0:00:31 > 0:00:37Questions to the Secretary of State for Wales.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before answering question one I'd like to
0:00:47 > 0:00:53welcome the Shadow Secretary of State back to her position. With
0:00:53 > 0:00:58permission I would answer questions one and 12 together. Why hold
0:00:58 > 0:01:02regular discussions with the Secretary of State about the exit
0:01:02 > 0:01:08from the European Union, including the EU withdrawal bill. My right
0:01:08 > 0:01:12honourable friend, the first secretary and I, met local leaders
0:01:12 > 0:01:19in Wales to discuss issues affecting them as we leave the European Union.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22During the referendum, voters were assured by the leave campaign that
0:01:22 > 0:01:28Wales would not be 1p worse off as a result of leaving the EU. Would the
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Secretary of State assure the house that the benefits of the EU
0:01:32 > 0:01:38structural investment in Wales will continue after March 2000 19.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43We've already committed to honouring those commitments up until the time
0:01:43 > 0:01:47we leave the European Union. -- March 20 19. We want to seek an
0:01:47 > 0:01:52obliteration period which will involve those commitments, as well.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55We have a manifesto commitment to deliver on the UK Shared Prosperity
0:01:55 > 0:02:01Fund and I will make sure that Wales has its fair share.
0:02:01 > 0:02:08The way this UK imperialist Government has precluded the Welsh
0:02:08 > 0:02:14Government from Brexit negotiations is putting 20 years of devolution at
0:02:14 > 0:02:22risk. This Welsh Government has always played an integral part in EU
0:02:22 > 0:02:26negotiations. So will the Secretary of State continue this
0:02:26 > 0:02:29well-established practice and avoid a constitutional crisis by ensuring
0:02:29 > 0:02:33the Welsh Government is directly involved in both Brexit and trade
0:02:33 > 0:02:40negotiations. I don't recognise the tone or the
0:02:40 > 0:02:45content of the Honourable Lady's points. We need to recognise that
0:02:45 > 0:02:49the EU withdrawal bill is largely a technical piece of legislation. But
0:02:49 > 0:02:54we are in deep engagement with the devolved administrations,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57particularly the Welsh Government. Only a week ago the first Secretary
0:02:57 > 0:03:01of State and I met the First Minister. Yesterday we had a joint
0:03:01 > 0:03:07ministerial committee. A further warm ongoing relationship continues.
0:03:07 > 0:03:15It's my interest and the Welsh interest.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Can my friends confirm the good news today about jobs and the good
0:03:18 > 0:03:22performance of the economy and therefore look forward to the
0:03:22 > 0:03:27strength Wales will be able to gain when the UK leaves the European
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Union and could reach out into the entire world in terms of improvement
0:03:31 > 0:03:35in economy? I'm grateful to my honourable friend
0:03:35 > 0:03:40for his question. He rightly points out that leaving the EU provides new
0:03:40 > 0:03:43opportunities. We want a frictionless trading operation with
0:03:43 > 0:03:51TEU. To negotiate with other nations around the world. -- trading
0:03:51 > 0:03:55operation with the EU. Wells has attracted some of the most
0:03:55 > 0:03:59remarkable investment projects and are continuing to do so on that
0:03:59 > 0:04:04basis. -- Wales has. My right honourable friend have the
0:04:04 > 0:04:07opportunity to remind Welsh ministers and members opposite that
0:04:07 > 0:04:13at the referendum over 850,000 people in Wales voted to leave the
0:04:13 > 0:04:19EU on a turnout of over 10%. The most important thing is to respect
0:04:19 > 0:04:22the outcome and look forward to governing the future.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27I'm grateful to my right honourable friend the raising that point. He
0:04:27 > 0:04:31does recognise that Wales voted to leave the European Union as the UK
0:04:31 > 0:04:36voted to leave the European Union. And we have an obligation to respond
0:04:36 > 0:04:40properly to that referendum. Whilst also respecting the constitutional
0:04:40 > 0:04:44settlement. The EU withdrawal bill does that but we are working closely
0:04:44 > 0:04:48with the Welsh Government to make sure it meets the needs of Wales.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54The Secretary of State has already been quizzed on the effect of the
0:04:54 > 0:04:58loss of European structural funds on the Welsh economy. Can I
0:04:58 > 0:05:06specifically asking if the Government's flagship drug deals
0:05:06 > 0:05:12will have a similar or greater level of funding?
