Spending Review 2025 2025-07-16
2025-07-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquired about discussions regarding the potential impact of the UK government's spending review 2025 on Wales.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of the spending review 2025 on Wales?
Through the spending review, we are providing a record £22.4 billion per year on average for the Welsh Government; investing at least £445 million in Welsh rail; investing £211 million a year in local growth funding; and providing £118 million of new funding for coal tip safety. This Labour Government are investing in Wales’s economy, public services and people.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP asked for clarification regarding a specific amount of funding (£200 million) mentioned by the Secretary of State during evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee.
Could the Secretary of State clarify whether she was referring to the transport for city regions funding, which was announced on 4 June?
My understanding is that the just over £200 million figure that I referred to in my evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee relates to the combined mayoral authority announcements that were made prior to the spending review.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP welcomed the £500 million announced for the steel industry in the spending review, which has already begun construction on an electric arc furnace.
Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the fantastic progress that has already been made in the steel industry and in supply chains all across Wales?
I thank the Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee for her question. Monday was a really significant day for Welsh steelmaking. I was at the groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of the electric arc furnace, which will be one of the largest in the world, securing 5,000 jobs and the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot for years to come.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquired about the impact of the UK Government's £500 million investment for the future of steel in Port Talbot, which has begun construction on a new electric arc furnace.
Will the Secretary of State share what this fantastic news means for Port Talbot and the surrounding communities?
The Government’s investment in the electric arc furnace shows how serious our commitment is to the steel industry, not just in south Wales but across the UK. It is why we have slashed energy costs for steel producers and other energy-intensive industries through the industrial strategy.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlighted a constituent's experience with long NHS waiting times and questioned the fairness of certain practices implemented by the Welsh Government.
Does the Secretary of State think that is fair to Melanie or consistent with her Government’s pledge to reduce waiting times?
I am very sorry to hear about Melanie’s situation. However, I would say to the hon. Gentleman that his party were in government with the Conservatives during the coalition years. That Government delivered horrible austerity on Wales, which lead to public services in Wales being degraded.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP questioned the Secretary of State on Labour’s stance towards financial reforms and tax policies, particularly regarding agricultural property relief.
Does she stand by what she said in opposition, or does she now toe the line for the sake of the Chancellor’s friends in the City?
I apologise to the right hon. Lady; I am afraid I did not hear the start of her question. On tax and what the Chancellor has talked about, we stand by our manifesto commitment not to increase income tax, employee national insurance contributions or VAT.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP questioned the government's approach to tax reforms, particularly concerning their impact on farmers and rural communities.
Will the Secretary of State agree at last that what we really need is a tax on extreme wealth, instead of a tax on those who feed us and sustain our rural economies?
That is one way of avoiding answering the question, Mr Speaker. My point is that Labour’s skewed sense of fairness does not stop at prioritising the interests of the banks over others; it is also hitting our farmers and rural communities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy