Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening the Union

Wednesday 29 January 2025 · 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 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK and Welsh Governments are collaborating more closely through the new Council of Nations and Regions.
  • Close collaboration between the UK and Welsh Governments is essential for delivering the industrial strategy and promoting economic growth in Wales.
  • The Government will clarify to devolved Governments that they lack the power to instigate independence referendums arbitrarily.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Baker Lab Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Economy Wales Business & Trade
Context

The MP seeks to discuss steps being taken by the government to strengthen the Union, focusing on collaboration between UK and Welsh Governments.

Question

What steps she is taking to strengthen the Union. Does the Minister agree that close collaboration by the UK and Welsh Governments to deliver the industrial strategy is essential for economic growth in Wales? Will she explain how joint working will help Welsh industry?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)

Through our new Council of Nations and Regions and regular engagement between the Secretary of State and the First Minister, our two Governments are collaborating more closely than ever before. This means that we can deliver for Wales in new ways—on the NHS and on rail—as well as creating new job opportunities by delivering freeports, establishing investment zones and developing our industrial strategy to attract investment in critical areas such as offshore wind. The Secretary of State has established an innovative economic advisory group to enable the UK and Welsh Governments, business leaders, trade unions and experts to work together to pursue opportunities for growth and jobs, and to attract investment.

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Q2 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Scotland
Context

The MP raises concern about the SNP Government's recent actions regarding an independence referendum in Scotland.

Question

I see from recent press coverage that the SNP Government are once again banging on about another independence referendum, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling. Will the Government make it crystal clear to devolved Governments that they do not have the power to arbitrarily instigate independence referendums?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)

I can confirm that the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right.

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