Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Patricia Gibson Excerpts
Wednesday 5th July 2023

(1 year, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Secretary of State was asked—
Patricia Gibson Portrait Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Arran) (SNP)
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1. Whether he has made a recent assessment of the strength of the Union.

David T C Davies Portrait The Secretary of State for Wales (David T. C. Davies)
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Recent years have highlighted the strength of our United Kingdom. The successful covid vaccine roll-out was just one example of the strength of our Union; the ability to spend £94 billion during the cost of living challenges caused by the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine was another. That support will continue, with two freeports and an investment zone being delivered in Wales.

Patricia Gibson Portrait Patricia Gibson
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Polling on Welsh independence has found that young people, aged 16 to 34, are far more likely than any other group to vote by a majority for independence for Wales to secure the change they feel their nation needs. That mirrors the views of young people in Scotland, who believe Scotland can and will prosper outside this broken Union. Why does the Secretary of State think that so many young people have so little faith in the Union?

David T C Davies Portrait David T. C. Davies
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Contrary to what the hon. Lady posits, young people want and welcome the right to be able to live, study and work in all parts of the United Kingdom, which is why the Conservative and Unionist party has consistently polled far higher in every kind of election than parties that seek independence for Wales.