Strengthening the Union 2024-11-06
2024-11-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from ongoing discussions about strengthening relationships between different parts of the UK.
What steps she is taking to strengthen the Union?
We have reset our relationship with the Welsh Government based on trust and mutual respect. Our approach includes the new Council of the Nations and Regions, which met for the first time last month, and regular meetings between me and the First Minister of Wales.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to strengthen the Union were not detailed beyond general partnership principles.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by a specific manifesto commitment to strengthen devolution.
How the Government will give meaning to the manifesto commitment to strengthen devolution?
This Government will respect the devolution settlement, work in partnership with all devolved Governments, and honour our manifesto commitment by strengthening the Sewel convention. A new memorandum of understanding between our Governments ensures that past petty squabbles are confined to history.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions for manifest commitments were not detailed beyond general principles.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The recent budget announcement has prompted questions about its impact on the reset between UK and Welsh Governments.
How the recent Budget has contributed to that reset?
Our £21 billion settlement is the largest real-terms settlement since devolution, providing a record boost for public services in Wales. It includes funding to maintain coal tips safely and investment zones to support economic growth in north and south Wales.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about nuclear projects being properly invested in and not dropped by the Labour Government.
What she will do to ensure that power comes out of Ynys Môn for proper investment in nuclear projects?
We recognize the potential of Wylfa Newydd and Great British Nuclear has completed the purchase of the site. We are eager to see new nuclear developments that provide high-quality jobs and drive economic growth.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for investment were not detailed beyond recognition of potential benefits.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Questions about strengthening the Union while maintaining a border at the behest of a foreign jurisdiction.
Could the Secretary of State explain how it is possible to strengthen the Union while maintaining a partitioning border in the Irish sea?
I refer the hon. and learned Gentleman to my previous answer about resetting the relationship with the Welsh Government, working together, and respecting devolution settlement.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific explanation of how a partitioning border aligns with strengthening the Union was not addressed.
Referencing Previous Answers
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by the disparity in transport funding between England and Wales.
How come strengthening the Union under Labour means that every major rail project in England results in Wales losing out?
We have ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government about funding flexibilities. Heavy rail infrastructure is not devolved in Wales as it is in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the Department for Transport settlement provides a £1.1 billion cash increase to total budgets.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for disparities were not detailed beyond general policy explanations.
Response accuracy