0:00:08 > 0:00:18Good morning and welcome to BBC Parliament's coverage of the House
0:00:18 > 0:00:21of Commons. In half an hour, Theresa May will be at the dispatch box for
0:00:21 > 0:00:35her showdown with Jeremy Corbyn at Withdrawal Bill. The rebels want to
0:00:35 > 0:00:39insert a legal guarantee that MPs should get a vote on any Brexit deal
0:00:39 > 0:00:43before it is finalised. The votes are expected to be held this
0:00:43 > 0:00:47evening. Please join me for a round-up of the day in both Houses
0:00:47 > 0:00:53of Parliament at about 11 o'clock, votes permitting. First questions to
0:00:53 > 0:00:57the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15Order, order. Questions to the Secretary of State for Wales.
0:01:15 > 0:01:25Question number one.Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before answering question
0:01:25 > 0:01:28one I would like to welcome the Shadow Secretary of State back to
0:01:28 > 0:01:36her position. With permission I will answer questions one and 12
0:01:36 > 0:01:41together. I hold regular discussions with the Secretary of State for
0:01:41 > 0:01:46Exiting the European Union and other Cabinet colleagues. My right
0:01:46 > 0:01:49honourable friend, the First Secretary of State and I can read
0:01:49 > 0:01:52recently met local government leaders in Wales to discuss issues
0:01:52 > 0:01:58affecting them as we leave the European Union.Join the referendum,
0:01:58 > 0:02:05boaters are assured that Wales will not be 1p worse off as a result of
0:02:05 > 0:02:11leaving the EU. -- voters. Will the Secretary of State assure the House
0:02:11 > 0:02:17that the structure of investment in Wales will continue after March,
0:02:17 > 0:02:242019?We have already committed to honouring those commitments made. We
0:02:24 > 0:02:29want to seek an implementation period which may well involve those
0:02:29 > 0:02:34sorts of commitments as well. We have a manifesto commitment to
0:02:34 > 0:02:36deliver on UK's shared prosperity fundi will ensure that has its fair
0:02:36 > 0:02:46share.-- and I will ensure. The way the UK imperialist government has
0:02:46 > 0:02:50precluded the Welsh government from Brexit negotiations is putting 20
0:02:50 > 0:02:57years of devolution at risk. There's Welsh government has always played
0:02:57 > 0:03:03an integral part in EU negotiations. Will the Secretary of State commit
0:03:03 > 0:03:07to continuing this well-established practice and avoid a constitutional
0:03:07 > 0:03:12crisis by ensuring the Welsh government is directly involved in
0:03:12 > 0:03:18both Brexit and trade negotiations? Thank you, Mr Speaker. I don't
0:03:18 > 0:03:23recognise the tone or content of the Honourable Lady's points. I think we
0:03:23 > 0:03:26need to recognise the EU (Withdrawal) Bill is largely
0:03:26 > 0:03:32technical piece legislation. We are in deep engagement with the default
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Administration is, particularly the Welsh government. Only a week or so
0:03:35 > 0:03:39ago the First Secretary of State or I battered and I met with the First
0:03:39 > 0:03:48Minister. -- and I met with the First Minister. It is in my
0:03:48 > 0:03:50interests and those of the Welsh government to ensure that Wales is
0:03:50 > 0:03:55well represented.Could my right honourable friend confirmed the good
0:03:55 > 0:04:00use today about jobs and performance of the economy and look forward to
0:04:00 > 0:04:05the strength that Wales would be able to gain when the UK leads the
0:04:05 > 0:04:08European Union and reach out to the whole world in terms of improving
0:04:08 > 0:04:13the economy?Mr Speaker, I am grateful to my honourable friend
0:04:13 > 0:04:18that his question. He rightly points out that leaving European Union
0:04:18 > 0:04:23provides new opportunities. We want to friction is trading arrangement
0:04:23 > 0:04:25with the European Union, negotiate trade deals with other nations
0:04:25 > 0:04:30around the world. Would also say that since the referendum to leave
0:04:30 > 0:04:33the European Union, Wales has attracted some of the most
0:04:33 > 0:04:36remarkable inward investment projects are continuing to so do on
0:04:36 > 0:04:42that basis.As my right honourable friend had an opportunity to remind
0:04:42 > 0:04:46the Welsh government ministers, or members opposite, that, at the
0:04:46 > 0:04:51referendum, over 850,000 people across Wales voted to leave the
0:04:51 > 0:04:55European Union on a turnout of over 70%. The most important thing is to
0:04:55 > 0:04:58respect the referendum as I get on the governing Wales and look forward
