate and gives statistics about knife crime, emphasising that carrying knives is illegal and dangerous. Proposes a three-pronged approach involving deterrence, education, and intervention. Welcomes government steps such as minimum custodial sentences and commitment to police budgets. Supports the need for education regarding the dangers of carrying knives, mentioning the work of Only Cowards Carry charity in schools. Calls for clearer definitions of violent crime statistics and better collaboration between police forces.

Bob Stewart Con

Beckenham

Believes that some people carry weapons because they feel it gives them status, supporting the argument made by Will Quince regarding reasons young people carry blades.

Vicky Foxcroft Lab

Lewisham North

Asks whether unreported crimes among young people are a concern, prompting Will Quince to agree and support easier reporting mechanisms for crimes, particularly online crimes.

David Lammy Lab

Tottenham

Gratefully participates in the debate and thanks his colleagues for their efforts. Stresses that issues related to youth crime are not new and have been present throughout history, citing examples from Charles Dickens's works.

David Lammy Lab

Tottenham

The debate highlights new trends such as the involvement of very young girls and women in gang-related activities. There is concern about how enforcement measures targeting older individuals have driven crime down to younger levels, including those under 18 years old. The phenomenon of drug activity being run by teenagers on behalf of older individuals is also noted.

Helen Hayes Lab

Dulwich and West Norwood

Raises concern about serious violence against women and very young girls associated with gang-related activities, which are not currently recorded or understood appropriately. She emphasises the need for more action on this specific part of the problem.

Matthew Pennycook Lab

Greenwich and Woolwich

Agrees that targeting older members of criminal gangs leaves a vacuum that triggers spikes in violence among younger individuals who are less likely to receive severe sentences if caught. This highlights how enforcement measures can inadvertently exacerbate the problem by shifting it onto younger individuals.

Chuka Umunna

Emphasises the exploitation of women, particularly the straightforward exploitation where girls and women are used to conceal weapons and pass them from one group to another. This is seen as an under-discussed aspect of gang activity.

David Lammy Lab

Tottenham

There is a disturbing pattern of sexualisation and violence against young women, which has been exacerbated by criminality. The Minister published an eight-page strategy in January 2016 but the issue remains severe; it involves not only urban areas but also suburban ones, affecting white communities as well. Violence is increasing, with a 18% increase in assaults with injury and a 22% increase in violence against the person in London over the past year. There needs to be better understanding of best practices and more coherent national strategies.

Natascha Engel Lab

Kelham

Order was given to keep speeches brief as there are three more Back-Bench speakers remaining.

Karen Buck Lab

Westminster North

Youth violence is growing younger and spreading geographically. It remains a crisis largely affecting black and minority ethnic populations in areas of deprivation. Westminster North, despite not being traditionally associated with such pressures, has experienced multiple incidents including stabbings and violent clashes over the past few months. These events have real impacts on communities, even if many adults remain unaware.

Dawn Butler Lab

Brent East

In her constituency, gang members range in age from eight to 61 years old, highlighting the broad spectrum of involvement. Many people are oblivious to the issues on the streets.

Karen Buck Lab

Battersea

My hon. Friend is right. We know the parents of those children who are injured or tragically murdered. They are in the community, in their churches and neighbourhoods, and their agony echoes throughout the community.

Angela Rayner Lab

Ashton-under-Lyne

My hon. Friend is making a powerful point. My constituency is in mourning this week because, on Monday, a young, 11-year-old lad was the victim of a hit and run by young people in a vehicle. He was killed outside the mosque in front of his father, and the whole community is in mourning. As I have said before, often our young people do not understand the consequences of using weapons, and they feel that it is just part of being in a gang, or part of youth culture. That has serious consequences for the rest of their lives and for the whole community.

Keith Vaz Lab

Leicester East

My hon. Friend will know, as a former member of the Home Affairs Committee, that the Committee conducted an inquiry into this—I think she was a member at the time. Given the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr Umunna), is it not important to revisit some of the conclusions because some of the knowledge is already there and just needs to be revisited and acted on?

Karen Buck Lab

Battersea

My right hon. Friend is right. As we have heard, there are changes in the way in which gang and serious youth violence is working itself out, but constants remain, and we need to learn from that experience. Some positive things are going on in the work that community organisations do... I am horrified by my local council, which is not alone, because it is withdrawing all funding from its youth service.

