Covid-19 Intergovernmental Relations 2020-06-03
2020-06-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The UK Government's approach to working with devolved administrations has come under scrutiny, particularly following recent unilateral decisions affecting Wales and other regions.
From the outset of this pandemic, the UK Government said that they would take a four-nation approach, which surely requires transparency over how decisions are made. But two unilateral decisions have been made in the past week without consulting or forewarning the Welsh Government: first on shielding advice; and secondly, on university numbers, which affects Glasgow Central, as it does Wales. So how can the UK Government claim to be respecting that four-nation approach? Is it not less hand in hand than thumbing a nose?
I am reliably informed that, in actual fact, there has been a great deal of consultation with the Welsh Government on university numbers and, of course, shielding is a devolved matter and the hon. Lady surely would not expect us to trample all over the devolution settlement. But it is important to say that the people of the United Kingdom—Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England—expect politicians to put aside political grandstanding at the time of this crisis and work together, and the UK Government are committed to doing that.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Welsh tourism is critical and requires cooperation between UK and Welsh Governments.
My hon. Friend was right to outline tourism as important to Wales. As we come out of the lockdown, the language and the relationship between the two Governments working together is key for my constituents and the tourist industry. Will he meet me and push the Welsh Government to work together on coming out of lockdown?
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to talk about how we can support tourism after the crisis is over. We will be meeting with many other representatives of industry groups, including the automotive, defence and aerospace sectors, to discuss how we can support them as well.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Transport is a critical intergovernmental relations area between Wales and Westminster.
Would the Minister agree that both Governments' transport investment plans are of even greater importance as we come out of the crisis, and would he meet me to discuss the need in Clwyd South for projects such as step-free access at Ruabon station?
I would be delighted to discuss step-free access at Ruabon station with my hon. Friend, and I hope that I will be able to give him news of much greater rail and road infrastructure projects that will be on offer to Wales once the crisis is over.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy