Wales
Debate between Baroness Wilcox of Newport and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his question, but I am somewhat surprised, given that the previous Government cancelled the electrification to Swansea, that he is asking it. As for future infrastructure projects, we will update the House in due course.
Baroness Wilcox of Newport (Lab)
Does my noble friend agree that the record settlement for the Welsh Government at the Budget—£1.5 billion, the largest since the dawn of devolution—will provide a much-needed spending boost for public services after years of neglect from previous Governments of the past 14 years? As a commissioner for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, I draw attention to the wonderful blue light services that responded to the dreadful storms and flooding that we experienced.
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
I thank my noble friend for all the work that she does in support of the blue light services, and as a commissioner. The reality is that last month’s Budget was an extraordinary settlement for the people of Wales—£21 billion, and £1.7 billion in additional funding as part of the Barnett formula. That shows the difference there can be when you have a Labour Government at the Senedd and a Labour Government here.