Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Discussions with the Welsh Government: Ministerial Responsibility

Thursday 8 July 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Cabinet Office Ministers regularly engage with the Welsh Government on topics including covid-19, the G7 summit, and elections.
  • Ministerial engagements between UK and Welsh Governments are published in quarterly reports since 2021.
  • The Minister disagrees with the Welsh Government's focus on constitutional changes during a pandemic, prioritizing covid crisis and economic recovery instead.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alun Cairns Con
Wales Democracy & Elections
Context

No specific background provided, but the question relates to recent interactions between UK Cabinet Office and Welsh Government.

Question

What recent discussions has his Department had with the Welsh Government on matters within his ministerial responsibility?

Answer from Michael Gove

Cabinet Office Ministers regularly engage with the Welsh Government and all devolved Administrations. Recent discussions have covered topics such as covid-19, the G7 summit, and elections. Since 2021, ministerial engagements between UK and Welsh Governments are published in quarterly reports.

Answered
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Q2 Alun Cairns Con
Economy Wales Democracy & Elections
Context

The Welsh Government has suggested significant constitutional changes during a time when the focus should be on addressing the ongoing pandemic.

Question

Has my right hon. Friend been part of discussions regarding the radical constitutional changes proposed by the Welsh Government? Does he share concern that these efforts detract from focusing on healthcare, education, and job creation?

Answer from Michael Gove

Yes, my right hon. Friend is correct. I have high regard for Mark Drakeford but disagree on constitutional change focus during a pandemic; instead, the priority should be on addressing the covid crisis and economic recovery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The timing of Welsh Government's proposed constitutional changes and its impact on the UK Union was not directly addressed.

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