12/03/2016 Welsh Conservative Party Conference

The Conservatives in Wales have their best time in decades. Can they

do the same in May? Welcome to conference 2016.

Welcome to the last of our programmes covering the Welsh

The Conservatives are closing the season with their conference in

Over the next two hours we'll bring you all the main speeches

and reaction from the delegates - and assess the party's chances ahead

All that, of course, ahead of today's big clash

You too can join in the debate - we're on twitter @walespolitics.

So how better to warm up for the big match than with a bit of political

scrummage - and our commentator throughout this afternoon as usual

is our Welsh affairs editor, Vaughan Roderick

What sort of shape is the party in? Pretty optimistic. They are still in

a good mood following their general election win last year. They have

taken some glee at what has happened in the Labour Party since. We do

have the European referendum with the party divided between those who

support David Cameron's position and want to see Britain remain in the

European Union and those who support Andrew RT Davies's position, who

want to leave the European Union. There is talk about breaking the

rules and David Cameron came to clanged often yesterday. Most of his

speech was about Europe and he did address the Welsh assembly

elections. Was it out of order? The party itself is supposed to be

neutral. The party's apparatus isn't meant to be used to favour one

campaign or the other. The view some of the representatives talk was but

David Cameron was using a party event to promote the main message.

It was uncomfortable for some people. Not only did he choose to

speak about Europe but he chose to speak about Europe and agriculture.

Andrew RT Davies is a farmer. He describes himself as 18 stone of

prime Welsh beef. And the Prime Minister went on about European beef

exports. I thought it was coded criticism from Andrew RT Davies on

coming out on the leave aside. The conference ended

officially at lunchtime, but there are still quite a few

delegates and reporters in Among them our very

own Carl Roberts. Still there, not many behind you,

but did they leave with a spring in their step? Yes, and in a hurry

because they wanted to get back to Cardiff for the game. This was a

wind down, all the major action happened yesterday. Andrew RT Davies

made his speech yesterday, Stephen Crabb as well. We were waiting for

the Prime Minister to arrive. They have even taken the flag stand, so

keen are they to get away from Llangollen to get back for the

rugby. There was a buzz as David Cameron arrived, also speculation as

to how he would greet Andrew RT Davies. We know the men are in

disagreement over Europe. On the stage they were in agreement over

the Labour government being in power too long in Cardiff. As you alluded

to in the studio, some shuffling of papers and looking down at their

shoes when David Cameron started talking about Europe. Stephen Crabb,

the Welsh Secretary was the Prime Minister's warm up man. When he

started talking about remaining in Europe, there were some murmurs in

the hall from the audience. There are many people within the

Conservative Party who want to leave the UK to leave the European Union

and seeing David Cameron making the case to stay on the stage, didn't

sit too well with many of them. Was there a Tony Blair WI moments, then

coming here and talking about things they shouldn't talk about. They

should be focusing on Wales here? Speaking to the delegates

afterwards, they weren't happy the Prime Minister had done what he had

done. We were talking to other politicians and they just didn't put

Europe in their speeches. I am sure many would have liked to have done.

There where many people shaking their heads. There was no heckling

of the Prime Minister, a few murmurs for Stephen Crabb. But for the Prime

Minister to focus on the effects on leaving the EU on Welsh agriculture,

when possibly the most famous father in Wales was sat in the front row,

was a blatant message from the Prime Minister David Cameron. Let's have a

quick word on the potential manifesto, what are they offering?

Five key pledges they have launched here at this conference. There is

more to come, they said. Driving up education standards. Angela Byrne

has been speaking today. They very much want to put teaching at the

heart of rising education standards. They want to get rid of the regional

consortia bodies. They want to get rid of those and give the

headteacher is the responsibility to improve standards. There is the

promise on 30 hours of free childcare. A promise to protect

spending on the NHS and they also made a promise on social care for

older people. They will be able to give up to 100 -- keep up to

?100,000 of their assets if they go into care. There are plans to move a

government department to North Wales. I asked which one and they

said we will find out in the coming weeks. They have set their stall

out, as parties tend to do at these conferences. I am impressed you have

memorised them all. More from you later in Llangollen.

Well the keynote speaker at the Conference was

the Prime Minister who took the floor yesterday.

David Cameron talked about the assembly election

but his main focus was very much on the European referendum,

That upset some senior members of his party,

including the former Welsh Secretary David Jones

Here's what David Cameron had to say.

It is great to be back in Llangollen with all of you. I am proud to be

with our Welsh Tory team once again. Alun Cairns, Andrew RT Davies,

chairman, Jonathan Evans, and Stephen Crabb. A great team.

