Government’s Legislative Programme 2023-24: Wales

Wednesday 8th November 2023 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Wales (David T. C. Davies)]

The legislative programme for the fourth Session was outlined at the state opening of Parliament on 7 November. This statement provides a summary of the programme and its application to Wales. It does not include draft Bills, Law Commission Bills or finance Bills.

The UK Government govern for the whole of the United Kingdom, working for people in every part of the country. The legislative programme furthers our commitment to grow the economy, strengthen society, keep people safe and promote our national interests.

We are delivering on the issues that matter most to people—driving down inflation, growing our economy, and maintaining the UK’s energy security by making Britain more energy independent. For example, our unprecedented support for households right across the UK to help with higher energy bills is worth £94 billion, or £3,300 per household, on average, across 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The UK Government are committed to growing the Welsh economy and supporting people, communities and businesses across Wales. We are working with the Welsh Government and local leaders and are investing almost £2 billion to level up in Wales and grow the Welsh economy. This includes £52 million to support two new freeports, £790 million across the four Welsh city and regional growth deals and £330 million towards 21 levelling-up fund projects in Wales. In addition, our £1 billion investment for the electrification of the north Wales main line will support economic growth and strengthen our Union by better connecting parts of north Wales with the north-west of England.

Furthermore, we are providing a record £18 billion a year to the Welsh Government through the block grant—ensuring that Wales receives £120 of Barnett-based funding for every £100 per person of equivalent UK Government spending in England.

The following Bills will extend and apply to Wales, either in full or in part:

Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill

Automated Vehicles Bill

Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill

Criminal Justice Bill

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill

Football Governance Bill

Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill

Leasehold and Freehold Bill

Media Bill

Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill

Sentencing Bill

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

Victims and Prisoners Bill

The Government will continue to work constructively with the Welsh Government to secure the legislative consent of the Senedd where appropriate.

[HCWS9]