0:05:12 > 0:05:19I don't need to take any lectures on funding from the party opposite.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23This was the party that refused to reorganise the Barnett Formula after
0:05:23 > 0:05:2913 years in Government. We had the new fiscal framework signed this
0:05:29 > 0:05:33time last year which gives an enhancement to the Welsh settlement.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38The growth news, in addition to the Barnett settlement, but remind
0:05:38 > 0:05:43members that more than £4 billion of European structural funds has been
0:05:43 > 0:05:47spent. But in the areas where the money was spent the most they voted
0:05:47 > 0:05:50in the greatest numbers to leave, so that is hardly a success of their
0:05:50 > 0:06:00Welsh Government policy. We remain confident we will meet a
0:06:00 > 0:06:03term of agreements which will be in interest to everyone. And remain
0:06:03 > 0:06:08committed to a trade policy that flags us as an Alta facing nation at
0:06:08 > 0:06:15the forefront of global trade. -- out of facing nation.
0:06:15 > 0:06:21What reassurances can the Minister give constituents near Welshpool
0:06:21 > 0:06:27that their exports to Germany will not be hit by a 40% tariff, and
0:06:27 > 0:06:30their exports would be affected by large imports from New Zealand which
0:06:30 > 0:06:36operate to lower welfare standards than the UK?
0:06:36 > 0:06:40The same assurances we have given to Welsh farmers across Wales. This
0:06:40 > 0:06:46Government is working to have trade agreements with the EU but we also
0:06:46 > 0:06:48see the opportunities to export Welsh lamb to other parts of the
0:06:48 > 0:06:53world. We have had success exporting to the Middle East, for example.
0:06:53 > 0:06:59This Government is committed to expanding opportunities throughout
0:06:59 > 0:07:03the globe and keeping our current commitments.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Is not also important to look at the opportunities for Wales from imports
0:07:07 > 0:07:11on lower tariffs on food and clothes, which could particularly
0:07:11 > 0:07:15benefit the well off. I thank my honourable friend for his
0:07:15 > 0:07:23question. Exports from Wales have increased dramatically by 18%. It's
0:07:23 > 0:07:32interesting to know that the 16% increase in imports... Welsh
0:07:32 > 0:07:36manufacturers and Welsh businesses are taking the opportunity to export
0:07:36 > 0:07:44to all parts of the globe. Last Friday's progress report on
0:07:44 > 0:07:48negotiations has been described by the Brexit secretary as a mere
0:07:48 > 0:07:53statement of intent. Is that the position of the Government?
0:07:53 > 0:07:57It is clear, we had a breakthrough last Friday which means we can move
0:07:57 > 0:08:01on to what is important for Welsh businesses, Welsh farms, and Welsh
0:08:01 > 0:08:05communities, which is the trade talks which are essential for us in
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Wales. The Honourable member should congratulate the PM on her success
0:08:08 > 0:08:14last Friday. Can I ask the minister what
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Government is doing to ensure that Wales continues to benefit from the
0:08:19 > 0:08:23positive UK wide announcement such as the investment in Toyota in
0:08:23 > 0:08:28Derbyshire and the plant in Deeside. Because companies like Toyota and
0:08:28 > 0:08:32air bus are very important to the success of the Welsh economy.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35My right honourable friend is right, and she knows about Wales extremely
0:08:35 > 0:08:43well. Airpass on Tyler Turner, key parts of the Welsh economy. --
0:08:43 > 0:08:49airpass and Toyota. They are well-placed to take advantage of
0:08:49 > 0:08:53opportunities due to their efficiency will come our way. They
0:08:53 > 0:08:56are committed to making sure that their employees have a healthy
0:08:56 > 0:09:02future after withdrawing from the EU. They also make sure they are
0:09:02 > 0:09:07competitive in a world market, as well.
