Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening the Union

Wednesday 6 November 2024 · 6 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We have reset our relationship with the Welsh Government based on trust and mutual respect.
  • This Government will respect the devolution settlement, work in partnership with all devolved Governments, and honour our manifesto commitment by strengthening the Sewel convention.
  • Our 21 billion settlement is the largest real-terms settlement since devolution, providing a record boost for public services in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Ferguson Lab Gateshead Central and Whickham
Wales
Context

The question arises from ongoing discussions about strengthening relationships between different parts of the UK.

Question

What steps she is taking to strengthen the Union?

Answer from Jo Stevens

We have reset our relationship with the Welsh Government based on trust and mutual respect. Our approach includes the new Council of the Nations and Regions, which met for the first time last month, and regular meetings between me and the First Minister of Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to strengthen the Union were not detailed beyond general partnership principles.

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Q2 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
Context

The question is prompted by a specific manifesto commitment to strengthen devolution.

Question

How the Government will give meaning to the manifesto commitment to strengthen devolution?

Answer from Jo Stevens

This Government will respect the devolution settlement, work in partnership with all devolved Governments, and honour our manifesto commitment by strengthening the Sewel convention. A new memorandum of understanding between our Governments ensures that past petty squabbles are confined to history.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions for manifest commitments were not detailed beyond general principles.

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Q3 Mark Ferguson Lab Gateshead Central and Whickham
Economy Wales
Context

The recent budget announcement has prompted questions about its impact on the reset between UK and Welsh Governments.

Question

How the recent Budget has contributed to that reset?

Answer from Jo Stevens

Our £21 billion settlement is the largest real-terms settlement since devolution, providing a record boost for public services in Wales. It includes funding to maintain coal tips safely and investment zones to support economic growth in north and south Wales.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge
Economy Wales Energy
Context

Concerns about nuclear projects being properly invested in and not dropped by the Labour Government.

Question

What she will do to ensure that power comes out of Ynys Môn for proper investment in nuclear projects?

Answer from Jo Stevens

We recognize the potential of Wylfa Newydd and Great British Nuclear has completed the purchase of the site. We are eager to see new nuclear developments that provide high-quality jobs and drive economic growth.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans for investment were not detailed beyond recognition of potential benefits.

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Q5 Jim Allister TUV North Antrim
Northern Ireland Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Questions about strengthening the Union while maintaining a border at the behest of a foreign jurisdiction.

Question

Could the Secretary of State explain how it is possible to strengthen the Union while maintaining a partitioning border in the Irish sea?

Answer from Jo Stevens

I refer the hon. and learned Gentleman to my previous answer about resetting the relationship with the Welsh Government, working together, and respecting devolution settlement.

Not addressed: Specific explanation of how a partitioning border aligns with strengthening the Union was not addressed.

How: Referencing Previous Answers

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Q6 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Transport Wales
Context

The question is prompted by the disparity in transport funding between England and Wales.

Question

How come strengthening the Union under Labour means that every major rail project in England results in Wales losing out?

Answer from Jo Stevens

We have ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government about funding flexibilities. Heavy rail infrastructure is not devolved in Wales as it is in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the Department for Transport settlement provides a £1.1 billion cash increase to total budgets.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for disparities were not detailed beyond general policy explanations.

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