APPLAUSE What a year we have had. 12 months

ago, we met in Cardiff, just as the election campaign was about to

begin. The polls showed a dead heat. The pundits were predicting

deadlock. Removal men were wondering whether they really would have to

fit that headstone to the door of Number Ten Downing St. It was a

nervous time, but we stuck to our plan and we stuck together all the

way to the finish line. We've won many great victories that night. And

here in Wales, not just holding the seeds we won in 2010, but increasing

our winning margins, the length and breadth of this country. And there

was more, Brecon and Renfrewshire, Conservative for the first time in

20 years. A local GP campaigning passionately on the NHS, winning for

us in the Vale of Clywd. And the stunning victory in Gower, Tory for

the first time in nearly 100 years. APPLAUSE

30 years. Yes, others, the Conservatives, now with over a

quarter of Welsh MPs. Our success has been based on hard campaigning

of course. has been based on hard campaigning

alone. Almost over half the world's commercial aircraft flight using

wings made by Airbus in Wales. Manufacturing the tiny cells that

support half of the world's mobile phones. Toyota in Deeside makes 950

engines everyday. And Wales has a growing and well and reputation for

innovation, manufacturing and research. Welsh infrastructure, we

are delivering the most ambitious programme of railway investment in

Wales for more than a century. The electrification of the great Western

main row and Crossrail will allow you to travel from Cardiff to Canary

Wharf in two hours. There will be a direct link between Cardiff and

Heathrow. We will see the electrification all the way to

Swansea. APPLAUSE

1000 new jobs at the Wrexham prison. Working with Hitachi and Horizon to

build the new power station. We provided ?69 million for superfast

broad band. And homes and businesses can now get access speed three times

faster than the UK average. We have Welsh tourism. Rough guides puts

Wales in their top ten countries to visit in the entire world. You have

some unfair advantages, the sandy beaches of Gower, the Rocky

Mountains of Snowdonia, the beauty and drama of Anglesey's coastline.

And the waterfalls of the Vale of need. It is no wonder rough guides

calls this country one of the finest natural playgrounds in the world.

And the powerhouse that is Welsh culture. Wales is blessed with

performing arts, comedy and music. We are securing the future of S4C,

channel created by a Conservative Government.

APPLAUSE And in the Wales millennium Centre,

there is a national home for the arts that will be fit to grace any

the world's great capitals. There are those unique Welsh events.

There's nothing like the Eisteddfod in the United Kingdom and as someone

who is proud to have visited The Royal Welsh show as Leader of the

Opposition and as Prime Minister, there is no vigour, better

celebration of rural life anywhere in the United Kingdom.

APPLAUSE Of course, at this stage I should

mention Welsh sport. But we will need to be careful here! There is a

big Grant slam decider coming up tomorrow. Because you have developed

a habit of spoiling the English party at Twickenham, I don't want to

stare passions too much. Coasts of the Ryder Cup, the world Rugby cup

and Ashes cricket. So many world champions and gold medallists, many

of whom we will see in Rio. And we are looking forward to seeing the

watchful all team competing in the finals of a national tournament for

the first time since 1958. That will be a great competition. So there is

so much potential for Wales. But making Wales a powerhouse in every

sense must also mean creating a powerhouse parliament in Cardiff

Bay. With Wales Bill, we will honour the St Davids Day agreement in full.

It means a new model of devolution with more clarity over Welsh

assembly responsibilities. It means new powers in areas like energy,

transport, local government and assembly elections. It means real

fairness. Four years Welsh politicians have been asking for a

funding flaw that would protect the level of funding for Wales. I am

proud it was a Conservative Government and a Conservative Prime

Minister that delivered them. And as Stephen has just said, whatever our

disagreements with Welsh Labour, and there are many, people know with us

we will work to do what is best for Wales. We will work constructively

with what ever Administration is in charge in Cardiff and we will bang

the drum for Wales at every opportunity. That is why I was so

proud to host the Nato summit at Celtic Manor. It is why we work with

the watch government to bring the UK investment Summit to Wales in 2014.

Last month, we work together in Cardiff and Westminster to help

deliver the fantastic announcement by Aston Martin, the one that will

bring so many jobs to Glamorgan. So Wales is going to make James

Bond's next car, we just need a Welsh James Bond to drive it!

LAUGHTER I come before you today with today with a simple warning -

the future is not guaranteed. Those jobs that took years to create can

disappear quickly. The investment that took so throng secure can dry

up like like a change in the weather. The confidence of today

could start to drain away tomorrow. And there are to big choices facing

the Welsh people that will determine what happens next. The first is who

should control the Welsh Assembly. It's a straight fight this May

between the Conservatives and Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party. New

leadership with us or carrying on with a tired Labour Party. They have

been in power for 17 years in Wales already. Do we want to let them

waste even more of your money? Do we want them to do even more damage to

the Welsh licence? Do you know what Carwyn Jones said about Jeremy

Corbyn the other day? He called him inspirational.