0:09:07 > 0:09:1590% of Welsh red meat is sold in the EU now. That market is already being
0:09:15 > 0:09:20destroyed by red meat from Romania and Spain. One explanation that has
0:09:20 > 0:09:26been offered for a possible remedy if Brexit happens, after the
0:09:26 > 0:09:30confirmation referendum that we might have after the advisory
0:09:30 > 0:09:38referendum, the only way out is to send more Welsh lamb abroad on the
0:09:38 > 0:09:45health rather than the hook. -- on the hoof rather than the hook. Is he
0:09:45 > 0:09:51in agreement with that? The whole house will be interested
0:09:51 > 0:09:54in the convergence of being a defender for Welsh farmers. It would
0:09:54 > 0:09:59be a first for the Welsh farming communities. The Welsh farming
0:09:59 > 0:10:02community are proud of their standards. They are proud to have
0:10:02 > 0:10:07the best lamb and beef available in all parts of the EU. They will be
0:10:07 > 0:10:09successful regardless of any scare stories peddled by the Honourable
0:10:09 > 0:10:18member. Question three, please.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22I commend the honourable gentleman for his commitment to this issue and
0:10:22 > 0:10:27I would be delighted to see the return of the Prince of Wales. The
0:10:27 > 0:10:33display would be an excellent opportunity to boost tourism across
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Wales. I'm glad to hear this answer.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41Because he will know that 50 years ago almost 1 billion people around
0:10:41 > 0:10:48the world saw the investiture. Wells -- Wales was in homes around the
0:10:48 > 0:10:53world. Prince Charles is currently sitting in a vault beneath Saint
0:10:53 > 0:10:58James Palace. I might be wrong but that's the principle of the thing.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04It should be on display. The people of Wales should see it. They should
0:11:04 > 0:11:09be proud of their heritage. When will we have it?
0:11:09 > 0:11:12The Honourable gentleman is passionate on this issue,
0:11:12 > 0:11:16highlighting the opportunities to enhance our tourism offer. It is
0:11:16 > 0:11:20something we will work with the Honourable gentleman to try to
0:11:20 > 0:11:26secure. The regalia should be in Wales, on display, and it should add
0:11:26 > 0:11:29to our vibrant tourism sector.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37I hold regular discussions with Welsh ministers on the EU withdrawal
0:11:37 > 0:11:41bill. At the end of November my right honourable friend, the first
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Secretary of State and I met the Minister again as part of our
0:11:44 > 0:11:49ongoing bilateral discussions. Yesterday Mark Drakeford and other
0:11:49 > 0:11:55administrations met to discuss further details.
0:11:55 > 0:12:01I've asked the Secretary of State a number of times what will happen if
0:12:01 > 0:12:05the National Assembly for Wales withhold its consent for the
0:12:05 > 0:12:13withdrawal bill. He looks to be unsure about it. Will he now tell
0:12:13 > 0:12:16the house what will happen if the National Assembly for Wales withhold
0:12:16 > 0:12:21its consensus of the withdrawal bill.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25Can I add to the description of the Honourable member has made and say I
0:12:25 > 0:12:28am optimistic. I'm optimistic that our work with the Welsh Government
0:12:28 > 0:12:35will lead to a motion. We should be focusing on the outcomes. It is the
0:12:35 > 0:12:40outcomes which people want fast discussing this. He and I want the
0:12:40 > 0:12:46best income for businesses and that is worth focusing upon.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Given the result of the referendum shouldn't any Government which
0:12:49 > 0:12:54claims to represent Wales and any party that claims to be a party of
0:12:54 > 0:12:59Wales support this Government and this Prime Minister in delivering
0:12:59 > 0:13:03the Brexit the people of Wales actually voted for?
0:13:03 > 0:13:07My honourable friend makes an extremely important point. Any
0:13:07 > 0:13:11politician from Wales needs to recognise and respect the outcome of
0:13:11 > 0:13:14the referendum. That's what the Government is working to deliver.
