Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Elmore Excerpts

Wednesday 15th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

2. What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the shared prosperity fund.

[Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab)]

9. What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the UK shared prosperity fund.

[Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) (Lab)]

10. What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the UK shared prosperity fund.

--- Later in debate ---

[Simon Hart]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for strengthening the Union by coming here to support Welsh questions, which is very much appreciated. I hope that I can reassure him by describing the shared prosperity fund as a good news story, because for the first time in 45 years, a substantial sum of money is going to be distributed in Wales by Welsh politicians who are directly accountable to Welsh voters. That has not been the case for some time. The hon. Gentleman is quite right that the collaborative approach I take with the Welsh Government over the distribution of the fund should ensure that it goes to the places where it is most needed, and is not—as some might argue has been the case in the past—blown on vanity projects. The relevant Minister in the Welsh Government is with me on this; we have a shared ambition to ensure that outcome, and to do so collaboratively and efficiently.

[Chris Elmore]

I am all for strengthening the Union, as most Welsh politicians are. I am completely against nationalism and all it stands for, but the reality is that I am also in favour of supporting the devolution settlement. This funding has always been controlled by the Assembly, so can the Secretary of State confirm that he will rule out subverting the Welsh Government by funding local government directly in Wales? Bypassing the Welsh Government and the National Assembly for Wales will do nothing to strengthen the Union.