Chuka Umunna Lab

Streatham

My hon. Friend is making a very important point. So many activities that are provided for young people are not statutory... I am desperately trying not to be party political, but the 56% cut in the local government grant from central Government to our local authorities will inevitably have an impact on the support that local authorities can give to third sector organisations working on this matter.

Dawn Butler Lab

Brent East

My hon. Friend is making a powerful point. As a former Minister for young citizens and youth engagement, it was our hope that such provision would be made statutory and that youth services would be ring-fenced in each council.

Karen Buck Lab

Battersea

I agree. However, it is not just youth services, there is also pressure on child and adolescent mental health services... I believe two things. First, it takes a village to raise a child. Those of us who live in the city, which is diverse, mobile and disconnected, know that we have to build and rebuild that village every single day.

Matthew Pennycook Lab

Greenwich and Woolwich

My hon. Friend is making a powerful case... Given that, and the epidemic that hon. Members have described, does she agree that it makes no sense for the Government to pull front-line capacity, peer reviewers and national co-ordinators out of the ending gang and youth violence programme?

Ann Coffey Lab

Stockport

The phenomenon of 'county lines', whereby urban criminal gangs exploit and coerce children into selling class A drugs, often in remote locations. This practice is under-recognised and involves significant exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including young girls being groomed for both sexual and criminal activities. The issue requires a clear national strategy to define responsibilities within law enforcement, improve information sharing with local authorities, and develop protective measures like 'Fagin orders' to disrupt early grooming stages.

David Lammy Lab

Tottenham

Supports Vicky Foxcroft's stance on defining gangs in a more meaningful way. He questions the lack of clarity in the Government’s document regarding what constitutes a gang.

Bob Stewart

Agrees with David Lammy that it is difficult to define gangs, as young people themselves often use this term and defines their groups accordingly.

Dawn Butler Lab

Brent East

Supports the call for clarity in defining gangs. She emphasises the importance of working together and listening to young people to prevent them from being criminalized or labelled at a very young age.

Vicky Foxcroft Lab

Lewisham North

Emphasises that youth violence is not just about gangs but about the broader societal issues affecting young people. She calls for transformative change in how society approaches these problems, advocating for a shift towards promoting peace and community.

Angela Crawley

Acknowledges the complex nature of addressing youth violence beyond legislative measures. She cites Scotland’s Glasgow East as an example where significant work has been done to reduce gang membership and violent crime through education, training, and support for former gang members.

Natalie McGarry

Agrees with Angela Crawley that the success of reducing violence in Glasgow East can serve as a model. She highlights the work done by the Violence Reduction Unit which has led to significant reductions in violent crime, gang membership and weapon possession.

Angela Crawley Lab

south Lanarkshire

The Government must recognise the ineffectiveness of current legislation and consider changing course. Young people have been given a bad name in this discussion, without addressing root causes such as poverty, violence, drugs, and rising incidence of violence against women. Glasgow's success with reducing violence through measures like 'No Knives Better Lives' campaign and early intervention initiatives is an example to follow. Local community efforts in south Lanarkshire, like the drama workshop “The Street”, also play a crucial role.

Lyn Brown Lab

West Ham

There has been a recent rise in recorded knife crime and gang violence in England and Wales. Recorded crimes involving knives have increased by 9%, with specific increases in rape, threats to kill, and attempted murder cases. The increase is partly due to better reporting but also reflects an actual surge in criminal activity using knives. Gang numbers are rising sharply in London, contributing significantly to serious violence. Bedfordshire police's success in reducing knife crime through various strategies suggests that targeted resources can make a difference.

Dawn Butler Lab

Brent East

Committed individuals and programmes like Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin’s work in Hackney deserve support. Community-based initiatives such as 'Carry A Basketball Not A Blade' prevent youth from engaging in violent behavior by offering alternative ways to deploy their energy.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

The Minister congratulated the hon. Member for Streatham on securing the debate and acknowledged the contributions of other Members, emphasising that tackling gangs and serious youth violence is a priority for the Government. She mentioned the 'Ending gang violence and exploitation' paper which builds on the 2012 Ending Gang and Youth Violence programme. The Minister also extended the EGYV programme for another year to identify new ways in which gangs operate and build resilience against them.