0:13:14 > 0:13:20The EU withdrawal bill is largely a technical legislation, but we expect
0:13:20 > 0:13:24the decision-making of Wales to increase whilst also protecting the
0:13:24 > 0:13:28integrity of the UK market so that Welsh businesses prosper in the way
0:13:28 > 0:13:35they are now. It's great to be back. I missed you
0:13:35 > 0:13:39all so much. Thanks to everyone for the good wishes and support whilst I
0:13:39 > 0:13:46was away. A massive thanks to my honourable friend, the member of
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Newport East, who stood in for me for last month's questions. Will the
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Secretary of State agree with me that unless his Government agrees a
0:13:54 > 0:13:58common approach with devolved nations in advance of phase two of
0:13:58 > 0:14:02the negotiations, based on proper consideration of the evidence, is
0:14:02 > 0:14:06unlikely the Welsh Government will pass legislative consent motion
0:14:06 > 0:14:13ratifying the EU withdrawal bill? Mr Speaker, we are working closely
0:14:13 > 0:14:20with the Welsh Government. We had another productive joint ministerial
0:14:20 > 0:14:23commitment. The first Secretary of State and I met the First Minister
0:14:23 > 0:14:28just a couple of weeks ago. This builds on an ongoing relationship
0:14:28 > 0:14:33across Government where engagement is positive. Not only with the Welsh
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Government but also with businesses, local authority leaders, and local
0:14:36 > 0:14:39authority Chief executives, and communities themselves who would
0:14:39 > 0:14:44benefit from leaving the EU.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48If I thank the Secretary of State for his response, I think... But
0:14:48 > 0:14:52would he agree with me that the UK Government could avoid clashing with
0:14:52 > 0:14:58the Welsh Government by agreeing to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill at
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Report Stage and by involving the Welsh Government in drawing up
0:15:01 > 0:15:05amendments to prevent the power grab and agree common frameworks which
0:15:05 > 0:15:09would stop the Welsh Government putting in place its own legislation
0:15:09 > 0:15:16which is worked up, in position and ready to go?Mr Speaker, we are
0:15:16 > 0:15:19determined to deliver as much certainty and continuity as we can
0:15:19 > 0:15:23as we leave the European Union. The EU Withdrawal Bill focuses on
0:15:23 > 0:15:26delivering that. I'm sure that's three what the Welsh Government
0:15:26 > 0:15:31once. After all, we should be focusing on the outcomes. This is
0:15:31 > 0:15:33about providing a framework in which businesses and communities can
0:15:33 > 0:15:37prosper. This is web politics needs to fit the business and community
0:15:37 > 0:15:40need, rather than politicians.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Thank you, Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will answer questions
0:15:48 > 0:15:52five and 14 together.I have always said that we will negotiate for
0:15:52 > 0:15:57every nation and region of the United Kingdom. Our goal is to
0:15:57 > 0:16:02secure a deal that works rural parts of the country.Following weeks,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05frankly, of chaos, the Government realises that its original Brexit
0:16:05 > 0:16:11promises were the stuff of fantasy, conceding on continual regulatory
0:16:11 > 0:16:17alignment with Europe, but hand-in-hand with Labour, the
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Westminster Tory Government remains ideological are committed to
0:16:20 > 0:16:24severing Wales' membership of the single market and the customs union.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29Could the Secretary of State tell us how many Welsh jobs his Government
0:16:29 > 0:16:33is prepared to sacrifice to placate Brexiteer is on both sides of this
0:16:33 > 0:16:39chamber?I'm very sorry about that only honourable lady is taking and