0:04:58 > 0:05:07to the future. -- and get on all stop he does recognise that Wales
0:05:07 > 0:05:12voted to leave the European Union as the UK voted to leave the European
0:05:12 > 0:05:18Union.We have an obligation to respond properly to that referendum,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21whilst also respecting the constitutional settlement. The EU
0:05:21 > 0:05:24(Withdrawal) Bill does that but we're working closely with the Welsh
0:05:24 > 0:05:31government to ensure it meets the needs of Wales.Mr Speaker, the
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Secretary of State has already been quizzed on the effect of the loss of
0:05:35 > 0:05:38European structural funds on the Welsh economy. Can I specifically
0:05:38 > 0:05:43asked him if the Government's flagship growth deals will result in
0:05:43 > 0:05:53a similar, or even greater, level of funding for Wales?Mr Speaker, I
0:05:53 > 0:05:58don't need to take any lectures on funding from the party opposite.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02This was the party that refuse to reorganise the Barnett Formula after
0:06:02 > 0:06:0713 years in government and the new fiscal framework signed this time
0:06:07 > 0:06:12last year now gives an enhancement to the Welsh settlement.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Furthermore, the growth deals in addition to the enhanced Barnett
0:06:16 > 0:06:20settlement. Can I remind them that over the last 16 years over four
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Berlin pounds of European structural funds have been spent. In areas
0:06:23 > 0:06:28where the money was spent the most bigoted and greatest numbers to
0:06:28 > 0:06:36leave. That is hardly a success of Welsh government policy.We remain
0:06:36 > 0:06:41confident we will reach a trade agreement to be in the interests of
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Wales, the UK and the EU. It will affect our statements as an outer
0:06:45 > 0:06:53basing nation at the forefront of global trade.I had the pleasure of
0:06:53 > 0:06:57spending some time on a farm in Welshpool. What reassurances can the
0:06:57 > 0:07:03minister give them that lamb exports to Germany will not be hit I a 40%
0:07:03 > 0:07:08Harris if we fall back on WTO rules and lamb exports will not be
0:07:08 > 0:07:12affected by large imports from New Zealand which operate to lower
0:07:12 > 0:07:18welfare standards than in England?I can give the same reassurances as I
0:07:18 > 0:07:22have given. This government is working to have a comprehensive free
0:07:22 > 0:07:25trade agreement with the European Union. We see opportunities to
0:07:25 > 0:07:30export Welsh lamb to other parts of the world but we have had recent
0:07:30 > 0:07:33success in the Middle East. The assurance I can give is this
0:07:33 > 0:07:38government is committed to ensuring the market in the EU and expanding
0:07:38 > 0:07:43opportunities throughout the globe. Is it not also important to look at
0:07:43 > 0:07:48the opportunities for Wales from imports and lower tariffs on food
0:07:48 > 0:07:52and clothes could help particularly benefit the least well off?I thank
0:07:52 > 0:07:55my honourable friend for his question. The opportunities are
0:07:55 > 0:08:01being grasped by Welsh businesses as we speak. Exports from Wales have
0:08:01 > 0:08:07increased by 18% in the last year. 16% increase in exports to the
0:08:07 > 0:08:10European Union worried the 22% increase in exports to the rest of
0:08:10 > 0:08:14the world. Welsh manufacturers and businesses are taking an opportunity
0:08:14 > 0:08:23to export to all parts of the globe. Last Friday's progress report on the
0:08:23 > 0:08:26negotiations has been described by the Brexit secretary as a mere
0:08:26 > 0:08:32statement of intent. Is that the position of the Government?The
0:08:32 > 0:08:35position of the Government is very clear. There was a breakthrough last
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Friday many we can move on to what is important for Welsh businesses,
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Welsh farmers and Welsh communities, which is the trade talks which are
0:08:43 > 0:08:46essential for us in Wales. The honourable manner should
0:08:46 > 0:08:52congratulate the Prime Minister on his success last Friday. -- member.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Can I ask the minister what the Government is doing to ensure that
0:08:55 > 0:09:00Wales continues to benefit from the positive UK wide announcements, such
0:09:00 > 0:09:07as the investment in Toyota in Derbyshire and the plant in Deeside?
