Oral Answers to Questions

Gareth Snell Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jo Stevens]

The Government have absolutely nothing to hide.

[Gareth Snell (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

2. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on increasing economic growth in Wales.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)]

Growth is the No. 1 mission of this Government. We are creating tens of thousands of jobs in every corner of Wales, including through billions of pounds of investment in nuclear power in Anglesey, two AI growth zones, a defence growth deal, two freeports and two investment zones, which will deliver further economic growth to Wales.

[Gareth Snell]

Because of decisions made by the UK Labour Government, the minimum wage and the living wage will increase, boosting wages for thousands of workers across this country, including 160,000 people in Wales. Could the Secretary of State set out what impact she thinks this critical announcement will have on the economy and people of Wales?

[Jo Stevens]

From April, a full-time worker on the national living wage will see their annual pay rise by £900, on top of the £1,400 increase that we announced in the previous Budget, and 18 to 20-year-olds working full time on the national minimum wage will get an annual increase of £1,500, which, when added to last year’s increase of £2,500, means £4,000 extra a year. This Labour Government are supporting the lowest-paid workers across the country, with 2.7 million workers in Stoke-on-Trent Central, Cardiff East and every other constituency directly benefiting.