Melanie Onn Lab

Great Grimsby

The hon. Member questioned whether the Government’s approach tallies with the Minister's comments, expressing surprise that Great Grimsby was included in the nine new areas to receive support under the programme.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

The Minister responded that local resilience has been built and now the Government is moving towards delivery. New areas for the programme were identified after peer review indicated possible problems, and local authorities and police chiefs were consulted.

Karen Buck Lab

Westminster North

The hon. Member asked whether local authorities that have withdrawn youth service resources will be able to enter into partnerships for the programme's delivery.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

The Minister said it is for local areas to determine what works best, but the Home Office can help with resources and best practice from the centre.

Chuka Umunna Lab

Streatham

The hon. Member challenged that the work of the peer review network is not done due to changes in how gangs operate now compared to 2012, citing greater use of social media and changing group dynamics.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

The Minister assured that the peer review network is not disbanded, inviting the hon. Member for Streatham to meet her to discuss the matter further.

Simon Burns Constitutional Union and Reform Party

Chelmsford

The right hon. Member thanked the Minister for the work done in Chelmsford concerning knife crimes, praising liaison with Essex police on tackling 'county lines' issues.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

Acknowledged and thanked the right hon. Member for his intervention, confirming the collaborative work of her Department with Essex police in tackling knife crimes and ‘county lines’ problems.

Lyn Brown Lab

West Ham

The hon. Member requested to be invited to meetings on these issues after being nice to the Minister during the debate.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

The Minister extended an invitation for Members who want to discuss what is happening in their local areas, emphasising the importance of local solutions and resilience building.

Vicky Foxcroft Lab

Lewisham North

The hon. Member noted that funding is a part of the problem in delivering local solutions, highlighting the need for financial support from the Government.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

Acknowledged the point about funding and emphasised the importance of working with Members across the House to find appropriate solutions based on local needs.

David Lammy Lab

Tottenham

The hon. Member asked for more information on what works in tackling gangs and youth violence, querying why figures are worsening nationally.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

Responded by highlighting the need to record crimes accurately and mentioned initiatives like Redthread that help in making contact with young victims of attacks at A&E departments.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

The Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service detailed the Government's six priorities in addressing gang violence, including: countering 'county lines' drug trafficking; protecting vulnerable locations such as pupil referral units; reducing violence, particularly knife crime; safeguarding women and girls exploited by gangs; promoting early intervention; and providing meaningful alternatives to gangs.

Chuka Umunna Ind

City of Chester

Summarised the debate, emphasising the need for a national commission to address youth violence and share best practices across regions. Acknowledged contributions from other MPs on data collection and specific issues like 'county lines'.

Eleanor Laing Con

Uxbridge and South Ruislip

As the hon. Lady knows well, Mr Speaker, or the occupant of the Chair, has no authority to require Ministers to be here for a debate such as this. On behalf of the House, I trust that he will answer the questions that the hon. Lady and other colleagues will undoubtedly put to him and will draw to the attention of the Secretary of State anything that ought to be drawn to his attention, which will indeed be the whole debate.

Wayne David Lab

Aberavon

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am concerned about not only the Secretary of State’s absence from this important debate, but the fact that he was absent at a St David’s day reception hosted in Lancaster House earlier today.

Alun Cairns Con

Vale of Clwyd

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I can advise the House that the Secretary of State has parliamentary business elsewhere and I understand that he has spoken to the promoter of the debate to explain that that is the case.

Ian Lucas Lab

Wrexham

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. It specifically concerns a communication from the Wales Office. On Monday, when the Secretary of State made a closed announcement to journalists, I tweeted that I was surprised that the matter was not being made in a statement to the House of Commons.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon

This will be a momentous year for Wales. First, we are on course for a championship-deciding clash with England in the Six Nations. We will do it with special zeal. When Bale, Ashley Williams and Ramsey are flying the flag for Wales in that contest, campaigners from this House and across Wales will be making the case for Wales and the whole of the UK to remain in the European Union. The British economy benefits to the tune of £227 billion a year in the exports that it makes to the European Union, thanks to its membership of the single market.