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Companies like Toyota and Airbus are very important to the success of the
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Welsh economy.My right honourable friend is right was she knows well
0:09:15 > 0:09:20is extremely well. Airbus and Toyota are key parts of the Welsh economy.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Investment in those plants and the success of those plants in terms of
0:09:23 > 0:09:27their efficiency means they are well-placed to take advantage of
0:09:27 > 0:09:31opportunities which will our way once we leave the European Union.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34They are working hard to ensure their employers have a healthy
0:09:34 > 0:09:38future after we leave the European Union. Back is based on ensuring
0:09:38 > 0:09:48they are competitive within a world market. -- that is baked.90% of
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Welsh red meat is sold in the EE you now. That market is already being
0:09:52 > 0:09:59destroyed by meat from Romania and Spain. -- be you. One explanation
0:09:59 > 0:10:05that has been offered for a possible remedy if Brexit happens after the
0:10:05 > 0:10:10confirmation referendum that we might have after the advisory
0:10:10 > 0:10:15referendum, the only way out is to send more Welsh lamb abroad on the
0:10:15 > 0:10:21hoof rather than on the hook. Is he happy with that explanation? Will
0:10:21 > 0:10:29Brexit mean more suffering for scented animals?I think the whole
0:10:29 > 0:10:34House will be interested in knowing that the honourable member is
0:10:34 > 0:10:38defending Welsh farmers. The Welsh farming community is proud of
0:10:38 > 0:10:42welfare standards. They are proud of the fact they have the best Welsh
0:10:42 > 0:10:46lamb and best beef available in all parts of the European Union. They'll
0:10:46 > 0:10:49be successful regardless of any scare stories peddled by the
0:10:49 > 0:10:59honourable member.Question three.I commend the honourable gentleman for
0:10:59 > 0:11:03his commitment to this issue and would be delighted to see the return
0:11:03 > 0:11:07of the Royal Highness the Prince of Wales regalia to Wales. It will be
0:11:07 > 0:11:11an excellent opportunity to boost tourism in Wales if a suitable home
0:11:11 > 0:11:19can be secured.I am very glad to hear this answer. 50 years ago
0:11:19 > 0:11:23almost a billion people around the world saw the investiture. Wales was
0:11:23 > 0:11:31in homes around the world. His Royal Highness Prince Charles's galea is
0:11:31 > 0:11:36sitting in a vault beneath St James's Palace. I may be wrong on
0:11:36 > 0:11:41that point. -- regalia. It should be on display. The people of Wales
0:11:41 > 0:11:46should see it. They should be proud of their heritage. When will we have
0:11:46 > 0:11:52it?The honourable gentleman is passion on this issue. He has
0:11:52 > 0:11:56highlighted opportunities to enhance our tourism offer. It is something
0:11:56 > 0:12:00we will work with the honourable gentleman to try to secure. The
0:12:00 > 0:12:04regalia should be in Wales, on display, and should contribute to
0:12:04 > 0:12:10our vibrant tourism sector.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14Thank you, Mr Speaker. I hold regular discussions with Welsh
0:12:14 > 0:12:18ministers on the European Union withdrawal bill. At the end of
0:12:18 > 0:12:22November, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State and I met the
0:12:22 > 0:12:30Prime Minister as part of our ongoing bilateral discussions.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Yesterday, devolved administrations meant to discuss further details.I
0:12:34 > 0:12:40have asked the Secretary of State a number of times both orally and in
0:12:40 > 0:12:43writing what would happen if the National Assembly for Wales
