Economic Links Wales and the North-west 2023-10-18
2023-10-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP wants to know about specific steps being taken by the Government to improve economic ties.
What steps are being taken by the Government to improve economic links between Wales and the north-west?
This Government is committed to strengthening the economy of north Wales and north-west England. We have recently announced an investment of £36 billion in Network North, including £1 billion to electrify the north Wales main line, which will improve connectivity across the region.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the real improvements expected for residents and constituents from the recently announced railway electrification project.
Does my hon. Friend agree that residents across Wales and my constituents in Blackpool will see real improvements in their local transport infrastructure as part of their share of this £36 billion investment?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. North Wales often feels overlooked by the Welsh Government, but it is a Conservative Government who are investing further in the infrastructure and prospects of north Wales and north-west England.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the overcrowding, cancellations, and overall performance of the railway line connecting north Wales to Manchester through his constituency.
Will the Minister speak to colleagues in the Department for Transport as well as Transport for Wales so that we might make some progress on improving my constituents' ability to commute and ensure economic growth?
Of course, improving rail is not simply about the rail infrastructure; it is also about the train operating companies. The hon. Gentleman is right that Transport for Wales has struggled from time to time, but I do have discussions with them and will reiterate concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific commitment or timeline for action.
Will Speak To Colleagues
Do Have Discussions
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the Government's actions such as cancelling rail electrification projects, spending without job security, and a weak semiconductor strategy.
Why should anyone believe that their latest promises made for north Wales at a desperate party conference are worth considering?
I welcome the hon. Member to her position and urge her to be more positive about £1 billion announced for infrastructure development in north Wales through electrification, which has saved jobs at Port Talbot and enabled decarbonisation.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids addressing previous criticisms directly and focuses on positive aspects of the current plan.
Welcome
Urge To Be More Positive
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the logic behind withholding investment from Wales and argues for reclassification based on recent changes.
Now that the link at Crewe is another casualty, will Ministers urge the Treasury to class HS2 as English-only?
As the right hon. Lady knows, rail infrastructure is not devolved and investment in Great Britain's rail infrastructure is of value to those in north Wales and rest of Wales; HS2 remains an important connection.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address the specific request for reclassification but rather talks about overall benefits.
Rail Infrastructure Is Not Devolved
Investment In Gb Rail
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discusses a proposed devolved approach to the Crown estate profits and criticises the current system.
Whose side is the Minister on: Welsh communities or a system that extracts our natural wealth?
We have had this discussion before but I would argue that the Crown estate allows sharing risks and opportunities, does a fantastic job, and I simply do not agree with criticism.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provides no specific detail or commitment on devolution or alignment of interests.
We Have Had This Discussion
Crown Estate Allows Sharing Risks
Response accuracy