Strengthening the Union 2026-09-02
2026-09-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussion about steps to strengthen Wales's position within the United Kingdom.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to strengthen Wales's place in the Union.
A stronger Wales in a stronger United Kingdom—that will be my driving principle as Secretary of State for Wales, building on the outstanding work of my right hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff East (Jo Stevens). Just last week, the Prime Minister and I saw the strength of our Union in action on a visit to Port Talbot, where the UK Government have invested nearly £700 million to secure the future of Welsh steel, protect jobs and re-industrialise Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
New figures from August show that being part of the UK is worth an extra £2,720 to every person in Scotland, compared with the UK average.
New figures from August show that being part of our strong United Kingdom is worth an extra £2,720 to every person in Scotland, compared with the UK average. Does the Secretary of State agree that this demonstrates the economic benefits of our Union, and what assessment has he made of the financial benefits to Wales of being part of the United Kingdom?
I thank the hon. Gentleman and agree with him that being part of our United Kingdom is of tremendous benefit to Wales. Just look at the investment that the UK Government have been putting in. I mentioned steel, but there has also been £2.5 billion for the Wylfa nuclear project and £500 million through the local growth fund—the list goes on and on. I absolutely agree with his assessment that it is about building a stronger Wales in a stronger United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The last two years have seen a diminution in the number of Welsh speakers in Wales, particularly among young people.
A strength of the Union is unity in diversity. Notwithstanding much progress since 2010, the last two years have seen a diminution in the number of Welsh speakers in Wales, particularly among young people. Does the Minister have a plan to nip that in the bud and stop it becoming a trend?
We are tremendously proud of our Welsh language. I am certainly signing up to improve mine—from what I am embarrassed to admit is a relatively low base. I enjoy learning languages, so I will be doing that. Generally speaking, we need to ensure that the trend towards Welsh medium and Welsh language across our education system continues, and that those who are committed to the diversity of which the right hon. Gentleman speaks also commit to learning the Welsh language.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan not provided, rather general commitment
Generally Speaking
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Loganair withdrew its regular Cardiff to Edinburgh service earlier this year, leaving no direct air link between the Welsh and Scottish capitals.
Strong transport links between the nations of our United Kingdom are vital to strengthening the Union. However, since Loganair withdrew its regular Cardiff to Edinburgh service earlier this year, there is now no direct air link between the Welsh and Scottish capitals. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is a backwards step for connectivity in the UK, and will he work with the Transport Secretary, the Welsh and Scottish Governments and Loganair to see if that route can be reinstated?
Cardiff airport plays a crucial role in connecting our United Kingdom. We of course want the maximum number of flight routes between Cardiff and the rest of the UK. Loganair, as a commercial operator, makes decisions on the basis of the commercial realities it is facing. If the hon. Gentleman would like to write to me with any ideas he has about how we might get back to the table on the issue, I would be happy to engage on that basis.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete action or agreement to work on reinstating the route not provided
Commercial Realities
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The SNP often turns differences in public policy into arguments about the constitution, when people really want Government focused on making their lives better now.
The Prime Minister has spoken about practical Government interventions that can make everyday life a little bit easier. One of the great advantages of devolution is that different parts of the UK can try different approaches to common challenges. My experience in Scotland is that the SNP often turns differences in public policy into arguments about the constitution, when people really want Government focused on making their lives better now. Does the Secretary of State agree that we should look for things that unite us and share what works, so that good ideas from across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland benefit Wales, and vice versa?
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of learning lessons and seizing opportunities. Over the past six weeks, the Prime Minister has shown real leadership, introducing practical changes that will benefit people's lives, such as the £2 bus cap in England. Of course, it will be up to the Welsh Government to come to a conclusion on whether they too might introduce such a measure, but I am hopeful that both Governments will learn from each other about how best to improve the lives of the people we serve.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete action or agreement not provided
Seizing Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister's swift action on military personnel coming to deal with the wildfires.
We saw the practical benefits of the Union with the Minister's swift action on military personnel coming to deal with the wildfires. Will he join me in paying tribute to the farmers and firefighters who dealt with those wildfires, and does he also agree that, as climate change makes them a more regular occurrence, we need a long-term plan to deal with them?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. Like him, I pay tribute to all those involved in the collective and heroic response to the wildfires. I can confirm that the South Wales fire and rescue service submitted a military aid to the civil authorities request for consideration, which was immediately endorsed by both the Welsh Government and the Wales Office—by myself—and authorised by the Ministry of Defence. Although matters relating to agriculture and the fire and rescue services are devolved in Wales, we are committed to working with the Welsh Government to strengthen resilience against wildfires and to provide assistance to those affected.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete long-term plan not provided
Commitment To Work
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Plaid Cymru Welsh Government marked their first 100 days in office last week with little fanfare—their achievements to date seem to be setting up Committees and commissioning reports, rather than focusing on the needs of the people of Wales.