David Davies Con

Monmouth

The hon. Gentleman is being very generous in giving way. May I draw his mind back to the evidence that we took from management and the unions about those terrible job losses? Both said that the European Union had delayed bringing in tariffs on Chinese rebar and had taken a very long time to agree the compensation package—for which the Government had to ask permission from the EU— in order to give back to companies such as Tata some of the money that had already been taken as a result of energy taxes.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon Maesteg

The energy-intensive industries compensation package took five years to deliver, highlighting a failure in engagement. The UK supports China's market economy status and opposes anti-dumping rule reforms, which harms British steel. Government must intervene with regulations for the free market to ensure fair trade conditions. Failure to act swiftly could lead to the decline of UK steelmaking. Ministers should visit affected areas to explain contradictory public statements on supporting British steel while opposing necessary regulatory changes.

Craig Williams 014:01:00

Questions the hypocrisy in supporting energy-intensive industries like Celsa Steel, which uses significant electricity and raises questions about renewable energy pricing policies. The support for such industries needs to be balanced with fair treatment of renewables.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon Maesteg

Agrees that energy-intensive industries need government support, but the long delay in implementing necessary measures highlights policy failures. The cost burden must be spread effectively to avoid undue pressure on these industries and ensure market stability for future investments.

Ian Lucas 014:01:00

Supports the need for a stable legislative framework in industries such as solar energy and anaerobic digestion, which currently face instability leading to job losses and investment deterrents.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon Maesteg

Emphasises that mixed messages from the Government deter long-term investments in renewable energy sectors. Wales can lead an internet revolution with a focus on digital future for energy, health, and economic acceleration; the Chancellor must support this vision.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon

Welsh industry requires certainty from long-term industrial strategies connecting supply with demand. Rail franchising uncertainty must be clarified by the government to provide clarity for businesses like steel producers.

Madeleine Moon 014:01:00

Asked Stephen Kinnock about rail franchising in Wales and whether trains starting or ending in England will be franchised in Wales, expressing concern over the issue's implications for Welsh businesses.

David Jones 014:22:00

Welcomed the pause in the process of developing the Wales Bill. Emphasised the need to consider north Wales' economic ties with north-west England and its inclusion in the northern powerhouse agenda, highlighting rail network upgrades as a priority.

David Jones Con

Clwyd West

The Member expresses concerns about the transport franchise, highlighting poor service quality and infrastructure needs in north Wales. He emphasises the need for upgraded rail services to connect north Wales with HS2 and Liverpool, suggesting electrification of both the north Wales coastal line and the Borderlands railway line as critical steps. Additionally, he raises issues regarding road upgrades on the A55 and calls for closer cooperation between Westminster and Welsh Governments.

Ian Lucas Lab

Wrexham

The Member thanks David Jones for his supportive remarks and endorses the need for investment in cross-border transport. He mentions the £43 million investment by the Welsh Government to dual the Wrexham-Chester line, urging further collaboration with both UK and Welsh Governments to ensure that such infrastructure projects continue to benefit north Wales.

David Jones Con

Clwyd West

In response to Wayne David's concerns about the withdrawal of the draft Wales Bill without proper communication, he argues for the importance of getting legislation right rather than rushing it through. He refers to a report by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee which criticised previous Governments for passing legislation too quickly, leading to issues such as the West Lothian question.

Wayne David Lab

Caerphilly

The Member questions the absence of the Secretary of State for Wales during a significant debate and criticises the withdrawal of the draft Wales Bill without prior notice or explanation. He points out that multiple experts, academics, and leaders in Wales had already deemed the bill unfit for purpose before its removal, arguing that proper consultation and consensus are necessary for meaningful constitutional change.

Paul Flynn Lab

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

The Member critiques a part of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee report referenced by David Jones as an example of altering historical context to suit contemporary arguments. He suggests that such practices are indicative of how past events can be reinterpreted based on future perspectives.

Wayne David Lab

Caerphilly

Argues for a coherent draft Wales Bill based on consensus, highlights the economic importance of EU membership for Wales, and supports Heathrow expansion with necessary improvements to railway infrastructure.

Craig Williams Lab

Pontypridd

Supports Heathrow expansion but questions why the Welsh Labour Government is not accelerating M4 relief road development.

Glyn Davies Con

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Calls for St David's Day to be made a national holiday and supports devolving public holidays decisions to the National Assembly for Wales. Acknowledges ongoing issues in Welsh dairy farming and neglect of mid-Wales.

