Wales Questions House of Commons

Questions to the Secretary of State

for Wales.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before

answering question one I'd like to

welcome the Shadow Secretary of

State back to her position. With

permission I would answer questions

one and 12 together. Why hold

regular discussions with the

Secretary of State about the exit

from the European Union, including

the EU withdrawal bill. My right

honourable friend, the first

secretary and I, met local leaders

in Wales to discuss issues affecting

them as we leave the European Union.

During the referendum, voters were

assured by the leave campaign that

Wales would not be 1p worse off as a

result of leaving the EU. Would the

Secretary of State assure the house

that the benefits of the EU

structural investment in Wales will

continue after March 2000 19.

We've already committed to honouring

those commitments up until the time

we leave the European Union. --

March 20 19. We want to seek an

obliteration period which will

involve those commitments, as well.

We have a manifesto commitment to

deliver on the UK Shared Prosperity

Fund and I will make sure that Wales

has its fair share.

The way this UK imperialist

Government has precluded the Welsh

Government from Brexit negotiations

is putting 20 years of devolution at

risk. This Welsh Government has

always played an integral part in EU

negotiations. So will the Secretary

of State continue this

well-established practice and avoid

a constitutional crisis by ensuring

the Welsh Government is directly

involved in both Brexit and trade

negotiations.

I don't recognise the tone or the

content of the Honourable Lady's

points. We need to recognise that

the EU withdrawal bill is largely a

technical piece of legislation. But

we are in deep engagement with the

devolved administrations,

particularly the Welsh Government.

Only a week ago the first Secretary

of State and I met the First

Minister. Yesterday we had a joint

ministerial committee. A further

warm ongoing relationship continues.

It's my interest and the Welsh

interest.

Can my friends confirm the good news

today about jobs and the good

performance of the economy and

therefore look forward to the

strength Wales will be able to gain

when the UK leaves the European

Union and could reach out into the

entire world in terms of improvement

in economy?

I'm grateful to my honourable friend

for his question. He rightly points

out that leaving the EU provides new

opportunities. We want a

frictionless trading operation with

TEU. To negotiate with other nations

around the world. -- trading

operation with the EU. Wells has

attracted some of the most

remarkable investment projects and

are continuing to do so on that

basis. -- Wales has.

My right honourable friend have the

opportunity to remind Welsh

ministers and members opposite that

at the referendum over 850,000

people in Wales voted to leave the

EU on a turnout of over 10%. The

most important thing is to respect

the outcome and look forward to

governing the future.

I'm grateful to my right honourable

friend the raising that point. He

does recognise that Wales voted to

leave the European Union as the UK

voted to leave the European Union.

And we have an obligation to respond

properly to that referendum. Whilst

also respecting the constitutional

settlement. The EU withdrawal bill

does that but we are working closely

with the Welsh Government to make

sure it meets the needs of Wales.

The Secretary of State has already

been quizzed on the effect of the

loss of European structural funds on

the Welsh economy. Can I

specifically asking if the

Government's flagship drug deals

will have a similar or greater level

of funding?

I don't need to take any lectures on

funding from the party opposite.

This was the party that refused to

reorganise the Barnett Formula after

13 years in Government. We had the

new fiscal framework signed this

time last year which gives an

enhancement to the Welsh settlement.

The growth news, in addition to the

Barnett settlement, but remind

members that more than £4 billion of

European structural funds has been

spent. But in the areas where the

money was spent the most they voted

in the greatest numbers to leave, so

that is hardly a success of their

Welsh Government policy.

We remain confident we will meet a

term of agreements which will be in

interest to everyone. And remain

committed to a trade policy that

flags us as an Alta facing nation at

the forefront of global trade. --

out of facing nation.

What reassurances can the Minister

give constituents near Welshpool

that their exports to Germany will

not be hit by a 40% tariff, and

their exports would be affected by

large imports from New Zealand which

operate to lower welfare standards

than the UK?