The Plaid Cymru Welsh Government marked their first 100 days in office last week with little fanfare—their achievements to date seem to be setting up Committees and commissioning reports, rather than focusing on the needs of the people of Wales. Does the Secretary of State agree that spending time and money on a commission into independence and undermining the Union of the United Kingdom is not the best way to deliver on the priorities for the people of Wales?
I think it is fair to say that Plaid Cymru Ministers are still finding their feet. I am hugely proud of what our new Labour Prime Minister has achieved for Wales in his first six weeks—it really shows what a leader can do when they roll up their sleeves, listen to our people and communities, and deliver on their priorities. The Prime Minister's visit to Wales and his commitment to reindustrialising our communities comes after a summer of announcements that will benefit communities across Wales—real action delivering for people right here and now.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific criticism of Plaid Cymru's approach
Prime Minister'S Actions
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Welsh NHS has faced challenges with hospital waiting times and 'corridor care'. An ITV Wales investigation uncovered 28 prevention of future death reports over 16 months related to the Betsi Cadwaladr university health board.
Welsh NHS faces challenges with hospital waiting times and 'corridor care'. ITV Wales investigation uncovered 28 prevention of future death reports over 16 months related to the Betsi Cadwaladr university health board. Will the Secretary of State use the Inquiries Act 2005 to seek accountability?
Respects the devolution settlement; not appropriate for the UK Government to intervene in this matter. Welsh Government Ministers have powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 to initiate statutory inquiries into devolved areas.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to using the Inquiries Act 2005
Respects The Devolution Settlement
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Many constituents rely on cross-border healthcare, particularly in Hereford hospital. Powys teaching health board needs 400 beds, but only has 148, and is considering cutting this number further.
Welsh health board needs 400 beds, but only has 148. Constituents rely on cross-border healthcare, particularly in Hereford hospital. What are the Secretary of State's priorities for fixing cross-border healthcare issues?
Need to find a better way of working together in partnership with the Welsh Government. Drilling down into specific cases where people have not been given the treatment they should get. Clearing red tape and bureaucracy to resolve issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific priorities or actions
Need To Find A Better Way Of Working Together
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Wildfires in the Rhinogydd mountains of Eryri national park burned for over two weeks in July, causing immeasurable damage to peatlands and wildlife. Despite heroic work by local firefighters, there were no UK-wide resources available, including the military.
Wildfires burned for over two weeks in July, causing immeasurable damage to peatlands and wildlife. No UK-wide resources available, including the military. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the Welsh Government have sufficient resources?
Welsh Government and fire services put in a request for military aid to the civil authorities; the Secretary of State turned around that request within an hour. Partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Welsh authorities to tackle the situation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps to ensure resources
Turned Around Request Within An Hour
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Prime Minister said change begins with honesty. Union must treat people equally regardless of location. City region of Greater Manchester should have more powers over policing and keeping communities safe than the Parliament of Wales, the Senedd.
Prime Minister said change begins with honesty. A Union that treats people differently depending on location must change. Does the Secretary of State believe that Greater Manchester should have more powers over policing than the Senedd?
Exploring ideas for devolving power across the UK, including deepening devolution into communities across Wales. Focused on cutting crime and ensuring the safety and security of the people of Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any specific belief or change
Focussed On Cutting Crime
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Welsh NHS faces challenges with hospital waiting times and 'corridor care'. An ITV Wales investigation uncovered 28 prevention of future death reports over 16 months related to the Betsi Cadwaladr university health board.
Welsh NHS faces challenges with hospital waiting times and 'corridor care'. ITV Wales investigation uncovered 28 prevention of future death reports over 16 months related to the Betsi Cadwaladr university health board. If being devolved means not being able to get involved when things go wrong, that is the reason the Welsh NHS is in the mess it is. Will the Secretary of State use the Inquiries Act 2005 and seek accountability?
Respects the devolution settlement; it is about respecting the devolution settlement, but being prepared to work constructively where we can in partnership with the Welsh Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to using the Inquiries Act 2005
Respects The Devolution Settlement
Response accuracy