Investment from England into Wales 2023-01-18

2023-01-18

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
Some Welsh nationalists used the opportunity of the pandemic to foster anti-English sentiment. Plaid Cymru, along with Labour, plans to introduce a hotel tax and other taxes.
A number of Welsh nationalists—not all but some—used the opportunity of covid and the closure of the Welsh border to incite anti-English feeling. Now we hear that Plaid Cymru, working with Labour, will introduce a hotel tax and other taxes. What does my right hon. Friend think that will do for English investment in Wales?
I want to see people from England, and from all over the world, visiting Wales, and I am sure that all who do will appreciate the natural beauty and all that Wales has to offer to the tourism industry. I was disappointed that some people appeared to be indulging in anti-English rhetoric during the covid crisis. I hope all Members of this House would condemn such behaviour. I want to do more to encourage tourism, which is why I regret the fact that the Welsh Labour Government are bringing in a tourism tax. A tax on tourism is an attack on the tourist industry.
Assessment & feedback
Impact of tourism taxes on English investment
Dismissing Anti-English Rhetoric Regretting The Introduction Of Tourism Tax
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Alison McGovern Lab
Birkenhead
Context
Progress on improving rail connections for the Wrexham to Bidston line is slow. Constituents have been waiting for improved services.
On the subject of investment between England and Wales, progress on speeding up the Wrexham to Bidston line is about as slow as the trains on the Wrexham to Bidston line. What has the Secretary of State personally done to improve rail connections between north Wales and Liverpool?
I am sure I speak for the whole Government in saying that we are completely committed to better rail connections across the United Kingdom. I am well aware of the line between Wrexham and Bidston. I am also aware that it went through a business case procedure that was not completely positive. I can assure the hon. Lady that a number of projects in the rail network enhancements pipeline will be discussed shortly by the Department for Transport.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to improve Wrexham to Bidston line
Commitment Without Specifics Discussing Business Case Results
Response accuracy