Guto Bebb Con

Aberconwy

Recalls past efforts by the Development Board for Rural Wales that supported mid-Wales, implicitly addressing Glyn Davies' comments on the area's neglect.

Glyn Davies Con

Emphasises the importance of Welsh culture, particularly the Welsh language and S4C. Discusses sports achievements including Sam Warburton's conduct in rugby and John Charles' career. Mentions Barry Williams' contributions to local sport. Supports the Wales Bill for its role in devolution, especially regarding income tax responsibilities.

Jessica Morden Lab

Newport East

I support my hon. Friend’s call for more help to protect our industry for the sake of constituents who work in Aberavon and, crucially, in Llanwern. We must never forget the Llanwern workers, given the announcements on job losses. I ask the Wales Office Ministers to keep speaking up in Government on behalf of the steel industry. The bridges will soon come back into public ownership, so we are in the crucial period when discussions are taking place about the level of tolling. We must not miss the opportunity to get the tolls reduced. My plea today is that the Government involve hon. Members with constituency interests in the bridges in their discussions.

Paul Flynn 015:01:00

In support of Jessica Morden's position on Severn bridge tolls, stating 'Hear, hear.'

Craig Williams Lab

Cardiff North

I add my name to the lobby of the hon. Member for Newport East on the Severn bridge tolls. I want to touch on several points. I know that the Minister is a champion for us, and I implore him to do anything he can in the spirit of consensus and the framework of the city deal. The Aston Martin announcement was so welcome and brilliant, and the Minister was integral to that. Electrification is a key issue. When that happens in Cardiff and then in Swansea, there will be an opportunity to tie into the south Wales metro. I want to work with the Welsh Government and Network Rail to get work in the south Wales valleys into the right control period.

Jonathan Edwards PC

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

Asked about the impact of Brexit on higher education policy in the Conservative manifesto for the Assembly elections, given that the leader of the Conservative party in the Assembly has said he will vote for Brexit.

Craig Williams Con

Cardiff North

The hon. Member criticises the Welsh Government for not utilising its borrowing power to progress the M4 relief road and emphasises its importance for economic links to Heathrow and Network Rail. He supports Andrew R. T. Davies' commitment to having a spade-ready M4 relief road within 12 months, and expresses disappointment over the incomplete state of the Eastern Bay link road around Cardiff's city centre. Craig Williams also calls for cross-party consensus on championing a bid for the Commonwealth games in Cardiff to drive economic redevelopment, highlighting the potential impact similar events had in Glasgow and London. He mentions local sports heroes like Barry Williams and Lewis Wilkins, advocating for research science and development initiatives. Finally, he highlights Mrs Beth Baldwin's campaign for raising diabetes awareness through routine tests.

David Jones Con

Clwyd West

In a brief interjection, the hon. Member points out that although the Welsh Government may not have progressed much in south Wales concerning infrastructure issues like the M4 relief road, they have done nothing at all for north Wales, particularly regarding the A55.

Paul Flynn Lab

Newport West

Expressed sympathy for the Secretary of State, highlighting his recent humiliations. Emphasised optimism about Wales' future, citing historical pessimism and current achievements such as the Welsh Parliament and success in bilingual education. Praised Wyn Roberts for his role in promoting the Welsh language. Raised concerns over investment in Hinkley Point nuclear power station, arguing it is financially risky and environmentally unsound compared to tidal energy potential.

Guto Bebb Con

Aberconwy

The MP appreciates the consensual speech from Newport West's hon. Member and acknowledges the contributions of his predecessor, Lord Wyn Roberts of Conwy. He highlights achievements like the A55 road development initiated by Lord Roberts and mentions positive economic outcomes in Wales since 2010. Bebb emphasises the importance of cooperation between Westminster and Cardiff Bay for economic growth. He notes a decrease in unemployment across Aberconwy and expresses satisfaction with the current economic situation despite some setbacks, such as job losses at Express Linen Services due to fire incidents. The MP supports the decision to pause the Wales Bill until after the Welsh Assembly elections and advocates for a long-term settlement that is beneficial for Wales rather than politically motivated. He also discusses the European referendum scheduled for June 23rd, expressing his Eurosceptic views but acknowledging the importance of EU membership for economic reasons. Bebb highlights examples like Airbus and Horizon Nuclear Power's reliance on EU membership. Additionally, he praises local businesses such as Zip World for creating jobs and supporting Welsh speakers with funding from European grants. Despite being a net beneficiary of European funding, Bebb criticises how funds are allocated in Wales, suggesting that the problem lies within Wales rather than Brussels.

