Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David T C Davies and Aaron Bell

Wednesday 18th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con)]

What comparative assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the covid-19 restrictions implemented in Wales and England.

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

The UK Government work closely with the devolved Administrations to ensure a broad UK-wide approach in our response to covid-19. There is consistency across the United Kingdom in the restrictions implemented to tackle the virus, with some divergence to reflect differing rates of transmission.

[Aaron Bell]

I thank the Minister for his answer. We will get through this pandemic only with a measure of trust between the public, the Government and the Welsh Government. Does he agree that the Welsh Government were wrong to introduce their nanny-state ban on supermarkets selling non-essential items during their lockdown?

[David T. C. Davies]

My hon. Friend makes a very useful point. Any policy that allows members of the public to buy vodka but not baby food is patently devoid of common sense. By needlessly testing the public’s patience and sowing confusion, the Welsh Government have undermined this Government’s efforts to tackle the virus across the United Kingdom.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David T C Davies and Aaron Bell

Wednesday 14th October 2020 Commons Chamber

[David T. C. Davies]

I am very happy to agree with that. The Prime Minister’s commitment last week was a game changer, quadrupling offshore wind energy by 2030, doubling the amount of support for renewables projects and providing £160 million to support infrastructure and one gigawatt of new floating wind projects. That is all clear evidence of this Government’s commitment to a green and resilient economic recovery from the coronavirus.

[Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con)]

What assessment he has made of the potential economic effect on Wales of the provisions in the UK Internal Market Bill.

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

The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill will protect seamless trade across the United Kingdom, which will benefit people in all corners of the UK and, indeed, of this House. Our market access guarantee will provide certainty for Welsh businesses as the transition period ends and provide a firm foundation upon which businesses may flourish.

[Aaron Bell]

Obviously, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the whole of Staffordshire, and indeed the whole of the west midlands, there are a number of businesses that both source from and supply to Wales. Those businesses need the certainty that standards will be observed and that what they produce will be able to be sold into different markets around the United Kingdom, and particularly in Wales. Will my hon. Friend confirm that the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill will deliver on that?

[David T. C. Davies]

I can absolutely confirm that. I hope all Members of this House are listening to the wise words of my hon. Friend. The Bill provides a vital guarantee that businesses in his constituency, and in all constituencies across the UK, will be able to continue to trade confidently within our internal market as the transition period ends.