Oral Answers to Questions

Kevin Brennan Excerpts

Wednesday 16th December 2020 Commons Chamber

[Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab)]

What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Wales on the UK shared prosperity fund.

[Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab)]

What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Wales on the UK shared prosperity fund.

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

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with the First Minister and Welsh Ministers on a range of issues, including the UK shared prosperity fund.

[David T. C. Davies]

We have already made the commitment that the amount of money will match everything that came from Europe. Previously, the European Union held the strings and controlled how the money was spent; now, it will be the UK Government working in partnership with local authorities and the Welsh Government to ensure that the money is spent wisely.

[Kevin Brennan [V]]

The Minister says that the money will be matched, but when the dealing is done, will the so-called shared prosperity fund in fact turn out to be a pared back austerity fund for Wales, in keeping with normal Conservative practice? Merry Christmas.

[David T. C. Davies]

The shared prosperity fund will mean more money going into Wales, along with more powers, which will come about as a result of Brexit, going to Wales. We are looking forward to putting our Conservative record before the people of Wales in the elections next May.