0:12:43 > 0:12:52withholds consent for the withdrawal Bill. Will he now tell the House
0:12:52 > 0:12:57what will happen of the National Assembly for Wales withholds its
0:12:57 > 0:13:02consent for the withdrawal Bill?Can I add to the descriptions of the
0:13:02 > 0:13:06honourable member and Sam optimistic. I'm optimistic I will
0:13:06 > 0:13:10work with the Welsh Government and we will lead to a consent motion. We
0:13:10 > 0:13:15should be focusing on the outcomes. That is what communities and
0:13:15 > 0:13:18businesses want, whilst respecting the constitutional settlement of the
0:13:18 > 0:13:22United Kingdom. I'm sure she and I would want the best outcomes for
0:13:22 > 0:13:27business and that is what we will focus on.Given the result of the
0:13:27 > 0:13:30referendum, shouldn't any government which claims to represent Wales and
0:13:30 > 0:13:34any party that claims to be a party of Wales support this government and
0:13:34 > 0:13:39this Prime Minister in delivering the brakes that the people of Wales
0:13:39 > 0:13:45actually voted for?My honourable friend makes an important point. Any
0:13:45 > 0:13:48politician from Wales needs to recognise and respect the outcome of
0:13:48 > 0:13:52the referendum. That's what the government is working to deliver.
0:13:52 > 0:13:58The EU withdrawal Bill is largely a technical piece of legislation, but
0:13:58 > 0:14:00we expect the decision-making of the Welsh Government to increase whilst
0:14:00 > 0:14:04also protecting the integrity of the UK market to ensure Welsh businesses
0:14:04 > 0:14:12continue to prosper in the way they are now.Thank you. It is great to
0:14:12 > 0:14:17be back. I missed you all so much. Thank you for the good wishes and
0:14:17 > 0:14:22support whilst I was away. A massive thanks to my honourable friend for
0:14:22 > 0:14:29standing in for me last month. With the Secretary of State agree with me
0:14:29 > 0:14:36that unless his government agrees a common approach with devolved
0:14:36 > 0:14:41nations in advance of phase two of the negotiations, it is unlikely the
0:14:41 > 0:14:46Welsh Government will pass a legislative consent motion,
0:14:46 > 0:14:51ratifying the EU withdrawal Bill?Mr Speaker, we are working closely with
0:14:51 > 0:14:59the Welsh Government. We had another productive meeting where proposals
0:14:59 > 0:15:03whirl made and will rightly be considered. We met the First
0:15:03 > 0:15:09Minister a couple of weeks ago. This bill is on an ongoing relationship
0:15:09 > 0:15:13across government whether engagement is positive with the Welsh
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Government, local authority leaders, businesses, and communities
0:15:17 > 0:15:23themselves who will benefit from our exit of the European Union.I thank
0:15:23 > 0:15:28the Secretary of State for his response, I think. That would he
0:15:28 > 0:15:32agree with me that the UK Government could avoid clashing with the Welsh
0:15:32 > 0:15:39Government by agreeing to amend the EU withdrawal Bill at this stage and
0:15:39 > 0:15:42by involving the Welsh Government to draw our amendments to prevent the
0:15:42 > 0:15:50power grab which would stop the Welsh Government putting in place
0:15:50 > 0:15:56its own legislation is which is worked out and ready to go?We are
0:15:56 > 0:15:59determined to deliver as much certainty and continuity as we can
0:15:59 > 0:16:04as we leave the EU. The withdrawal Bill focuses on delivering that. I'm
0:16:04 > 0:16:08sure that's surely what the Welsh Government once. We should be
0:16:08 > 0:16:15focusing on the outcomes. This is about providing a framework in which
0:16:15 > 0:16:18business and communities can prosper. This is where politics
0:16:18 > 0:16:24needs to fit the needs of business and communities, and not the needs
0:16:24 > 0:16:28of politicians. With your permission, I will answer questions
0:16:28 > 0:16:31five and 14 together. I've always said we will negotiate for every