0:16:39 > 0:16:42it's almost as though she was disappointed with the Prime
0:16:42 > 0:16:47Minister's great success last week in gaining an agreement with the
0:16:47 > 0:16:52prospect of moving on to phase two of the negotiations. I will happily
0:16:52 > 0:16:57talk about investment and employment opportunities and data. Quite
0:16:57 > 0:17:02obviously, we are extremely pleased with the unemployment data over
0:17:02 > 0:17:05recent months, where we are seeing a record low levels of unemployment
0:17:05 > 0:17:10and even since the referendum, we have seen some of the greatest
0:17:10 > 0:17:14inward investment projects to the UK and Wales and at Hope that is
0:17:14 > 0:17:19something she would want to welcome and support in the process.I just
0:17:19 > 0:17:24spent some time this morning with a separate oral analysis from the
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Secretary of State the Brexit and they provide a snapshot, not any
0:17:27 > 0:17:31future views. I would like to take the Secretary of State back to June
0:17:31 > 0:17:382016 when he said 120 jobs in Wales were directly linked to our place in
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Europe and trumped everything else. At the end of the day, this is down
0:17:41 > 0:17:46two jobs, jobs, jobs. Does he stand by his remarks of 18 months ago and
0:17:46 > 0:17:50could he tell the house how many jobs in Wales he is prepared to
0:17:50 > 0:17:54sacrifice and in which sectors?It would be interesting to know the
0:17:54 > 0:17:58honourable lady wants to respect the outcome of the referendum, where the
0:17:58 > 0:18:03majority of Wales voted to leave the European Union? I think leaving the
0:18:03 > 0:18:08European Union does provide new opportunities. We want frictionless
0:18:08 > 0:18:13trading arrangements, to exploit new markets around the world. Exports to
0:18:13 > 0:18:16markets outside the European Union are growing much faster than exports
0:18:16 > 0:18:20to the European Union and Wales is doing above the UK average. I hope
0:18:20 > 0:18:25she would recognise businesses are already seeing those opportunities.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Last week, Northern Ireland was given carte blanche final say on the
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Government's phase one final Brexit position, his Secretary of State
0:18:33 > 0:18:37agree that the same privilege should now be afforded to be accountable
0:18:37 > 0:18:43and sitting parliaments of Scotland and Wales come the final deal?I
0:18:43 > 0:18:48have said several times and will continue to say but I will repeat
0:18:48 > 0:18:52it, we will negotiate a Brexit deal that works for every part of the
0:18:52 > 0:18:56United Kingdom. The joint ministerial committee yesterday was
0:18:56 > 0:19:00extremely positive in my mind. Of course, differences will be debated
0:19:00 > 0:19:03and that is only right and proper and I would hope the honourable
0:19:03 > 0:19:14member would respect the outcome of the UK referendum.If I say to the
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Secretary of State that last week showed how important the Irish
0:19:18 > 0:19:21dimension was to the whole EU Withdrawal Bill and negotiations.
0:19:21 > 0:19:27Can he a categoric assurance that Welsh ports will be safeguarded and
0:19:27 > 0:19:31given equal treatment with Northern Ireland when it comes to trade,
0:19:31 > 0:19:38especially in well sports?I share my honourable member's interest in
0:19:38 > 0:19:42Welsh ports, Holyhead as important as is fish guards in Pembrokeshire
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and I think leaving the European Union provides new opportunities
0:19:45 > 0:19:50both the North Wales and South West Wales. After we have left the
0:19:50 > 0:19:54European Union, they will be gateways to Europe in a way they
0:19:54 > 0:19:59haven't been up until now and I think their growth opportunities at
0:19:59 > 0:20:05local authorities and businesses need to to.Number six, sir.
