Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Cooper and Anna McMorrin

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

6. Whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on Wales’s role in the UK’s defence.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)]

I have regular discussions with the Welsh Government on defence and many other matters. We are fully funding the £15 billion defence investment plan, strengthening our armed forces, investing in cutting-edge technology and creating nearly 60,000 additional industry jobs across the UK. Continued uncertainty around the Welsh Government’s approach to defence, and delays to important projects such as DARC—Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability—risk deterring investment and jobs from Wales, as well as risking our national security.

[John Cooper]

Plaid, the SNP and Sinn Féin: the separatist cabal trying to break up Britain, with little regard for UK defence. In Scotland, we already have a hostile environment for our critical defence industry. What can the Secretary of State do in Wales to prevent the same fate befalling key workers there?

[Anna McMorrin]

This is absolutely such a critical industry and topic for our country to work on together as a strong United Kingdom. The dither and delay from the Plaid Welsh Government is undermining our Welsh defence sector. It is having a very real impact on jobs, investment and opportunities, and our communities deserve better. I once again urge the Plaid Welsh Government to work with us and stop the delay.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Cooper and Anna McMorrin

Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I do not know whether to stand at the Dispatch Box or on it.

For want of a horseshoe nail, the kingdom was lost. The defence of our country today rests on modern nail-makers—the small and medium-sized enterprises supplying small but vital parts for frigates and fighter jets and for our fighting men and women. The endless delay in this Labour Government’s defence investment plan means that companies have no certainty about orders, and good jobs hang in the balance, from Pembrokeshire to Prestatyn. What pressure is the Secretary of State bringing to bear on Cabinet colleagues in the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury to keep Welsh jobs, and indeed this United Kingdom, from being lost?

[Anna McMorrin]

Again, the cheek of the Conservatives! They had 14 years in power, and what did they do? They hollowed out our armed forces and defences and failed to develop any proper plan for our defence industry. This Government are taking action, delivering the biggest sustained increase in spending since the cold war. We are working at pace to finalise our defence investment plan, ensuring that it is robust and supports the development of current and future capabilities. As opposed to the Conservatives in their 14 years in power, we are investing in our defence.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Cooper and Anna McMorrin

Wednesday 3rd December 2025 Commons Chamber

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

7. Whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of the proposed visitor levy on the Welsh economy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)]

The Welsh tourism sector is thriving. Last year, British residents alone took over 7 million overnight trips to Wales. If all councils in Wales were to introduce the Welsh Government’s visitor levy, it could raise as much as £33 million a year across Wales to invest in communities and tourism. This is an excellent example of the Welsh Government leading the way. As announced last week, a similar overnight levy will be introduced in England, allowing mayors to invest across their communities.

[John Cooper]

Hospitality in Wales and across the United Kingdom is dying on its feet. It needs a shot in the arm; instead, last week’s bin-fire Budget gave it a shot in the head. This is more money coming out of businesses, is it not?

[Anna McMorrin]

Quite the contrary: the visitor levy would boost the economy by up to £33 million if all councils were to accept it across Wales. I do not think that will—[Interruption.]