0:16:31 > 0:16:35nation and region of the United Kingdom. Our goal is to secure a
0:16:35 > 0:16:41deal which works for all parts of the United Kingdom.Following weeks
0:16:41 > 0:16:45frankly of chaos, the government realises that its original Brexit
0:16:45 > 0:16:55promises were the stuff of fantasy. Conceding on continual regulatory
0:16:55 > 0:17:05announcement and Europe. Could the Secretary of State tell us how many
0:17:05 > 0:17:11Welsh jobs has government are prepared to sacrifice to placate
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Brexit hears on both sides of this chamber?I'm very sorry about the
0:17:16 > 0:17:19town the honourable lady has taken. It's almost as though she was
0:17:19 > 0:17:23disappointed with the Prime Minister's great success last week
0:17:23 > 0:17:29in gaining an agreement with the prospect of moving on to phase two
0:17:29 > 0:17:34of the negotiations. I will happily talk about investment and employment
0:17:34 > 0:17:37opportunities and data, quite obviously we are extremely pleased
0:17:37 > 0:17:43with the unemployment data over the recent months, where we have seen
0:17:43 > 0:17:46record low levels of unemployment. And even since the referendum, we
0:17:46 > 0:17:51have seen some of the greatest inward investment projects to the UK
0:17:51 > 0:17:57and to Wales. I hope that is something she would want to welcome,
0:17:57 > 0:18:01and represent in the process.Spent some time this morning looking at
0:18:01 > 0:18:08analysis. They provide an interesting snapshot, they don't
0:18:08 > 0:18:18provide any future views. In June 2016, it was said 100,000 jobs in
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Wales were directly linked to Europe. He said it was down two
0:18:22 > 0:18:27jobs, jobs, jobs. Does he stand by these remarks 18 months ago? Can he
0:18:27 > 0:18:32tell us how many jobs in Wales he is prepared to sacrifice and in which
0:18:32 > 0:18:38sector?If she wants to respect the outcome of the referendum with a
0:18:38 > 0:18:44majority of wills voted to leave the European Union, I think leaving the
0:18:44 > 0:18:47European Union provides new opportunities. We want that
0:18:47 > 0:18:51frictionless trading arrangement, we want to exploit new markets around
0:18:51 > 0:18:57the world. Export markets outside of the EU are growing much faster than
0:18:57 > 0:19:09exports to the EU. Wales is doing above the national average.Does the
0:19:09 > 0:19:22Secretary of State agree it is time for the same privileges to be
0:19:22 > 0:19:27extended to the accountable and setting parliaments of Wales and
0:19:27 > 0:19:32Scotland, as Northern Ireland?We will negotiate a Brexit till that
0:19:32 > 0:19:37works for every part of the United Kingdom. The committee yesterday was
0:19:37 > 0:19:41positive in my mind. Difference will be debated and that is right and
0:19:41 > 0:19:47proper. I would hope the honourable member would respect the outcome of
0:19:47 > 0:19:56the referendum as the UK voted.Last week showed how important the Irish
0:19:56 > 0:20:01dimension is to the whole EU withdrawal Bill and negotiations.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Can he give a categoric assurance that Welsh ports will be safeguarded
0:20:05 > 0:20:09and given equal treatment with Northern Ireland when it comes to
0:20:09 > 0:20:18trade, especially the well sport in my constituency?I share his
0:20:18 > 0:20:23interest. Holyhead is important, as is Fishguard in Pembrokeshire. I
0:20:23 > 0:20:27think leaving the European Union provides opportunities for North
0:20:27 > 0:20:30West Wales and south-west Wales. After we have left the EU, they will
0:20:30 > 0:20:37be gateways to Europe in a way they have not been until now. I think
0:20:37 > 0:20:39businesses and local authorities need to respond to growth
0:20:39 > 0:20:49opportunities.
