Crown Estate (Wales) Bill [HL]

Lord Livermore Excerpts

Tuesday 20th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Livermore) (Lab)]

My Lords, while the Government’s position on this matter has been made clear during earlier stages of both this Bill and the recent Crown Estate Act, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Wigley, on his Bill. As this House has heard previously, the Government do not support the devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales, as we believe the way it currently operates provides the best outcomes for Wales and the wider United Kingdom. The addition of two new Crown Estate commissioners with special responsibility for Wales and Northern Ireland respectively is a positive step and will ensure that the Crown Estate board continues to work in the best interests of Wales. In answer to my noble friend Lord Berkeley, we have no such plans that he asks about.

While I commend the noble Lord, Lord Wigley, on his Bill, the Government’s position is clear that we do not support devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales. Therefore, I must express reservations on behalf of the Government on this Bill.

[Lord Wigley (PC)]

My Lords, I am grateful to the two noble Lords for contributing and making the points that they have. I believe that these principles could well apply further afield in due course, though perhaps not immediately. I noted well the points made by the Minister; I only hope that the opportunity will now be given for colleagues from Wales in the House of Commons to make their voices heard from all sides of the House, and perhaps the Government could then think further about it on that basis.