Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about job creation initiatives in his constituency and across Wales.
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help create new jobs in Wales. I am concerned about the economic growth and job creation, especially given recent investments like Wylfa small modular reactors and AI growth zones.
Creating high-quality jobs across Wales is a priority. We have delivered £2.5 billion for small modular reactors at Wylfa, supporting 3,000 jobs. AI growth zones in north and south Wales are expected to create over 8,000 jobs.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP wants to know the impact of UK Government growth funding on job creation in Wales.
Will the Minister update the House on the difference that UK Government growth funding is making in Wales. The UK Labour Government are investing across the UK, including initiatives like Parkwood Springs and Special Melted Products in my constituency.
UK Government growth funding has been transformational across Wales. £134 million was announced for the Cardiff capital region, creating 7,000 jobs and expected to deliver 25,000 more. This investment will help cement Wales's place in technology and innovation.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the role of universities in job creation and innovation.
Universities are engines of job creation through fostering innovation. Will the Minister update the House on what the UK Government is doing to fuel innovation in Welsh universities?
Universities are a core part of our industrial strategy. They play a unique role in building and investing in industries and businesses of the future. I am bringing Welsh universities together to maximise R&D funding, deliver stronger results, and ensure impact reaches communities.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks clarity on the benefits of the Wylfa nuclear power station for Wales.
I have repeatedly asked the Government to publish their assessment of Scotland's nuclear potential. Perhaps you can help me now. What does she regard as the greatest benefit of the Wylfa site in Wales? Does she believe that Scotland would be able to share in the same benefits?
There are huge benefits right across Wales. Wylfa is expected to support 3,000 jobs across north Wales. This is a generational commitment to clean energy.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the importance of a strong UK internal market for creating jobs.
Does the Minister agree that a strong UK internal market is critical to creating jobs in Wales? Will she work with Cabinet colleagues to secure frictionless east-west trade?
Absolutely. Through collaboration, we are creating tens of thousands of jobs in Wales. Our Welsh freeports and investment zones have potential for 25,000 new jobs. The modernisation of Welsh rail will bring 12,000 jobs.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the tourism tax imposed by previous Welsh Governments.
Boarded-up windows, derelict buildings, and deserted towns are increasingly common on high streets in Wales. The hospitality sector is being hollowed out due to Plaid Cymru and Labour's disastrous tourism tax. Does the Minister regret her party's decision to impose this tax? Will she join me in calling for its scrapping?
I will take no lectures from the Conservatives. The Chancellor announced a great summer savings scheme with VAT reduced to 5% over the summer, helping families enjoy hospitality venues, boosting local spend and economy.
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Assessment & feedback
tourism tax regret and scrapping call
Take No Lectures From
Worst Wage Growth Performance
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of guaranteed funding for steel sites in Wales.
The Secretary of State had some cheek earlier, but Wales has less than six weeks of a Plaid Cymru Government. The Port Talbot steelworks fire caused huge damage, but no guarantee of Labour's £2.5 billion steel fund for Welsh steel sites. Will the Government stand up for Welsh interests?
Our steel strategy will revitalise the UK steel sector, restoring domestic production with 50% coming from Wales. I hope the Plaid Welsh Government supports this work to support our Welsh steelworkers.
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Assessment & feedback
no guarantee of steel fund for Welsh sites
Hope The Plaid Welsh Government Supports
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The steel fund is not being utilised for Wales as expected, with significant negative impacts on the Welsh economy post-Brexit. Over a decade since the EU referendum, Wales has seen its GDP shrink by at least £4 billion, while exports have dropped by £1.1 billion.
I am specifically talking about the steel fund and the contribution it will make to Wales; we know that that money is going to Scunthorpe. The Welsh economy is at least £4 billion smaller and exports are down £1.1 billion since the EU referendum. Northern Ireland's gross value added per head has grown 20% faster than in Wales. Surely the Minister knows that rejoining the single market and customs union would be better for Wales.
This Government are resetting our relations with European partners to improve economic and security co-operation following Brexit. We struck a deal that is good for bills, good for borders and good for jobs. Our focus is on driving forward and delivering a strong EU-UK relationship.
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Assessment & feedback
Rejoining the single market and customs union was not addressed specifically
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
The previous Conservative government failed to address the issue of young people not in education, employment or training. The current Labour Government is investing £2.5 billion in a youth guarantee programme.
I want to raise the issue of young people not in education, employment or training. We know that the Conservatives failed our Welsh young people for 14 years. This Labour Government are investing £2.5 billion in the youth guarantee. How many Welsh young people will benefit from this scheme?
Far too many young people are not in education, employment or training, which is why we have committed to a youth guarantee to grant young people right across the UK, including Wales, the choice to learn or earn, backed by £820 million of funding. We announced seven more youth hubs for Wales this week, helping young people build critical skills and find jobs.
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