Oral Answers to Questions

John Grady Excerpts

Wednesday 29th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jo Stevens]

There are a number of assumptions in the hon. Member’s question. As I say, more than 40 countries and holiday destinations around the world have introduced a form of visitor levy, and many of us have paid levies when visiting other countries. As I say, one of the Conservatives’ own councils is championing a tourist levy. They need to do their research better.

[John Grady (Glasgow East) (Lab)]

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

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

Economic growth is the No. 1 priority for this Government. Our new industrial strategy and national wealth fund will boost economic growth, create jobs and drive up living standards across Wales. Working alongside ministerial colleagues, I was pleased to confirm £320 million of funding for the two investment zones in Wales, and to give the green light for Welsh freeports. Together, these will unlock billions in private investment and create over 20,000 jobs in our ports and communities.

[John Grady]

I, too, wish Wales luck in the Six Nations, but I wish Scotland more luck. Scotland, like Wales, is set to benefit from significant tax incentives and investment, under the UK Government’s freeports scheme. Does the Secretary of State agree that the scheme offers an excellent opportunity for economic growth?

[Jo Stevens]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question, and I wholeheartedly agree with him. The freeports programme will deliver economic growth and jobs across Wales. Anglesey freeport’s tax sites have gone live, which is excellent news. The freeport aims to attract over £1 billion of investment into the green energy sector and to create nearly 5,000 jobs by 2030. The Celtic freeport is set to attract £8.4 billion of private and public investment, and to deliver 11,500 jobs.