LAUGHTER. And I suppose in some ways he's right. Jeremy Corbyn's failure

to back anti-terror measure shoes inspire deep concern. His plan to

raise taxes and borrow forever should inspire real fear. His plans

to send our nuclear submarines to sail around the world's oceans

without nuclear weapons will inspire ridicule. Do you really want to do

22 uninterrupted years of this lot running the Welsh Assembly?

AUDIENCE: No! Carwyn Jones said something I really agree with. He

said, in this election the Tories will say, we've had long enough,

it's time for a change. First Minister, thank you, you're on

message. APPLAUSE.

Carwyn, you've had long enough. It is time for change, and on May 5th

Wales can vote for that change. Because there's so much potential

for Wales. But it could remain unfulfilled. Let's be clear, Wales

is being held back by Labour. As we look to devolve those vital economic

powers to help Wales go forward, Labour is teaming up with the

nationalists to wreck it. All because they think they might need a

collation with Plaid in May. As we extend the right to buy in England,

Wales is abolishing it completely. As the most successful countries on

our planet stretch schoolchildren and teachers with more rigour and

more testing, Labour in Wales is scrapping league tables and

standardised tests. As a result Welsh children are in danger of

falling behind. As cancer and A waiting time targets are missed year

after year, Labour plans to keep starving the NHS of the resources it

so badly needs. We need a new administration. One that will get to

work on those M4 up grades, that can deliver the devolution that Cardiff

Bay needs, one that can put to an end to painful neglect of our NHS in

Wales. One that can help the steel workers in Port Talbot, bring rigour

back into the classroom, complete the Cardiff City deal and give the

economic security that Wales needses to fulfil its potential. We can be

that team for Wales. And we've got some great candidates standing in

May. Jane Cowen in Cardiff North, Simon banes in Clwyd south, Lyndon

Jones in Gower, Gary Price in Brecon and George Gabor, born in Syria, he

is standing for our party in Bridgend. I say we should get down

there, get behind George and give the First Minister a real run for

his money. APPLAUSE. Now, the second big choice

we've got to make is about Europe, and that crucial vote on June 23rd.

This is the most important political decisions that we will make in our

lifetime. And it comes down to this. Do we stay in a reformed EU? Or do

we take a leap in the dark? I can describe to you very clearly what in

will look like now and into the future. It's exactly the kind of y

the kind of future I've outlined today - open, dynamic, confident,

successful. We'll be in that free trade single market with the easy

access to 500 million consumers that it brings. We'll see real

opportunities for growth, in key sectors like digital and energy,

services as we complete the single market and agree important trade

deals with America, with Japan and India. We'll keep the 100,000 jobs

that are linked to Welsh access to that single markets. And we'll have

a special status that keeps us out of the parts of Europe, out of the

euro, out of the open borders, out of ever closer union, those things

that just don't work for Britain. APPLAUSE. Put simply, we will be

stronger, safer, and better off. But on the other side of this argument

there is all I can see is risk and uncertainty. Those who want us to

leave can't tell us what the aftermath of an exit from the EU

would look like. The most important question is going to be this: Would

we still be in the single market? If the anticipates is yeah e in the --

if the if the answer is yes, we'll have to pay into the EU. No, any

alternative would mean new impediments, restrictions and costs

for Welsh businesses. What would that mean? 'S take one example -

agriculture. Welsh farmers and food producers rely on the single market.

Market. It gives them access to 500 million consumers to whom they can

sell their goods on an open and unrestrictive basis. No tariffs, to

barriers, no bogus health and safety rules designed to keep our products

out. If we left this single market and relied on World Trade

Organisation rules, as some suggest, the extra costs of exporting British

people would be ?240 million a year. And extra ?90 million would be added

to the cost of British lamb exports. Just think what that would mean for

Wales, where almost 50,000 jobs rely on agriculture. And where the EU

accounts for over 90% of Welsh agricultural exports. 98% of dairy

products go to the EU. But outside the single market they can attract a

new 36% tariff. 92% of beef exports go to the EU, and tariff there is

could be, under these rules, between 58 and 70%. Welsh lamb, such an

important export, such a source of national pride, that could be badly

hit. 97% of lamb e ports go to the EU but lamb could be slapped with a

40% tariff. Now, of course, relying on WTO rules is just one option that

people advocate. We could go for a Canadian-style free trade deal

instead. One of the leading proponents of Britain leaving the EU

has suggested that today. Let's note for a moment that seven years on

from the start of talks on a Canadian free trade deal, that deal

is still not in place. Think about that. Seven years of uncertainty.