The same assurances we have given to

Welsh farmers across Wales. This

Government is working to have trade

agreements with the EU but we also

see the opportunities to export

Welsh lamb to other parts of the

world. We have had success exporting

to the Middle East, for example.

This Government is committed to

expanding opportunities throughout

the globe and keeping our current

commitments.

Is not also important to look at the

opportunities for Wales from imports

on lower tariffs on food and

clothes, which could particularly

benefit the well off.

I thank my honourable friend for his

question. Exports from Wales have

increased dramatically by 18%. It's

interesting to know that the 16%

increase in imports... Welsh

manufacturers and Welsh businesses

are taking the opportunity to export

to all parts of the globe.

Last Friday's progress report on

negotiations has been described by

the Brexit secretary as a mere

statement of intent. Is that the

position of the Government?

It is clear, we had a breakthrough

last Friday which means we can move

on to what is important for Welsh

businesses, Welsh farms, and Welsh

communities, which is the trade

talks which are essential for us in

Wales. The Honourable member should

congratulate the PM on her success

last Friday.

Can I ask the minister what

Government is doing to ensure that

Wales continues to benefit from the

positive UK wide announcement such

as the investment in Toyota in

Derbyshire and the plant in Deeside.

Because companies like Toyota and

air bus are very important to the

success of the Welsh economy.

My right honourable friend is right,

and she knows about Wales extremely

well. Airpass on Tyler Turner, key

parts of the Welsh economy. --

airpass and Toyota. They are

well-placed to take advantage of

opportunities due to their

efficiency will come our way. They

are committed to making sure that

their employees have a healthy

future after withdrawing from the

EU. They also make sure they are

competitive in a world market, as

well.

90% of Welsh red meat is sold in the

EU now. That market is already being

destroyed by red meat from Romania

and Spain. One explanation that has

been offered for a possible remedy

if Brexit happens, after the

confirmation referendum that we

might have after the advisory

referendum, the only way out is to

send more Welsh lamb abroad on the

health rather than the hook. -- on

the hoof rather than the hook. Is he

in agreement with that?

The whole house will be interested

in the convergence of being a

defender for Welsh farmers. It would

be a first for the Welsh farming

communities. The Welsh farming

community are proud of their

standards. They are proud to have

the best lamb and beef available in

all parts of the EU. They will be

successful regardless of any scare

stories peddled by the Honourable

member.

Question three, please.

I commend the honourable gentleman

for his commitment to this issue and

I would be delighted to see the

return of the Prince of Wales. The

display would be an excellent

opportunity to boost tourism across

Wales.

I'm glad to hear this answer.

Because he will know that 50 years

ago almost 1 billion people around

the world saw the investiture. Wells

-- Wales was in homes around the

world. Prince Charles is currently

sitting in a vault beneath Saint

James Palace. I might be wrong but

that's the principle of the thing.

It should be on display. The people

of Wales should see it. They should

be proud of their heritage. When

will we have it?

The Honourable gentleman is

passionate on this issue,

highlighting the opportunities to

enhance our tourism offer. It is

something we will work with the

Honourable gentleman to try to

secure. The regalia should be in

Wales, on display, and it should add

to our vibrant tourism sector.

I hold regular discussions with

Welsh ministers on the EU withdrawal

bill. At the end of November my

right honourable friend, the first

Secretary of State and I met the

Minister again as part of our

ongoing bilateral discussions.

Yesterday Mark Drakeford and other

administrations met to discuss

further details.

I've asked the Secretary of State a

number of times what will happen if

the National Assembly for Wales

withhold its consent for the

withdrawal bill. He looks to be

unsure about it. Will he now tell

the house what will happen if the

National Assembly for Wales withhold

its consensus of the withdrawal

bill.

Can I add to the description of the

Honourable member has made and say I

am optimistic. I'm optimistic that

our work with the Welsh Government

will lead to a motion. We should be

focusing on the outcomes. It is the

outcomes which people want fast

discussing this. He and I want the

best income for businesses and that

is worth focusing upon.

