Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent steps his Department has taken to help strengthen the Union.

The UK Government is clear in our commitment to the Union as a successful partnership which brings tangible benefits to people across the United Kingdom. The resources of the UK Government play an important role in delivering these benefits, as highlighted by the record amounts of Barnett-based funding we are providing to the Welsh Government.

Our response to the pandemic has demonstrated the strength and importance of the Union, with the UK Government working with the devolved administrations more closely and productively than ever. I meet with the First Ministers and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland in regular calls chaired by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and will continue to do so as we seek to work together on matters of common interest.

My Department and I are fully focused on delivering jobs and economic growth in Wales, promoting levelling up and our transition to a net zero economy in doing so. The Government’s Plan for Wales sets out the UK Government’s commitments to Wales as we drive economic recovery from the pandemic.