Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Doughty Excerpts
Wednesday 31st January 2024

(2 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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David T C Davies Portrait David T. C. Davies
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First, I must point out to the right hon. Lady that, since leaving the European Union, our growth rate has been better than that of Germany, and our manufacturing has now exceeded that of France. As far as fair funding for Wales is concerned, we receive 20% more per head to spend on devolved services than is spent in England. One thing the right hon. Lady and I might agree on is that it is high time the Welsh Labour Government explained why we have longer waiting lists and lower educational standards, despite having more money to spend on devolved services.

Stephen Doughty Portrait Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)
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2. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of the energy mix in Wales.

Anna McMorrin Portrait Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) (Lab)
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10. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of the energy mix in Wales.

Fay Jones Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Fay Jones)
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That was lively, Mr Speaker.

The UK has a secure and diverse energy system, and Wales continues to play a key role. The UK Government are going further to ensure our energy security by supporting our oil and gas industry, and investing to scale up our renewable energy production, such as floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea.

Stephen Doughty Portrait Stephen Doughty
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Many of my constituents make the long journey round to work at Hinkley, yet we have had this Government in power for 14 years and we have seen no new nuclear delivered in Wales, despite our proud history of generation, with its significant opportunities to lower energy bills, deliver high-quality jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Where on earth is their plan, and why are they not getting on with delivering it?

Fay Jones Portrait Fay Jones
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I very much welcome the hon. Gentleman mentioning nuclear. I seem to recall that, when his party was in power, Labour did next to nothing to advance the cause of nuclear energy in this country. It gives me ample opportunity to pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Virginia Crosbie), who has committed the Government to everything we have done on Wylfa so far. Progress is being made, in stark contrast to the record of his party.