Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth

Wednesday 22 April 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Catherine Fookes asked the Secretary of State about steps being taken to support economic growth in Wales.
  • The Secretary of State highlighted various initiatives including offshore wind projects, nuclear power, AI growth zones, and local growth fund investments to boost economic growth.
  • Mark Pritchard inquired about the Government's stance on the Wrexham, Shropshire & Midland Railway's open access application, but the Secretary of State requested clarification and offered to discuss it further.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Economy Wales
Context

The question is prompted by the need to support economic development and job creation in Wales.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support economic growth in Wales?

Answer from Jo Stevens

This Government are creating tens of thousands of high-quality jobs across Wales. From offshore wind in the Celtic sea and nuclear power at Wylfa, to AI growth zones, freeports, investment zones, rail enhancements, a defence growth deal and the steel strategy, our vision for economic growth in Wales is unashamedly ambitious and already delivering results.

Answered
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Q2 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Economy Wales

Question

I was pleased to see the Secretary of State and the First Minister launch the local growth fund in Wales this week, to boost jobs and investment in local economies. That is on top of the local Wales placemaking grant funding and the UK Government’s Pride in Place funding, which will give £1.5 million to my constituency and improve six Monmouthshire towns. Will the Secretary of State update the House on how our two Labour Governments are working together to invest in our Welsh communities?

Answer from Jo Stevens

My hon. Friend is right to say that this Labour Government’s more than half-a-billion-pound local growth fund will fuel economic growth in every corner of Wales. It will support people to start and grow their businesses, it will help people to secure new skills and jobs, it will revitalise Welsh communities, and it is a great example of what can be achieved with two Labour Governments working together.

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Q3 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Transport Wales

Question

One way to support growth in Wales, and indeed in Shropshire, is to support the Wrexham, Shropshire & Midland Railway’s open access application to the Office of Rail and Road. Will the Secretary of State make a commitment, similar to that of the Transport Secretary, that the Government will not get in the way of this application and will allow growth in Shropshire, Wales and the border market towns?

Answer from Jo Stevens

I have to apologise to the right hon. Member. I did not hear the first part of his question, but I am very happy to chat to him afterwards. If he writes to me, I will give him a full answer.

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