Oral Answers to Questions

Steve Witherden Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Anna McMorrin]

Again, the cheek of the Conservatives! They had 14 years in power, and what did they do? They hollowed out our armed forces and defences and failed to develop any proper plan for our defence industry. This Government are taking action, delivering the biggest sustained increase in spending since the cold war. We are working at pace to finalise our defence investment plan, ensuring that it is robust and supports the development of current and future capabilities. As opposed to the Conservatives in their 14 years in power, we are investing in our defence.

[Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr) (Lab)]

3. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the cost of living in Wales.

[Dave Doogan (Angus and Perthshire Glens) (SNP)]

7. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the cost of living in Wales.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)]

We know that the conflict in the middle east is placing pressure on the cost of living and household bills, including for those in rural communities. That is why this Government are providing £3.8 million to the Welsh Government to support households in Wales that use heating oil.

[Steve Witherden]

This month, the UK Labour Government formally lifted the two-child limit, benefiting nearly 70,000 children in Wales and 2,270 children in my constituency. I am enormously proud that Labour is lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, while the other parties in Wales promise spending cuts and tax rises on working families. Will the Secretary of State update the House on what this policy means for the future of Wales?

[Jo Stevens]

My hon. Friend is proud, as am I, of the steps that both our UK and Welsh Labour Governments have taken and are taking to support children and families with the cost of living. We have scrapped the two-child limit, provided 50 million free school meals since 2022, created 100,000 apprenticeships, and devolved £20 million to the Welsh Government to help more young people into work. Contrast Labour’s record with Plaid’s admission that it will cut child poverty budgets and plans to hike taxes on working families. Labour is the only party that is on the side of Welsh families.