0:20:50 > 0:20:57Number six.Order. Can I remind the House that an honourable members
0:20:57 > 0:21:03should not leave the chamber until the exchanges on his or her question
0:21:03 > 0:21:08have been completed, it really is the height of parliamentary
0:21:08 > 0:21:11discourtesy. I have just been alerted to that. It shouldn't happen
0:21:11 > 0:21:19again.Thank you. Leaving the European Union allows us to
0:21:19 > 0:21:24establish new trading opportunities across the globe, forging ahead as
0:21:24 > 0:21:30global leader in free-trade. I am working closely with the trade
0:21:30 > 0:21:38Secretary to build on the success. Good of the honourable member to
0:21:38 > 0:21:43drop in on its. We are grateful to him.What is my right honourable
0:21:43 > 0:21:46friend doing to encourage Welsh businesses and consumers to seize
0:21:46 > 0:21:56the opportunity of a global Britain, by boosting imports and exports and
0:21:56 > 0:22:00encouraging the creation of more good jobs?And grateful for the
0:22:00 > 0:22:04question. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for
0:22:04 > 0:22:08International trade has established the UK border of trade. I'm pleased
0:22:08 > 0:22:17that the noble Lord sets there as a wealth represents a. Business is
0:22:17 > 0:22:22responding. Export data is encouraging. Clearly there is more
0:22:22 > 0:22:30work to do.If the Secretary of State is serious about his comments
0:22:30 > 0:22:38of Wales being crucial, why won't they publish the disappearing
0:22:38 > 0:22:45documents?We have published the analyses covering all of the sectors
0:22:45 > 0:22:49which are key to the Welsh economy, from steel to inner space. Not only
0:22:49 > 0:22:53have we showed them in the Commons and the other place, we've also
0:22:53 > 0:22:57shared these 800 pages with the devolved administrations,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00demonstrating the open pragmatic approach we are taking to involving
0:23:00 > 0:23:13every part of the United Kingdom. Question seven.Figures show that
0:23:13 > 0:23:18exports from Wales grew by 19% last year. Wells businesses also looking
0:23:18 > 0:23:24to markets outside of the EU, where exports grew by 23% over the same
0:23:24 > 0:23:28period. We will continue to support businesses in Wales to help them
0:23:28 > 0:23:36make the most of the new opportunities.Amazing businesses
0:23:36 > 0:23:44are the lifeblood of the local economy. Tourism and food and drink.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49Does he agree with me that Brexit will provide additional training
0:23:49 > 0:23:55opportunities for them and companies across Wales?I'm grateful for the
0:23:55 > 0:24:01question. She is a strong champion for Cornwall. I think Cornwall has
0:24:01 > 0:24:06responded to the new opportunities in leaving the European Union. Wales
0:24:06 > 0:24:11is doing rightly the same. Exports to areas outside the EU are growing
0:24:11 > 0:24:16at a much sharper rate than those within the EU. Wales is doing well
0:24:16 > 0:24:22ahead of the UK average.One of the trade opportunities we already have
0:24:22 > 0:24:32is Ford in Bridgend, which is at risk after the Jaguar Land Rover
0:24:32 > 0:24:37early closure. What is he doing to protect jobs?He raises an important
0:24:37 > 0:24:43point. I met the unions recently and I speak to Ford on a regular basis.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46I'm pleased the Welsh Government responded to their suggestion that I
0:24:46 > 0:24:52join a working group. We are determined to work together to
0:24:52 > 0:24:59deliver the best outcome.Question number eight.With permission, I
0:24:59 > 0:25:04will answer question number eight and ten together. We now have begun
0:25:04 > 0:25:10formal negotiations for a North Wales Grosse Ile. Local areas have
0:25:10 > 0:25:15shared their proposals and I was delighted to host a briefing session
0:25:15 > 0:25:19for North Wales MPs earlier this week. This will be an exciting deal
0:25:19 > 0:25:38for the region.Will he outline how this will build on the Mersey deal?
