Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth

Wednesday 17 June 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government are strengthening the Welsh economy through nuclear energy projects in Wylfa and offshore wind initiatives in Port Talbot.
  • Investing over 300 million in Pride in Place funding and over 500 million through new loans for Wales to regenerate high streets and town centres.
  • Welsh Government received nearly 6.5 billion more spending power for public services under the current financial settlement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Economy Wales
Context

The questioner seeks to understand the specific steps taken by the UK Government to boost economic growth in Wales, focusing on concrete actions and funding.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support economic growth in Wales. Whether it is nuclear energy in Wylfa, offshore wind in Port Talbot, or connecting our communities with a £14 billion pipeline of rail projects, this Government are building a stronger Welsh economy for generations to come.

Answer from Jo Stevens

The UK Government are strengthening the Welsh economy, helping businesses grow, and supporting thousands of good, well-paid jobs. This includes nuclear energy projects in Wylfa, offshore wind initiatives in Port Talbot, and a £14 billion pipeline of rail projects to connect communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or commitments beyond general statements about economic growth

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Q2 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Economy Housing Local Government
Context

The MP highlights the importance of Pride in Place funding for high streets in Wales, particularly after recent flooding. She asks for specific actions from the Secretary of State to ensure quick implementation by the Welsh Government.

Question

Monmouthshire's high streets welcome the £1.5 million Pride in Place funding, especially Monmouth, after November's devastating floods. I recently wrote to the landlord of 20 Monnow Street—more commonly known as the “pigeon-poop building”—as part of my campaign to fill empty shops. But we need deeds, not words. The commissions and the taskforce that Plaid says it is planning will not cut it, so will the Secretary of State make representations to the Welsh Government? They need to act on our high streets as soon as possible, not just establish quangos.

Answer from Jo Stevens

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that regenerating our high streets and town centres is vital to creating jobs and supporting local businesses, restoring pride in our communities. We are investing over £300 million in Pride in Place funding for Wales, alongside over £500 million through the new local growth fund. It is vital that this funding, which will be delivered by the Plaid minority Welsh Government, is operational as quickly as possible. I have written twice to the Welsh Government Minister responsible about how we can get that funding out to communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to making specific representations beyond acknowledging efforts already made

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Q3 Mims Davies Con East Grinstead and Uckfield
Transport Wales
Context

The MP questions the decision to cancel the M4 relief road project initiated by the previous Welsh Labour Government, citing ongoing congestion issues at Brynglas tunnels. She asks for a commitment from the Secretary of State regarding future funding offers.

Question

The previous Welsh Labour Government spent more than £100 million developing plans for the M4 relief road, only to scrap the project before construction began. Congestion at the Brynglas tunnels continues to cause significant delays, hampering economic growth. The previous Conservative UK Government offered funding to back that crucial scheme. Will the Secretary of State urge her colleagues to make a similar offer to the new Welsh Government, and does she regret her party's decision to cancel this vital project in the first place?

Answer from Jo Stevens

This Government have delivered the biggest financial settlement for the Welsh Government in devolution history, with nearly £6.5 billion more spending power for public services in Wales, and that includes funding for transport. That contrasts with the activities of the hon. Member's Conservative Government, who, through austerity, starved public services in Wales of funding.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific question about M4 relief road funding or regrets over cancellation

How: Deflected By Comparing Funding Levels And Criticising Previous Government

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