Given the result of the referendum

shouldn't any Government which

claims to represent Wales and any

party that claims to be a party of

Wales support this Government and

this Prime Minister in delivering

the Brexit the people of Wales

actually voted for?

My honourable friend makes an

extremely important point. Any

politician from Wales needs to

recognise and respect the outcome of

the referendum. That's what the

Government is working to deliver.

The EU withdrawal bill is largely a

technical legislation, but we expect

the decision-making of Wales to

increase whilst also protecting the

integrity of the UK market so that

Welsh businesses prosper in the way

they are now.

It's great to be back. I missed you

all so much. Thanks to everyone for

the good wishes and support whilst I

was away. A massive thanks to my

honourable friend, the member of

Newport East, who stood in for me

for last month's questions. Will the

Secretary of State agree with me

that unless his Government agrees a

common approach with devolved

nations in advance of phase two of

the negotiations, based on proper

consideration of the evidence, is

unlikely the Welsh Government will

pass legislative consent motion

ratifying the EU withdrawal bill?

Mr Speaker, we are working closely

with the Welsh Government. We had

another productive joint ministerial

commitment. The first Secretary of

State and I met the First Minister

just a couple of weeks ago. This

builds on an ongoing relationship

across Government where engagement

is positive. Not only with the Welsh

Government but also with businesses,

local authority leaders, and local

authority Chief executives, and

communities themselves who would

benefit from leaving the EU.

If I thank the Secretary of State

for his response, I think... But

would he agree with me that the UK

Government could avoid clashing with

the Welsh Government by agreeing to

amend the EU Withdrawal Bill at

Report Stage and by involving the

Welsh Government in drawing up

amendments to prevent the power grab

and agree common frameworks which

would stop the Welsh Government

putting in place its own legislation

which is worked up, in position and

ready to go?

Mr Speaker, we are

determined to deliver as much

certainty and continuity as we can

as we leave the European Union. The

EU Withdrawal Bill focuses on

delivering that. I'm sure that's

three what the Welsh Government

once. After all, we should be

focusing on the outcomes. This is

about providing a framework in which

businesses and communities can

prosper. This is web politics needs

to fit the business and community

need, rather than politicians.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, with your

permission, I will answer questions

five and 14 together.

I have always

said that we will negotiate for

every nation and region of the

United Kingdom. Our goal is to

secure a deal that works rural parts

of the country.

Following weeks,

frankly, of chaos, the Government

realises that its original Brexit

promises were the stuff of fantasy,

conceding on continual regulatory

alignment with Europe, but

hand-in-hand with Labour, the

Westminster Tory Government remains

ideological are committed to

severing Wales' membership of the

single market and the customs union.

Could the Secretary of State tell us

how many Welsh jobs his Government

is prepared to sacrifice to placate

Brexiteer is on both sides of this

chamber?

I'm very sorry about that

only honourable lady is taking and

it's almost as though she was

disappointed with the Prime

Minister's great success last week

in gaining an agreement with the

prospect of moving on to phase two

of the negotiations. I will happily

talk about investment and employment

opportunities and data. Quite

obviously, we are extremely pleased

with the unemployment data over

recent months, where we are seeing a

record low levels of unemployment

and even since the referendum, we

have seen some of the greatest

inward investment projects to the UK

and Wales and at Hope that is

something she would want to welcome

and support in the process.

I just

spent some time this morning with a

separate oral analysis from the

Secretary of State the Brexit and

they provide a snapshot, not any

future views. I would like to take

the Secretary of State back to June

2016 when he said 120 jobs in Wales

were directly linked to our place in

Europe and trumped everything else.

At the end of the day, this is down

two jobs, jobs, jobs. Does he stand

by his remarks of 18 months ago and

could he tell the house how many

jobs in Wales he is prepared to

sacrifice and in which sectors?

