Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth in Wales

Tuesday 28 April 2026 · 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 Government are investing 2.5 billion in a small modular reactor project in Wales to support up to 3,000 jobs and power 3 million homes.
  • The Government have agreed on a new 50 million defence growth deal for Wales.
  • The Minister agrees that new railway stations are essential for economic growth in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Economy Transport Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about economic development initiatives and job creation in Wales, highlighting specific projects and the role of government investment.

Question

What steps she is taking to support economic growth in Wales. This includes supporting major infrastructure projects such as small modular reactors, defence deals, freeports, and rail investments across the country.

Answer from James Murray

The Government are investing in Wales's industrial future by providing £2.5 billion for a small modular reactor project that will support up to 3,000 jobs and power 3 million homes. Additionally, they have agreed on a new £50 million defence growth deal for Wales and are backing Welsh freeports and investment zones. Furthermore, rail infrastructure investments amounting to at least £445 million are being made across Wales.

Answered
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Q2 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Economy Transport Wales
Context

The MP highlights the importance of new railway stations for economic development, referencing recent Labour government initiatives that have led to station construction. She challenges a statement from Reform's leader suggesting that such projects are unnecessary.

Question

Does the Minister agree that new railway stations are essential for economic growth, given their positive impact on areas like Magor and Undy? Does he think Reform does not listen or care about what people in Wales want?

Answer from James Murray

I completely agree that new railway stations are essential for economic growth, as demonstrated by the UK and Welsh Labour Governments' commitment to rail infrastructure in Wales. It is outrageous for Reform's leader to suggest otherwise, given our plans to build a rail network that meets the needs of people in Wales.

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