St David’s Day and Welsh Affairs

Debate between Liz Saville Roberts and Alex Barros-Curtis

Thursday 27th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Barros-Curtis]

I wholeheartedly agree with and support my hon. Friend’s intervention, and I look forward to hearing more about it in her speech.

Of course, the route out of poverty is through education, and we must continue to work with the Welsh Government to improve educational outcomes in areas such as Ely. Already, the proposed budget from the Welsh Government will mean an extra £1.5 billion for public services, once again showing the power of partnership between two Governments working together in the interests of the Welsh people. Why, therefore, Plaid Cymru will be joining the Conservatives next week to vote against that investment in the budget is beyond me.

[Liz Saville Roberts]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Mr Barros-Curtis]

Very briefly.

[Liz Saville Roberts]

I am sure the hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that this is not an increase in real terms, and that the Welsh budget is front-loaded. We know that grief is coming down the track in future budgets, so it is hardly appropriate to be singing the praises of this budget, knowing what is on its way.

[Mr Barros-Curtis]

I will simply say that while I may agree with some of what the right hon. Lady said today, it is still inexplicable to me that Plaid Cymru would vote against an extra £1.5 billion in the budget next week, and join the Tories in doing so. Their reasons for doing so seem unfathomable.

I will conclude by saying that I am proud to serve the constituents of Cardiff West, and I will always work hard for the whole community there. To everyone in this House and to all of my constituents, I say Dydd Dewi Sant hapus.