Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening the Union

Wednesday 14 October 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are committed to the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.
  • The response to the covid-19 outbreak has demonstrated the benefits of Wales being part of the UK.
  • The Government aim to strengthen historical and cultural ties in addition to improving transport infrastructure.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi
Wales Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP is concerned about measures to reinforce the United Kingdom's unity, especially following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to strengthen the Union. The response to the covid-19 outbreak has highlighted the benefits of Wales being part of the UK, with substantial support provided by the UK Government that surpasses what could have been offered independently by the Welsh Government alone.

Answer from David Davies

The Government are fully committed to the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom. Our response to the covid-19 outbreak has clearly demonstrated the value of Wales being a part of the Union, with a package of UK Government support that frankly goes well beyond anything that the Welsh Government could offer alone.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific steps taken by the Department to strengthen the Union but emphasized the importance of the Union during the pandemic.

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Q2 Marco Longhi
Economy Transport Wales
Context

Sir Peter Hendy has been appointed to conduct a detailed review on how transport infrastructure can support economic growth and quality of life across the UK.

Question

It is very good news that the Government have appointed Sir Peter Hendy to undertake a detailed review as to how the quality and availability of transport infrastructure can support economic growth, as well the quality of life, across the UK. Will the Minister advise on what his Department's priorities are for this review in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

Our priorities, clearly, will be better transport links, ensuring that Wales is better connected to the rest of the Union. However, the Government's ambitions go well beyond transport infrastructure; we aim to strengthen historical and cultural ties as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister provided a general statement on priorities for transport but did not specify concrete details or timelines for Sir Peter Hendy's review in Wales.

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Q3 Selaine Saxby
Economy Transport Wales
Context

The MP from North Devon is interested in exploring better connections between her constituency and south Wales to enhance economic ties.

Question

From Ilfracombe to Exmoor, one can see south Wales. Does my hon. Friend agree that we should look at the options for better connecting these two areas to strengthen the links between our economies and ultimately the Union?

Answer from David Davies

I entirely agree with what my hon. Friend has said. The Government are going to strengthen all links within the United Kingdom, aiming for better connectivity across the Union as part of our commitment to a stronger union.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific plans or initiatives but endorsed the idea of improving connections between North Devon and South Wales.

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