Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economy in Wales: 2021 Senedd Election

Wednesday 19 May 2021 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John Howell questioned the effect of the 2021 Senedd election on the economy in Wales, noting that three out of four voters rejected separatist policies.
  • John Howell expressed concern over the Welsh Government's focus on a universal basic income, citing debates at the Council of Europe where the idea was dismissed.
  • Christina Rees highlighted Mark Drakeford's stewardship of the Welsh economy and NHS as factors in his re-election, and inquired about the Welsh Labour Government's new 10-year infrastructure investment plan for a zero-carbon economy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Howell Con
Economy Wales
Context

The outcome of the 2021 Senedd election raised concerns about its effect on Wales' economy. The election saw a significant portion of voters rejecting separatism, emphasizing their belief in economic ties with the Union.

Question

If he will make an assessment of the effect of the 2021 Senedd election on the economy in Wales. Three out of four Welsh voters rejected separatist policies, recognizing the importance of being part of the United Kingdom for economic prosperity.

Answer from Simon Hart

The Senedd election has shown that three out of four voters rejected separatism, recognising that our economic prosperity is indelibly linked to being part of the Union.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not provide an assessment or specifics on economic impact beyond voter preference

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Q2 John Howell Con
Wales Benefits & Welfare
Context

There is concern that the Welsh Government prioritizes a universal basic income, which was previously criticized in debates at the Council of Europe.

Question

I am concerned that one of the first priorities of the Welsh Government seems to be a universal basic income. Is my right hon. Friend aware of the debates I took part in at the Council of Europe, where this idea was completely rubbished?

Answer from Simon Hart

I say to my hon. Friend: “Anybody who thinks this is a good idea should knock some doors of Labour voters in working families. It might sound radical to academics and 'policy wonks' but it sounds out of touch if you ask most normal people.” Those are not my words, but the words of the new Minister for the Economy in the Welsh Government.

Not addressed: The answerer did not address the specific question about awareness and criticism; instead, he quoted a statement from another official criticizing UBI.

How: Deflecting To Criticism Of Ubi Rather Than Answering On Knowledge Or Government Priorities

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Q3 Christina Rees Lab
NHS Economy Wales
Context

Mark Drakeford was re-elected due to his stewardship of the Welsh economy and NHS. The question references a new 10-year infrastructure plan for a zero-carbon economy, and asks about UK government funding for the Global Centre of Rail Excellence in Neath.

Question

Does the Secretary of State accept that it is Mark Drakeford's superb stewardship of the Welsh economy and the Welsh NHS that has secured Mark's overwhelming re-election? Will he welcome the Welsh Labour Government's new 10-year infrastructure investment plan for a zero-carbon economy and release the promised UK Government funding for the global centre of rail excellence to be built in my Neath constituency?

Answer from Simon Hart

There were many questions included in that, but I am delighted to have played a part in getting the global centre of rail excellence situated in the hon. Lady's constituency. That was a Government announcement by the Chancellor in the Budget, and it shows that collaboration can work when we try to achieve these aims.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address acceptance of Mark Drakeford's stewardship or welcoming the infrastructure plan explicitly

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