Oral Answers to Questions

Richard Baker Excerpts

Wednesday 29th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Richard Baker (Glenrothes and Mid Fife) (Lab)]

5. What steps she is taking to strengthen the Union.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)]

Through our new Council of Nations and Regions and regular engagement between the Secretary of State and the First Minister, our two Governments are collaborating more closely than ever before. This means that we can deliver for Wales in new ways—on the NHS and on rail—as well as creating new job opportunities by delivering freeports, establishing investment zones and developing our industrial strategy to attract investment in critical areas such as offshore wind.

[Richard Baker]

Does the Minister agree that the close collaboration by the UK and Welsh Governments to deliver the industrial strategy is an essential element of this Government’s plans to deliver strong economic growth throughout the UK, and will she explain how this joint working by both Governments will help Welsh industry? Does she further agree that the SNP Government in Scotland should take a similar approach to reap the full benefits of our great partnership of nations, which was so badly undermined by the reckless actions of the previous Government?

[Dame Nia Griffith]

I do indeed agree. The SNP could learn a thing or two from our collaborative approach to securing economic growth in Wales. Our new industrial strategy is central to our growth mission and our plan for change. The Secretary of State has established an innovative economic advisory group to enable the UK and Welsh Governments, business leaders, trade unions and experts to work together to pursue opportunities for growth and jobs, and to attract investment.