It

would be interesting to know the

honourable lady wants to respect the

outcome of the referendum, where the

majority of Wales voted to leave the

European Union? I think leaving the

European Union does provide new

opportunities. We want frictionless

trading arrangements, to exploit new

markets around the world. Exports to

markets outside the European Union

are growing much faster than exports

to the European Union and Wales is

doing above the UK average. I hope

she would recognise businesses are

already seeing those opportunities.

Last week, Northern Ireland was

given carte blanche final say on the

Government's phase one final Brexit

position, his Secretary of State

agree that the same privilege should

now be afforded to be accountable

and sitting parliaments of Scotland

and Wales come the final deal?

I

have said several times and will

continue to say but I will repeat

it, we will negotiate a Brexit deal

that works for every part of the

United Kingdom. The joint

ministerial committee yesterday was

extremely positive in my mind. Of

course, differences will be debated

and that is only right and proper

and I would hope the honourable

member would respect the outcome of

the UK referendum.

If I say to the

Secretary of State that last week

showed how important the Irish

dimension was to the whole EU

Withdrawal Bill and negotiations.

Can he a categoric assurance that

Welsh ports will be safeguarded and

given equal treatment with Northern

Ireland when it comes to trade,

especially in well sports?

I share

my honourable member's interest in

Welsh ports, Holyhead as important

as is fish guards in Pembrokeshire

and I think leaving the European

Union provides new opportunities

both the North Wales and South West

Wales. After we have left the

European Union, they will be

gateways to Europe in a way they

haven't been up until now and I

think their growth opportunities at

local authorities and businesses

need to to.

Number six, sir.

Order, can I just remind the

house... Order, order. Can I just

remind the house that an honourable

member shouldn't leave the chamber

until the exchanges on his or her

question have been completed. It

really is the height of

Parliamentary discourtesy. I hope I

don't have to say that again. I have

just been alerted to that and it

shouldn't happen again.

Secretary of

State. Thank you Mr Speaker. Leaving

the European Union allows us to

establish new trading unions across

the globe, forging ahead is a global

leader in free trade. Welsh exports

have outperformed the UK average in

the last year and I'm working

closely with the trade Secretary to

build on this success.

Get those

people back into the chamber. It is

good of the honourable gentleman to

drop in on us, we are grateful.

What

is my right honourable friend doing

to encourage Welsh businesses and

consumers to seize the opportunity

of a global Britain by boosting

imports and exports, to increase

consumer choice and helping

businesses to create more good jobs

as we leave the EU?

I am grateful to

my honourable friend for his

question. My right honourable friend

the Secretary of State for

International Trade has established

the UK board of trade. I am pleased

that Lord Meadow and Heather

Stephens sits on the board

representatives and their reputation

goes well them and businesses are

already responding. I have quoted

the export data, which is

encouraging, but clearly there is

more work to do.

If the Secretary of

State is serious about his

discussions of Wales Douvan

International business links, why

won't he and his Government

published the impact assessments?

Isn't it time these disappearing

documents came to light?

We have

published the 50th sectoral

analyses, covering all of those

sectors that are key to the Welsh

economy, from steel to aerospace and

not only have we share them in the

Commons on the Other Place, we have

shared these 800 pages with that of

old administrations, demonstrating

the open, pragmatic approach we are

taking to involving every part of

the United Kingdom.

Question number

seven.

Figures show that export from Wales

grew by 19% last year. Welsh

businesses also looking to markets

outside of the European Union, where

exports grew by 23% over the same

period. I will continue to support

businesses in Wales to make them --

help them make the most of new

opportunities.

Like Wales, there are

businesses that are the lifeblood of

the economy, to first class

accommodation and food and drink,

and will my right honourable friend

agree with me that Brexit will

provide additional trading

opportunities for them and companies

across Wales?

I'm grateful for my

honourable friend for her question.

She's a strong champion for Cornwall

and I think Cornwall is already

responding through her leadership to

the new opportunities that leaving

EU provides. Wales is doing rightly

the same. Exports to areas outside

the European Union are growing at a

much sharper rate than those of the

European Union and Wales is well

ahead of the UK average.