0:20:10 > 0:20:16Order, can I just remind the house... Order, order. Can I just
0:20:16 > 0:20:20remind the house that an honourable member shouldn't leave the chamber
0:20:20 > 0:20:26until the exchanges on his or her question have been completed. It
0:20:26 > 0:20:28really is the height of Parliamentary discourtesy. I hope I
0:20:28 > 0:20:32don't have to say that again. I have just been alerted to that and it
0:20:32 > 0:20:39shouldn't happen again.Secretary of State. Thank you Mr Speaker. Leaving
0:20:39 > 0:20:44the European Union allows us to establish new trading unions across
0:20:44 > 0:20:48the globe, forging ahead is a global leader in free trade. Welsh exports
0:20:48 > 0:20:50have outperformed the UK average in the last year and I'm working
0:20:50 > 0:20:55closely with the trade Secretary to build on this success.Get those
0:20:55 > 0:20:58people back into the chamber. It is good of the honourable gentleman to
0:20:58 > 0:21:05drop in on us, we are grateful.What is my right honourable friend doing
0:21:05 > 0:21:09to encourage Welsh businesses and consumers to seize the opportunity
0:21:09 > 0:21:13of a global Britain by boosting imports and exports, to increase
0:21:13 > 0:21:16consumer choice and helping businesses to create more good jobs
0:21:16 > 0:21:21as we leave the EU?I am grateful to my honourable friend for his
0:21:21 > 0:21:26question. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for
0:21:26 > 0:21:31International Trade has established the UK board of trade. I am pleased
0:21:31 > 0:21:34that Lord Meadow and Heather Stephens sits on the board
0:21:34 > 0:21:38representatives and their reputation goes well them and businesses are
0:21:38 > 0:21:42already responding. I have quoted the export data, which is
0:21:42 > 0:21:48encouraging, but clearly there is more work to do.If the Secretary of
0:21:48 > 0:21:51State is serious about his discussions of Wales Douvan
0:21:51 > 0:21:54International business links, why won't he and his Government
0:21:54 > 0:21:59published the impact assessments? Isn't it time these disappearing
0:21:59 > 0:22:04documents came to light?We have published the 50th sectoral
0:22:04 > 0:22:08analyses, covering all of those sectors that are key to the Welsh
0:22:08 > 0:22:12economy, from steel to aerospace and not only have we share them in the
0:22:12 > 0:22:17Commons on the Other Place, we have shared these 800 pages with that of
0:22:17 > 0:22:21old administrations, demonstrating the open, pragmatic approach we are
0:22:21 > 0:22:27taking to involving every part of the United Kingdom.Question number
0:22:27 > 0:22:28seven.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38Figures show that export from Wales grew by 19% last year. Welsh
0:22:38 > 0:22:42businesses also looking to markets outside of the European Union, where
0:22:42 > 0:22:46exports grew by 23% over the same period. I will continue to support
0:22:46 > 0:22:50businesses in Wales to make them -- help them make the most of new
0:22:50 > 0:23:01opportunities.Like Wales, there are businesses that are the lifeblood of
0:23:01 > 0:23:03the economy, to first class accommodation and food and drink,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07and will my right honourable friend agree with me that Brexit will
0:23:07 > 0:23:12provide additional trading opportunities for them and companies
0:23:12 > 0:23:18across Wales?I'm grateful for my honourable friend for her question.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21She's a strong champion for Cornwall and I think Cornwall is already
0:23:21 > 0:23:24responding through her leadership to the new opportunities that leaving
0:23:24 > 0:23:30EU provides. Wales is doing rightly the same. Exports to areas outside
0:23:30 > 0:23:33the European Union are growing at a much sharper rate than those of the
0:23:33 > 0:23:37European Union and Wales is well ahead of the UK average.What other
0:23:37 > 0:23:46trading opportunities we already have, and the risk of the Jaguar
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Land Rover business contract ending early? What is the Secretary of
0:23:50 > 0:23:55State doing to try and help those jobs be secured for the future?The
0:23:55 > 0:23:59honourable member raises an important point, about Ford in
0:23:59 > 0:24:03Bridgend. I'm at the unions recently and spoke to afford on a regular
0:24:03 > 0:24:07basis and I was pleased the Welsh Government responded to their
0:24:07 > 0:24:10suggestion that I join their working group. We are determined to work
0:24:10 > 0:24:17together to come out with the best outcome for jobs.Question number
0:24:17 > 0:24:23eight.With permission Mr Speaker, I will answer ten together. As the
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Chancellor announced in the budget, we have begun formal negotiations
0:24:27 > 0:24:31for a North Wales growth deal. The local area had shared their initial
0:24:31 > 0:24:34proposals and I was delighted to host a briefing session from
0:24:34 > 0:24:38north-west MPs earlier this week. My officials in North Wales today to
