Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Economic Growth in Wales 2026-04-28

2026-04-28

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Catherine Fookes Lab
Monmouthshire
▸ Context
The MP is concerned about economic developm [8D [K development initiatives and job creation in Wales, highlighting specific pr [2D [K projects and the role of government investment.
What steps she is taking to support economic grow [4D [K growth in Wales. This includes supporting major infrastructure projects suc [3D [K such as small modular reactors, defence deals, freeports, and rail investme [8D [K investments across the country.
James Murray
The Government are investing in Wales's industrial [K future by providing £2.5 billion for a small modular reactor project that w [1D [K will support up to 3,000 jobs and power 3 million homes. Additionally, they [4D [K they have agreed on a new £50 million defence growth deal for Wales and are [3D [K are backing Welsh freeports and investment zones. Furthermore, rail infrast [7D [K infrastructure investments amounting to at least £445 million are being mad [3D [K made across Wales.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Catherine Fookes Lab
Monmouthshire
▸ Context
The MP highlights the importance of new rai [3D [K railway stations for economic development, referencing recent Labour govern [6D [K government initiatives that have led to station construction. She challenge [9D [K challenges a statement from Reform's leader suggesting that such projects a [1D [K are unnecessary.
Does the Minister agree that new railway stations [8D [K stations are essential for economic growth, given their positive impact on [K areas like Magor and Undy? Does he think Reform does not listen or care abo [3D [K about what people in Wales want?
James Murray
I completely agree that new railway stations are es [2D [K essential for economic growth, as demonstrated by the UK and Welsh Labour G [1D [K Governments' commitment to rail infrastructure in Wales. It is outrageous f [1D [K for Reform's leader to suggest otherwise, given our plans to build a rail n [1D [K network that meets the needs of people in Wales.
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Response accuracy