What other

trading opportunities we already

have, and the risk of the Jaguar

Land Rover business contract ending

early? What is the Secretary of

State doing to try and help those

jobs be secured for the future?

The

honourable member raises an

important point, about Ford in

Bridgend. I'm at the unions recently

and spoke to afford on a regular

basis and I was pleased the Welsh

Government responded to their

suggestion that I join their working

group. We are determined to work

together to come out with the best

outcome for jobs.

Question number

eight.

With permission Mr Speaker, I

will answer ten together. As the

Chancellor announced in the budget,

we have begun formal negotiations

for a North Wales growth deal. The

local area had shared their initial

proposals and I was delighted to

host a briefing session from

north-west MPs earlier this week. My

officials in North Wales today to

develop proposals and it is an

exciting deal for the region.

The

North Wales growth deal will build

on the positive cross-border work

already taking place, which is of

interest to the good people of East

Renfrewshire.

He is absolutely

right, the cross-border

conductivity, which is essential to

the success of North Wales, is a key

part of the North Wales growth deal.

That connectivity allows the

north-west of England and north-west

of Wales to benefit from the

economic success story that is

available both sides of the economic

border.

He will remember from the

joint ministerial visit we undertook

in Chester and North Wales, there is

enthusiasm for the steel on both

sides of the border. Can he show me

that that enthusiasm will carry

through not just to the north-west

of England but also all the way

through to the Humber region, giving

the alliances between Humber and

Hall.

I do indeed remember the

visitor Chester, which was a great

success and I am pleased to say the

new Northern Powerhouse Minister was

at the briefing we had in the Wales

Office on Monday. Businesses, local

authorities in North Wales,

understand the power of the Northern

Powerhouse but we also know North

Wales has a lot to offer to the

Northern Powerhouse and that

cross-border deal is essential to

the economic well-being of North

Wales.

Will be Minister please meet

with the all-party group for North

Wales and Mersey de to discuss the

detail of the growth deal and will

you please show me the colour of his

money?

The honourable member for

Wrexham is the chair of the

all-party group and I would be

delighted to meet with the all-party

group. I'm well aware of the group

and the work they have done but I

think this deal is a deal for North

Wales and that means we have to work

with all stakeholders, all partners,

including the honourable member.

Unemployment has risen by 10% in my

constituency, showing the need for

this growth deal as a matter of

urgency. Will the Minister focus

particularly on those cross-border

issues to improve transport links to

North Wales.

I thank the honourable

member for its question and I am

aware of support for this growth

deal. It is fair to say the

unemployment system Bakkali

situation in Wales has seen dramatic

improvement since 2010, 50 4,000

more jobs and unemployment falling.

My constituency has the lowest

unemployment recorded for a long

time but I can assure the honourable

gentleman that of the cross-border

deal will help his constituency, we

will help to deliver it.

Number

nine, Mr Speaker.

Minister.

Thank

you, Mr Speaker, the Chancellor has

given additional support for

Universal Credit claimants, and

advances to people who need it will

be made earlier and will be more

generous and interest-free. All

claimants will be eligible for

Universal Credit from the first day

they claim it and we will improve

the transition from housing benefit

to universal credits.

The DWP's own

analysis shows that half of those

with rent arrears in the Universal

Credit said that they had gone into

arrears after making a claim. Is the

Secretary of State content with the

fact that more Welsh families who

are currently not in arrears will

begin 2018 in debt, once they have

made their Universal Credit claim?

I

simply don't recognise the doom and

gloom of the honourable lady. I have

visited job sectors throughout the

Wales and job sacked staff are

telling me in relation to Universal

Credit that it is the biggest change

in a generation. I met the regional

manager for North Wales who said in

40 years of working for the DWP,

this was the most positive and

customer focus changes have been

aware of this is a change that is

helping people back into employment.

The honourable lady supports the

changes and the efforts the

Government are making to get people

back into work.