Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strength of the Union

Wednesday 18 October 2023 · 4 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

  • The Welsh Labour Government are receiving a record-breaking settlement of more than 18 billion.
  • The United Kingdom economy has grown more quickly outside the European Union than that of many nations that have remained in it.
  • The United Kingdom Government are absolutely determined to support infrastructure projects in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Deidre Brock SNP
Economy Wales
Context

The MP questioned the adequacy of financial support given to the Welsh Government by the UK Government during high inflation and a cost of living crisis.

Question

At the Welsh Affairs Committee this morning, the First Minister Mark Drakeford blamed the UK Government for not giving adequate financial support to the Welsh Government in times of high inflation and a cost of living crisis. Can the Secretary of State tell us how much his Department is spending on promoting the UK Government in Wales? Why does he think that is a better use of taxpayers' money than funding services for the people of Wales?

Answer from David Davies

First, I can assure the hon. Lady that the Welsh Labour Government are receiving a record-breaking settlement of more than £18 billion, and 20% more per head to spend on public services than is spent in England. As far as spending on public affairs and promotion is concerned, a far greater amount is spent by the Welsh Labour Government than is ever spent by the Wales Office.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Amount of money his Department spends on promoting the UK Government in Wales

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Q2 Hywel Williams PC
Brexit
Context

The MP raised concerns about the negative impact of Brexit on the port of Holyhead and the north Wales economy, specifically mentioning the lack of a green lane for exports to Northern Ireland.

Question

I have raised the damaging effect of the UK's Brexit on the port of Holyhead and the north Wales economy in this Chamber 26 times. Holyhead has been disadvantaged by the lack of a green lane for exports to Northern Ireland. In August, at last, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs confirmed to me that there will now be a green lane for goods travelling from Wales to Northern Ireland through Holyhead and the Republic. I emphasise, as a precaution, that this is not a freeport issue—the Secretary of State is very keen on that. Rather, what specifically is he doing to promote and enable those new procedures for Holyhead?

Answer from David Davies

I did not quite hear all that, but on the port in Ynys Môn, I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will take some comfort from the fact that the United Kingdom economy has grown more quickly outside the European Union than that of many nations that have remained in it. The Government have shown their absolute commitment to both north Wales and Ynys Môn through their development of a freeport project for the area and the announcement of £1 billion for electrification of the north Wales railway line, which will help to bring jobs and investment into north Wales.

How: Freeport Project, Railway Line

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Q3 Alun Cairns Con
Wales
Context

The MP congratulated the Secretary of State on awarding Barry towns regeneration status and inquired about its eligibility for levelling up funding.

Question

Barry is Wales's largest town, but it has been ignored by the Welsh Government for decades. It has significant regeneration challenges, like many places. I congratulate my right hon. Friend on awarding Barry towns regeneration status, but can he reassure me that that does not preclude Barry from benefiting from levelling up funding?

Answer from David Davies

Obviously, I welcome the announcement, but my right hon. Friend is far too modest, since he has been knocking on the door of the Wales Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for a very long time to demand extra funding for Barry.

Partly answered

How: Demanding Extra Funding

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Q4 Simon Baynes
Transport
Context

The MP questioned the Secretary of State about cross-border transport links between Wales and England, highlighting specific infrastructure projects.

Question

Cross-border transport links between Wales and England are a key part of the strength of the Union. Does my right hon. Friend agree that cross-border projects, such as the Pant and Llanymynech bypass and the longer term ambition to dual the A483-A5 passing through Clwyd South and North Shropshire, are vital?

Answer from David Davies

The United Kingdom Government are absolutely determined to support infrastructure projects in Wales. We have done so through the levelling-up funds. It will happen again through the shared prosperity fund and it has, of course, been happening through the growth deals. What we do need is a Welsh Labour Government that will support infrastructure.

How: Welsh Labour Government

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