Christina Rees Lab

Neath

I congratulate the Wales women’s rugby team on recently beating Scotland and France at the Knoll ground in my constituency, marking a great achievement. In Neath and across Wales, EU membership provides significant benefits such as job opportunities, trade and investment, lower prices, and higher wages worth £3,000 per year to each household, outweighing the cost by 10 times. The European Union is vital for Welsh economy, securing jobs and funding crucial schemes like Workways Plus which helps long-term unemployed people back into work through training and mentoring support. EU regeneration funds also aid town centre regeneration in Neath, contributing positively to local economies post economic downturns.

Byron Davies Con

Cardiff North

I highlight a scandalous episode during my time as an Assembly Member regarding the Welsh Government's sale of land under its true value through the Regeneration and Investment Fund for Wales. The 'jewel in the crown' site at Lisvane in Cardiff was sold to a preferred purchaser for £1.8 million, when its potential open market value for housing was at least £39 million, indicating severe oversight weaknesses and lack of public asset importance.

Craig Williams Lab

Cynon Valley

The Welsh Government sold land in Lisvane, Cardiff North—the most valuable agricultural land in Wales—extremely undervalued at £15,000 per acre compared to its worth of £1.2 million per acre, which is a national scandal.

Byron Davies Con

Gower

Amazed at the lack of accountability from the Welsh Government regarding the sale of public assets. Criticised valuers and fund managers for poor advice given to the Welsh Government during the process. Raised concerns about governance weaknesses in Regeneration Investment Fund for Wales project as highlighted by recent reports. Questioned the Serious Fraud Office's involvement and urged a reassessment with new evidence. Highlighted the importance of the Port Talbot steelworks for both economic and social fabric, expressing hope that Ministers will help stimulate demand for British steel. Discussed Swansea Bay tidal lagoon, advocating for an elected mayor system to push forward the development. Addressed concerns about the decline in the cockle industry in Gower, calling for further scientific research into the cause of cockles' high mortality rate and urging support from the Wales Office.

Gerald Jones Lab

Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

Criticised the UK Government's austerity measures, particularly the bedroom tax, highlighting its disproportionate impact on Wales. Described the hardship caused by welfare reforms in his constituency, noting increased rent arrears and potential homelessness among disabled individuals due to the bedroom tax. Raised concerns about the scarcity of smaller properties in affected areas, leading to financial penalties or relocation issues for tenants. Emphasised the negative consequences such as debt, food bank usage increase, and mental health impacts. Advocated for EU investment benefits in Wales, stressing its role in creating a skilled labour market and driving economic prosperity.

Byron Davies Con

Gower

Responded to Gerald Jones by questioning his view on the third round of funding from the Welsh Government. Asked if Jones saw this as a missed opportunity or an ongoing chance for investment, reflecting on Rhodri Morgan's previous comments about the first round being once-in-a-lifetime.

Gerald Jones Lab

Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

EU funding has significantly benefited Wales, supporting jobs and businesses through initiatives like the Jobs Growth Wales fund which has supported over 15,000 young people since 2012. The speaker criticises the current form of the Wales Bill for rolling back Assembly powers, highlighting a lack of support from various stakeholders. He welcomes the Secretary of State's decision to reconsider the Bill but calls for clarity on future steps and consultations with all relevant parties to ensure a lasting devolution settlement.

Chris Matheson Lab

City of Chester

Mr. Matheson discussed the importance of cross-border working between north Wales and west Cheshire/Merseyside, noting that economic activity does not recognise political boundaries. He provided examples such as skilled workers commuting across borders for major employers like Airbus, Toyota, Tata Steel, Bank of America MBNA, among others. Mr. Matheson highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements including upgrading the M56 motorway and building a new bridge over the Dee to enhance connectivity. He also advocated for the electrification of the north Wales coast line from Crewe to Chester and on to Holyhead to improve rail performance, capacity and reliability. Emphasising the importance of EU membership for economic growth, Mr. Matheson concluded by supporting the Mersey Dee Alliance's efforts towards common economic development.