0:24:38 > 0:24:44develop proposals and it is an exciting deal for the region.The
0:24:44 > 0:24:47North Wales growth deal will build on the positive cross-border work
0:24:47 > 0:24:56already taking place, which is of interest to the good people of East
0:24:56 > 0:25:01Renfrewshire.He is absolutely right, the cross-border
0:25:01 > 0:25:04conductivity, which is essential to the success of North Wales, is a key
0:25:04 > 0:25:07part of the North Wales growth deal. That connectivity allows the
0:25:07 > 0:25:14north-west of England and north-west of Wales to benefit from the
0:25:14 > 0:25:18economic success story that is available both sides of the economic
0:25:18 > 0:25:21border.He will remember from the joint ministerial visit we undertook
0:25:21 > 0:25:26in Chester and North Wales, there is enthusiasm for the steel on both
0:25:26 > 0:25:29sides of the border. Can he show me that that enthusiasm will carry
0:25:29 > 0:25:33through not just to the north-west of England but also all the way
0:25:33 > 0:25:38through to the Humber region, giving the alliances between Humber and
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Hall.I do indeed remember the visitor Chester, which was a great
0:25:42 > 0:25:47success and I am pleased to say the new Northern Powerhouse Minister was
0:25:47 > 0:25:52at the briefing we had in the Wales Office on Monday. Businesses, local
0:25:52 > 0:25:55authorities in North Wales, understand the power of the Northern
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Powerhouse but we also know North Wales has a lot to offer to the
0:25:57 > 0:26:02Northern Powerhouse and that cross-border deal is essential to
0:26:02 > 0:26:11the economic well-being of North Wales.Will be Minister please meet
0:26:11 > 0:26:18with the all-party group for North Wales and Mersey de to discuss the
0:26:18 > 0:26:21detail of the growth deal and will you please show me the colour of his
0:26:21 > 0:26:26money?The honourable member for Wrexham is the chair of the
0:26:26 > 0:26:29all-party group and I would be delighted to meet with the all-party
0:26:29 > 0:26:32group. I'm well aware of the group and the work they have done but I
0:26:32 > 0:26:37think this deal is a deal for North Wales and that means we have to work
0:26:37 > 0:26:42with all stakeholders, all partners, including the honourable member.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Unemployment has risen by 10% in my constituency, showing the need for
0:26:46 > 0:26:49this growth deal as a matter of urgency. Will the Minister focus
0:26:49 > 0:26:53particularly on those cross-border issues to improve transport links to
0:26:53 > 0:26:58North Wales.I thank the honourable member for its question and I am
0:26:58 > 0:27:02aware of support for this growth deal. It is fair to say the
0:27:02 > 0:27:06unemployment system Bakkali situation in Wales has seen dramatic
0:27:06 > 0:27:11improvement since 2010, 50 4,000 more jobs and unemployment falling.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15My constituency has the lowest unemployment recorded for a long
0:27:15 > 0:27:18time but I can assure the honourable gentleman that of the cross-border
0:27:18 > 0:27:25deal will help his constituency, we will help to deliver it.Number
0:27:25 > 0:27:32nine, Mr Speaker.Minister.Thank you, Mr Speaker, the Chancellor has
0:27:32 > 0:27:35given additional support for Universal Credit claimants, and
0:27:35 > 0:27:39advances to people who need it will be made earlier and will be more
0:27:39 > 0:27:42generous and interest-free. All claimants will be eligible for
0:27:42 > 0:27:46Universal Credit from the first day they claim it and we will improve
0:27:46 > 0:27:51the transition from housing benefit to universal credits.The DWP's own
0:27:51 > 0:27:55analysis shows that half of those with rent arrears in the Universal
0:27:55 > 0:28:01Credit said that they had gone into arrears after making a claim. Is the
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Secretary of State content with the fact that more Welsh families who
0:28:04 > 0:28:12are currently not in arrears will begin 2018 in debt, once they have
0:28:12 > 0:28:18made their Universal Credit claim?I simply don't recognise the doom and
0:28:18 > 0:28:22gloom of the honourable lady. I have visited job sectors throughout the
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Wales and job sacked staff are telling me in relation to Universal
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Credit that it is the biggest change in a generation. I met the regional
0:28:29 > 0:28:33manager for North Wales who said in 40 years of working for the DWP,
0:28:33 > 0:28:37this was the most positive and customer focus changes have been
0:28:37 > 0:28:42aware of this is a change that is helping people back into employment.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45The honourable lady supports the changes and the efforts the
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Government are making to get people back into work.