0:25:38 > 0:25:41He is right. The cross-border connectivity is essential to the
0:25:41 > 0:25:46success of North Wales. It's a key part of the North Wales Grosse deal.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51Connectivity allows the north-west of England and the north Wales to
0:25:51 > 0:25:55benefit from the economic success story available on both sides the
0:25:55 > 0:26:02border.He will remember from a joint ministerial visit that there
0:26:02 > 0:26:06is enthusiasm for the steel on both sides of the border. Can he assure
0:26:06 > 0:26:10me that enthusiasm will carry through not just to the north-west
0:26:10 > 0:26:14of England but also all the way through to the Humber region, given
0:26:14 > 0:26:20the alliances between Liverpool and Hull?I do indeed remember the visit
0:26:20 > 0:26:25to Chester. A great success. I'm proud that the new northern
0:26:25 > 0:26:29powerhouse minister was at the briefing we had at the Wales Office
0:26:29 > 0:26:34on Monday. Businesses and local authorities in North Wales
0:26:34 > 0:26:37understand the power of the Northern Powerhouse. What we know North Wales
0:26:37 > 0:26:41has a lot to offer. The cross-border deal is essential to the economic
0:26:41 > 0:26:50well-being of North Wales.Will the Minister please meet with the
0:26:50 > 0:26:57all-party group for North Wales Mersey deed to discuss the detail of
0:26:57 > 0:27:01the growth deal? And will he please show me the colour of his money?The
0:27:01 > 0:27:07honourable member is the chair of the all-party group and I will be
0:27:07 > 0:27:13delighted to meet with him. I'm aware of the group's work but I
0:27:13 > 0:27:17think this deal is ideal for North Wales. That means we have to work
0:27:17 > 0:27:22with all stakeholders and partners, including the honourable member.And
0:27:22 > 0:27:26employment has risen by 10% in my constituency, showing the need for a
0:27:26 > 0:27:31growth deal as a matter of urgency. Will he focus on cross-border issues
0:27:31 > 0:27:35to improve transport links to North Wales?I thank him for that
0:27:35 > 0:27:40question. I'm aware of his support for this growth deal. It's fair to
0:27:40 > 0:27:49say the unemployment situation in Wales has seen a improvement since
0:27:49 > 0:27:522010. 54,000 more jobs in Wales. In most constituencies, unemployment is
0:27:52 > 0:27:57falling. I can assure the honourable gentleman that ever cross-border
0:27:57 > 0:28:02deal will help us constituency, we will help to deliver it.Number
0:28:02 > 0:28:12nine.Thank you. The Chancellor announced additional support for
0:28:12 > 0:28:18Universal Credit claimants. And advancement will be made earlier.
0:28:18 > 0:28:31All payments will be available from the first day.The analysis from the
0:28:31 > 0:28:34DWP shows that half of those with rent arrears under Universal Credit
0:28:34 > 0:28:39said they had gone into arrears after making a claim. Is the
0:28:39 > 0:28:44Secretary of State content with the fact that more Welsh families who
0:28:44 > 0:28:53are currently not in arrears will begin in debt once they have made
0:28:53 > 0:29:00their Universal Credit claim -- begin 2018 in debt.I don't
0:29:00 > 0:29:05recognise that doom and gloom. Staff are telling me that this is the
0:29:05 > 0:29:11biggest change in a generation. The manager said in his 40 years of
0:29:11 > 0:29:16working for DWP, this was the most positive and customer focused change
0:29:16 > 0:29:20he had been aware of. A change helping people back into employment.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25The honourable lady should support the