Mark Williams Lab

Ceredigion

Complimented the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire for his tribute to David Lloyd George and Lady Megan Lloyd George, mentioned the mis-selling of interest rate swap products affecting farmers, raised concerns about bank treatment of constituents who seek redress from the Financial Ombudsman Service, discussed physical connectivity issues on the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury railway line, supported the direct route through to Birmingham International airport, commended early-day motion 1073 on Crown post office closures and their economic impact, highlighted broadband and mobile coverage issues in rural areas of Wales, emphasised the importance of infrastructure for economic development and pro-EU sentiment in Ceredigion.

Guto Bebb Con

Aberconwy

Briefly supported Mark Williams' point regarding connectivity's importance to Aberystwyth University.

Carolyn Harris Lab

Neath and Swansea East

Commented on the absence of the Secretary of State in the debate, noting the wait for rail electrification, a Welsh football team in the Euros, and a Welsh premier league club; expressed disappointment over the lack of attendance.

Alun Cairns Con

Vale of Glamorgan

Announced that the Secretary of State was unavailable as he had an important telephone conversation with the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport in the Welsh Government.

Carolyn Harris Lab

Neath and Swansea East

Welsh Labour MP Carolyn Harris discussed the delay in reviewing the Swansea bay tidal lagoon project, questioning whether it was a sign of serious commitment or an attempt to stall progress. She emphasised the potential for this project to transform her constituency and Wales, highlighting its global significance in tidal power technology. She urged the Government to form a committee with Welsh representation to oversee the review process and called on Members to work together to ensure the success of the tidal lagoon initiative.

Jonathan Edwards PC

MP Jonathan Edwards argued in favour of remaining in the European Union, citing historical reasons and economic benefits. He highlighted Wales' net beneficiary status from EU support, amounting to £4 billion by 2020, and emphasised the EU's redistributive mechanisms aimed at poorer regions. Edwards also pointed out that UK lacks similar mechanisms for infrastructure investment based on need.

Guto Bebb Con

MP Guto Bebb questioned Jonathan Edwards' stance, pointing to instances where his party had campaigned against EU trade deals perceived as a threat to the NHS in Wales.

Jonathan Edwards 016:27:00

Expressed concerns about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) potentially impacting public services negatively, advocating for a Welsh Government veto on TTIP. Criticised the government's tactics in the EU referendum campaign as dangerous and ill-judged, suggesting they could lead to long-term damage to the Union. Welcomed the Secretary of State’s decision to delay the Wales Bill but expressed scepticism over the necessity tests and reservations proposed, especially regarding criminal law and private law mechanisms. Emphasised the need for a proportional devolution settlement if Welsh MPs' numbers are reduced significantly. Advocated for direct Treasury investment in the Swansea bay tidal lagoon project rather than financing through the contract for difference (CFD) model to benefit consumers and stimulate economic growth.

Nia Griffith Lab

Llanelli

Today, the debate highlighted various issues concerning Wales and its economy. My hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon brought attention to the importance of consistent government messages to encourage investment in different industries. Other speakers emphasised the need for better transport links, staying within the EU, supporting Heathrow airport expansion, and addressing problems with the Wales Bill. The debate also touched on concerns about the Severn bridge tolls, dairy farming, and the necessity of a fairer distribution of resources from the EU.

Glyn Davies Con

Montgomeryshire

Highlights that fair funding for Wales is a significant government achievement, noting that it was previously dominated by the Barnett deficit discussion and now there is balance.

Jonathan Edwards PC

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

Questions whether using terms like 'fairness' and 'non-detriment' are sufficient, arguing for a fair funding settlement based on need. Asks about the fiscal framework and preferred index argued by the Welsh Labour Government.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon

Critiques the government's approach to addressing steel industry issues, pointing out that the UK Government is blocking measures like scrapping the lesser duty rule and supporting China on market economy status, which undermines efforts against unfairly dumped Chinese steel.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberafan Maesteg

We have covered a wide range of issues including the economy, the EU, the Wales Bill, the Severn bridge toll, road and rail, city deals and public services. The red threads that run through all these subjects are the ideas of partnership, investment and solidarity. We need to work together with the European Union and across the UK, and we hope for a spirit of partnership from the Government alongside investments to take our economy forward.

Commons Sense

Backbench Business — Gangs and Serious Youth Violence

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