Seven years of uncertainty for businesses, not knowing what the

arrangements would be for trading with Europe. Seven years of

uncertainty for our farmers not knowing whether those markets would

be open. Seven years of uncertainties for businesses wanting

to invest in Britain to provide jobs and livelihoods, not knowing what

our relationship would be with Europe. Those seven years of

uncertainty cannot be justified. They cannot be in our national

interest and we should reject that idea out of hand.

APPLAUSE. Because... Because in that scenario, in the Canada free trade

deal scenario, there would also be quotas and restrictions. A free

trade deal like this would mean limits on how many tonnes of meet we

could export, and high extra costs and restrictions for goods over that

limit. Those asking us to leave seem to think that those countries we

would have just left will give us some sort of sweetheart deal. But

let me ask you this: Why would French farmers not want a slice of

the market share of Welsh sheep farmers or Welsh beef farmers?

Farmers? Why wouldn't the Italians want a greater advantage to their

cheese makers or the Spanish a negotiation to help their pig

farmers? The leaves say we should trade more with the rest of the

yorld. Of course we should and of course we will, but no-one should be

naive about how easy this is. We have a special relationship with the

United States of America. But here's a question for you. How much beef

and how much lamb do you think we e port to the United States of

America? Answer: None. Nothing. Zero. Zilch. And here's the lesson.

Just because you have friendly relations with other countries it

doesn't automatically mean you will get a good deal. It's not an

exaggeration to say that Welsh agriculture, Welsh farmers and Welsh

jobs could suffer enormously if we left the single market. It is just a

fact. And I do think we are entitled to a few facts from the other side

of the argument, from those who want us to leave. They are asking us to

trust that leaving would somehow be worth the profound economic shock

and the years of uncertainty that would follow. They say we would have

more control. How, exactly? Leaving the EU but remaining in the single

market doesn't give us more control. It just stops us from having any say

over the rules of trade. Relying on WTO resumes doesn't give us more

control. It just hurts industry. It hits jobs and hikes up prices.

Trying for a free trade deal doesn't give us more control. It just

meanses years of painful negotiations, and a poorer deal than

we have today. In the end, those who want us to leave are telling thaw

you can have all the benefits of EU membership but none of the

trade-offs. But as everyone knows, if it sounds too good to be true,

that's normally because it is. And let us remember, this isn't some

abstract question. These are people's jobs, people's

livelihoodhoods, people's life chances, people's families we are

talking about. I say don't put them at risk. Don't take this leap in the

dark. APPLAUSE.

It's very simple for me. I love Britain, not Brussels. My job is

just to say what I believe is right for the country. I've been your

Prime Minister for six years. I'm not standing again. I'm telling it

as I see it, nothing more, nothing less. And my judgment is this. We

are stronger, safer and better off inside this reformed organisation.

We can choose the best of both worlds, and that is what I hope the

Welsh people will do on June 23rd. So a crucial few moments lie ahead.

A decision on May 5th that offers the chance for new leadership in

Cardiff Bay. And a vote on June 23rd that will determine our economic

success and our influence in the world for generations to come. There

is so much potential for Wales. But there are also some momentous

choices coming round the corner. Make the right choices and Wales can

go on to become that powerhouse. Make the wrong ones and Wales could

get left behind. And all this potential, all the sacrifice obvious

the last few years could go to waste. So I say, let us get out

there and win these big arrangements. We can do it. Let's

devolve those powers. Let's keep our accesses to that single market.

Let's back Welsh agriculture. Let's build that power station. Let's

electrify those lines. Let's cheap those jobs. Keep that investment.

Let us keep going. Let us build that Welsh powerhouse and let us win for

Wales. Thank you. Andrew RT Davies just about clapping there but not in

other places of the speech. Vaughan what do you make

of what the Prime Minister The decision to put Europe at the

heart of the speech was a contact late risk. There is could have been

blow-back from the whole. There wasn't as it happens. There were,

including the Welsh Conservative leader, who weren't joining in the

applause at stages. I suspect it suggests that David Cameron is

feeling very, very confident about the way the European campaign is

going. That he feels he can be pretty dismissive and pretty, come

down pretty heavily on the Welsh Conservative leader, sensing that

the party faithful in Wales are willing for him to do that. We have

to remember yesterday, of course, Boris Johnson kicked off his big

speech. He mentioned Canada as a model. So maybe this speech by David

Cameron was geared more towards attacking Boris Johnson than Carwyn

Jones. It was certainly designed to provide the reacting sound bite for

media throughout the UK. He happened to be many in Wales. He wanted to

respond to Boris Johnson, so he could have his clip on the news at

10 and wherever. So yes, there was an element of that. But he could

have done that in passing. He could have spent a minute on it and said

you may have heard today, instead of which he was going on about half the

speech devoted to Europe and that's really not what the Welsh

Conservatives strategists were hoping for. They were hoping to keep

Europe out of this conference as much as possible.

Let's look at what they are offering ahead of this election. There is the

pledge about care for the elderly. How radical are these set of

proposals? What we have seen so far, let's be clear about it, what we

have seen so far our keynote policies which are designed to be

interested in being enough to get press attention. We haven't seen the

broad range programme of government together with the costings,

whatever. There is a tendency, and this is true for other parties,

earlier announcements can come across as being like a gimmick. That

is what I intended to be, in a sense. They were intended to catch

the eye. To see how radical the programme is, we will have to wait

to see the manifesto. But we're not seeing anything about free school

academies. It is a centrist programme. Thanks for that. Plenty

more speeches to come this afternoon.

Let's go back to Llangollen now where our reporter Carl Roberts has

It is all over, but they stayed behind with you? They think it is

all over, it is now. We have two candidates standing in key seats, as

far as the Conservatives are concerned. Sam Rowlands is landing

in the Vale of Clywd and the other is the Vale of Glamorgan. Sam, you

are taking on Labour candidates who have been in their seats for 17

years and won every time the Labour. They present a challenge, but

following your success in the Vale of Clywd, it gives you new renewed

hope? It does, it shows people want change in Wales. We saw our best

general election results for more than 30 years in May. For the Vale

of Clywd in particular, people are getting tired of labour. They are

tired of not seeing their towns moving forward and they are tired of

the local health services not being at the standard they want to see.

And they are tired of the high street not being as vibrant as they

should. It is time for change. It seems to be a theme we have heard in

this conference, Ross. You are representing the Vale of Glamorgan.

But they could be across any constituency across any country? It

is interesting where the Vale of Glamorgan is, if Labour win in make,

the Vale of Glamorgan will cease to exist. We are taking on these

candidates, in my case Jayne hats, who has been in the Vale of

Glamorgan for some time. People have realised she is not putting the

constituency first. She is putting council tax up time and again. There

are plans to scrap and merge with Cardiff. Cardiff politicians could

impose hundreds and hundreds of new homes in the avail of Glamorgan, not

to meet our needs, but to meet Cardiff's need. It is a worry it

could be a building site and a dumping ground for the capital. The

Prime Minister visited yesterday, the secretary of state was here. Do

you think the day was overshadowed by the mention of Europe from the

Prime Minister? No, I think a lot of key policies came forward yesterday.

I was pleased to hear those coming forward. Speaking to the delegates,

they are excited about what we will do differently here in Wales as a

Conservative Party. EU was mentioned, it is always mentioned at

the moment. It is an important thing happening in June. Before then, we

have an election happening in Wales. We know how your leader will vote in

the referendum, how will you vote? I will be voting out. I will be

actively campaigning for the Welsh assembly elections in May. Ross, you

will have a vote in this referendum, how would you vote? I am voting to

leave as well. I think there is a huge number of conservatives voting

to leave. Perhaps at the fringes and in the pubs,

to leave. Perhaps at the fringes and brought forward, five of them. What

is your favourite, if you like? Which one stands out for you and

which one do you think will get those 400,000 people that voted for

the party last year to come out and vote again? In the avail of Clywd,

one of the most important issues is jobs, economic issues and the high

street. Support for local businesses and the business rates is probably

the most important issue. Once you get people into work, you have seen

massive unemployment rates in areas of my constituency, which is a

shame. Money has been thrown at it from central government in Cardiff.

What a sensational 12 months this hope for

What a sensational 12 months this has been for our party since we met

in Cardiff last year. At the time we were just weeks away from a critical

general election. Commentators were telling us we were set to lose. They

said we would lose seats, lose the economic argument, lose the keys to

Number Ten unless we could and together coalition partners like the

Lib Dems or Ukip. Plaid Cymru told anyone who would listen, it would be

their three seats that would make them the kingmakers. Well

conference, as we know Twitter got it wrong, the polls got it wrong and

the pundits got it wrong. They got it wrong in Cardiff on the Web Craig

Williams increased the Wales Conservative majority 11 fold. In

reckon, Chris Davies sunk the yellow submarine, delivering a 5000

majority. Doctor James Davies, collected in the Vale of Clywd, a

seat Labour never thought they would lose. But the result... If you want

to participate, that is the way to do it. Hopefully more of you will

participate in the speech. But a seat that had never turned blue in

more than a century, at 27 vote Conservative victory in Gower. A

tribute dedication and tenacity of my friends, Byron Davies.

APPLAUSE And when it came to counting those

votes, including the 27 in Gower, a majority Conservative Government

confirmed. We were able to welcome back his position at the Cabinet

table, as Secretary of State, Stephen Crabb. Stephen, to you and

the Welsh office team, thank you for everything you do to supporters in

the Welsh assembly and acting on behalf of the people of Wales. Thank

you. APPLAUSE

But most of all, I want to thank you, the activists, the community of

activists who delivered our election victory. All those leaflets

delivers, doors not, envelopes stuffed. I Welsh Conservative

family. Conference, 55 days out of the most difficult and important

watch election in the general election, I am so proud we have the

most incredible set of candidates fighting to secure real change for

Wales. In Wrexham, the tenacity of Andy Atkinson, window cleaner now

plastering the town's windows with blue posters!

APPLAUSE He will turn Wrexham blue. Also an

man who has spoken to every single voter in Bridgend. He will do it

again, ready to give Carwyn Jones the fright of his life. Also backing

local businesses. Tomorrow we are opening a tea room and Simon, you

can buy this Konz. By the size of me, I will need a few! -- scones.

Sam role and is ready to secure change for the Vale of Clywd. He is

in at boy bands, so it doesn't matter what Labour will throw at

him, he will Take That! APPLAUSE

From the big brother to the Senate, he is used to winning votes, Joe

Williams. He went over 1 million votes, more than Labour have ever

got in any election here in Wales. Over the last five years, I have

been proud to lead the most determined, hard-working, passionate

group in the assembly, fighting for all of our communities in all

corners of Wales. Tanks to our Wales Conservative family, Britain's

economic recovery is strengthening with a confident and competent

government, that settles its debts and is building a stronger economy.

A government that delivers dignity and security in old age, opportunity

and hope for young people, by creating more jobs to give more

people be economic security of a regular paycheque and will deliver

the living wage. That is investing in our defence is to keep our nation

united and safe. Conference, there are young people who will be voting

in this election, who have only known a Labour run the Welsh

government. Young people who go through an education system which is

failing to reach its potential. Young people who cannot get on the

housing ladder because Labour has not build enough affordable homes.

Young people, who want to get on in life, but while the economy is

strengthening, under Labour Wales is falling behind. The assembly

election matters to them and it matters to all of us. David Cameron

and the Conservatives have shown they can deliver for the UK. Our

Welsh Conservative team will bring the same focus and discipline and

provide a better future for Wales. This election is different. The

general election showed every voter matters. More people voted Welsh

Conservatives in the general election than have ever voted Labour

in any assembly election, proving a vote for the Welsh Conservatives

again this time, will secure real change for Wales. May the 5th is a

chance for a fresh start and an opportunity for Wales to achieve its

full potential. After 17 years of Labour rule, we find ourselves and

the country at a crossroads and big decisions lie ahead. To the left,

lies the path of Jeremy Corbyn and his Welsh Labour colleagues want us

to take. A trip down memory lane to the 1970s. Five more years of

Labour's managed decline backed up by their little helpers. Conference,

we need another part. Wales is already benefiting from

Conservatives in government. Stable, competent leadership can help our

country to move forward. With Toyota building hybrid engines at the

Deeside plant. JCB increasing production and expanding just down

the road in Wrexham. A new super prison in North rails creating more

than 1000 jobs. Plus, a tax cut for 1.2 million people in Wales. 170,000

now pay no income tax at all and the prospect of a city deal for South

Wales. Yet further evidence the UK Government is putting Wales first

and the Conservatives are delivering poor communities right across the

country. Just imagine what I Welsh Conservative government could

achieve working closer with Conservative colleagues in the UK

Government. In a few weeks, voters face a choice between a bright

future with Welsh Conservatives or sticking with Jeremy Corbyn's Labour

Party with the same ideas that have not worked and will not work. Carwyn

Jones's time in office has been abject failure.

APPLAUSE Were hoping for. They were hoping to

keep Europe out of this conference as much as possible. He claims that

Labour is delivering but what have his Government achieved beyond the

disappointment of managed decline. The harsh reality of Carwyn Jones is

he has failed to live up to his promises to improve public services.

Labour's First Minister said they would cut NHS waiting times. Failed.

He said they could improve education standards. Failed. He said they

would cut child poverty levels. He has failed. Compared to the rest of

the UK, Wales still has the lowest take-home pay... Pay...

Basil Fawlty famously learnt the hard way that cheap doesn't always

mean cheerful and Carwyn's shoddy work echoes Mr O'Reilly, the shoddy

builder. We have an opportunity to kick the cowboy builders out.

APPLAUSE. Let's be clear. Labour are bad for your health. They've run the

Welsh National Health Service since 1999. The dawn of devolution. And

throughout these 17 years the shape of our NHS has changed beyond

recognition. Mostly for the worst. Worst. In the last five years alone

we've seen emergency departments threatened with closure, hospital

downgrades and closed services, and ultimately services axed and minor

injury units given the boot. It is hardly a picture of health. Health.

Did you know there are more people than ever waiting more than 9 months

for a hospital appointment. One in seven of us are on a waiting list.

That's nearly 15% of the population. Or that the NHS waiting lists have

doubled on Carwyn Jones' watch. Did you know that the 4 hour A waiting

target hasn't been met since 2009? Or we are seven times less likely to

be able to access vital cancer treatments in Wales than in England.

That simply is sun acceptable. Acceptable. At the last Assembly

election in 2011, Labour promised no hospital closures, or downgrading.

Yet community after community are now required to travel further for

freedom. It simply isn't fair and we'll be working tirelessly to make

Labour pay for their broken promises.

APPLAUSE. And never forget that our dedicated NHS staff are not to

blame. We owe a huge debt of gratitude and thanks to each and

every one of the members of the Welsh NHS staff, who turn up and

work tirelessly on before of the patients they care for so

passionately. So let's give them a big round of applause to thank them

for their work. APPLAUSE. Conference, the buck stops

with Labour Ministers, propped up by their Plaid and Lib Dem helpers. Our

criticism of Labour's mismanagement of the NHS is an attack on the

political decisions that have been taken. I will not apologise for

speaking out, because doctors, nurses and patients deserve better.

The blame for these failures lies with those sitting around the

Cabinet table in Cardiff. Labour Ministers. Labour Ministers who took

the decision to savagely cut the NHS budget in Wales. Starving the front

line of over ?1 billion. Labour Ministers who stubbornly refused to

introduce a cancer patients fund and continue to deny the need for an

independent inquiry into the Welsh NHS. That's right, conference,

Labour are bad for your health. And that's why we need real change in

May. But, conference, there's only one party who can deliver that

change. Because of of all the other parties in the Assembly, they plan

the keep Labour in Government. Conference, you've heard about

Labour's record. You would think no-one would dream of helping them

into power in May, that no-one would want them to hold on to the strings

of Government. But conference, Leanne would. I know. I did have my

doubts on that one. That's right, having spent four years in coalition

with Labour and several more signing cosy deals, Plaid have a lot a

answer for. If Plaid Cymru's leader really wanted to improve the Welsh

NHS, driver up education standards and help the economy flourish, she

would rule out propping up Labour in May, something she shrefused to do.

APPLAUSE. If Plaid truly believe that it is unhealthy for Labour to

have ruled in Wales for so long, then all they have to do is get out

of that box that they set with Labour, and actually stand up and be

counted. But they are refusing to do that. The truth is a vote for Plaid

is a vote for five more years of Labour in Wales. A fate this country

can ill afford, when the people of Wales go to the ballot box in May

they have a clear choice of who will lead the Welsh Government. Only the

Welsh Conservatives will end 17 years of stagnant, uninterrupted

Labour rule from Cardiff Bay. And that is why Welsh Conservatives will

be bringing forward a radical manifesto that secures real change

for Wales. Wales needs an ambitious Government prepared to deliver real

change by using all the devolved levers to ensure a better future or

our nation. Times have changed. With income tax powers on the way to

Wales or nation is the host a mature, responsible, empowered

legislature, a true Welsh Parliament. Accountable for the

money it spends and with the tools to potentially give Wales a

competitive edge. Conference, the tax powers are a game changer for

devolution but nothing makes me more uncomfortable than the thought of

Jeremy Corbyn and Carwyn Jones with their grubby hands all over our

hard-earned pay packets. The next Welsh Government must seek too use

these powers to support hard working people across Wales and to fuel the

Welsh economy. So I'm proud to announce today that a Welsh

Conservative Government will seek to make Wales the low-tax capital of

the UK. APPLAUSE. And deliver an income tax

cut for approximately 1.3 million people across Wales. That's real

change. That's real ambition. And that's giving Wales the competitive

edge our country, our nation needs. I want to lead a Government that has

the interests of every man, woman and child at its heart, and creates

opportunities for everyone to fulfil their full potential. We want to

remove barriers to employment, helping people at all stages of

their life, and supporting working people to get on. That's why one of

our key pledges for the people of Waleses will be to treble the

available free childcare, ensuring affordable, accessible and timely

support for females. Delivering flexible, secure childcare which

families across Wales with depend on. Giving people opportunities to

find work and fulfil their potential. Safe in the knowledge

that a Welsh Conservative Government is offering the helping hand they

need to support their families. It is simple. Isn't it right that

parents in other parts of the UK continue to benefit from additional

free care compared to Welsh families and Welsh society across the length

and breadth of Wales? Wales? Labour's legacy, conference, will

change that. But it can't just be that. But it can't just be about

keeping the An end to Labour's cap on job

support. Making opportunities to open to all. When I travel across

Wales, nothing gives me more pleasure than meeting people heel

have taken a risk. A gamble. To achieve something truly special for

their families and their community. Conference, small business support

will be a priority for my Government. My promise...

APPLAUSE. My promise, the most small business friendly Government Wales

has ever seen, so if you run a small business in Wales, you will pay no

business rates under a Welsh Conservative Government. And every

single economic policy my Government brings forward will be small

business proofed. A Government that rewards people who are prepared to

roll up their sleeves, explore an idea, full full their small business

dream, unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit, backing hard

work. Graft. We all know a strong economy so dependent on

infrastructure. Wales cannot afford inaction or fat eke. As the UK

economy surges forward we risk falling further behind our

neighbours. We need decisive action. That's why on the M4 relief road we

would get diggers on the ground within 12 months. That's the

guarantee of a Welsh Conservative Government. We also know, unlike

Labour, that Wales does not stop at the foot of the A470. And I am proud

to announce today that the Welsh, the next Welsh Conservative

Government led by myself would work to establish a North Wales

powerhouse. APPLAUSE. So we would work with

local authorities, businesses and the voluntary sector. Pool Welsh

Government effort and resources and devolve powers to a regional North

Wales economic board. Delivering clear levers of growth to North

Wales, and let'sing people and businesses here take control. As

local devolution in England surges forward, Wales cannot risk being

left behind. North Wales needs true devolution. Devolution is not about

hoarding power at Cardiff Bay. It is about empowering communities and

regions to have a direct say over their own affairs. We know North

Wales faces distinct challenge. Powers over business rates.

Planning, integrated transport will act as a game changer for North

Wales. So by working with business groups and councils, we can deliver

the levers that North Wales wants, and needs, to deliver locally driven

economic prosperity. And we won't stop there for North Wales. A major

Government department moved to the region, a dedicated Minister at the

Cabinet table, securing real change for North Wales.

APPLAUSE. And, conference, what will this strong Welsh economy help us to

deliver? The very best public services. Under Labour our education

service in Wales has reached breaking points. Despite the very

best efforts of our hard working teachers, attainment continues to

trail behind other UK nations. And again, we must thank the teachers,

the school governors and everyone who has our education system's best

interests at heart. Let's give them a round of applause.

APPLAUSE. I can see Rex from the NASUWT writing that down. The OECD

tells us that Labour lacks a long term vision in education and we have

a First Minister who admitted he has taken his eye off the ball on the

education service. Eye off the ball? Shameful. And what is Labour's

response? They have the nerve to campaign on GCSE results. Results

that lag behind England, results that lag behind Northern Ireland.

And they are celebrating that fact. You couldn't make it up. No ambition

for Wales. No respect for the people of Wales. Just managed decline.

Decline. We believe it is something we need to change. I want to put

teachers back at the heart of our education service. So as a

Government led by myself, we will prioritise transforming teacher

training, giving the professionals the career-long help guidance and

support at the need, to ensure the highest standards in our class

rooms. And we would trust teachers by funding schools directly,

stripping away droppingsy and freeing up resources from from front

line. Because it is teachers, along with governors and parents that know

what is best for our children's education, not Government Ministers.

Plaus plaus. Ation, not Government Ministers. Plaus plaus. --

APPLAUSE. Excellence in education, more cash directed to the classroom,

securing real change for Wales. Conference, I will lead a Government

that supports people throughout their life. Wales has an ageing

population. In fact it is the UK's oldest nation. This is something to

be celebrated. We must always recognise the immense contribution

which older people make to Wales. But it is also a situation we must

ensure our public services can support. Paying for care for people

of all ages is a major issue. But it is an issue which impacts upon our

older people the most. Conference, too many older people see life's

hard work spent on care costs. It is deeply unfair and a scandal that

deserves greater focus by Wales' decision making. Makers. A Welsh

Conservative Government will privatise support for those entering

residential care. We would protect capital assets up to ?100,000.

100,000. Quadrupling the current threshold and would allow people to

plan for their future with a certainty as to their anticipated

care costs, setting a weekly maximum cap of ?400 more residential and

nursing care. A nation which offers individuals dignity and secure.

Delivering fairness to the social care system. Conference, that brings

me back to the single biggest challenge our nation faces, the

state of our NHS. One in seven others are on an NHS

waiting list. Key targets routinely missed. Some are never hit at all.

Local services placed at risk, downgraded and closed. What

underpins this appalling record? Five years ago when we gathered for

the 2011 Spring Forum, conservatives across Wales warned of the dangers

of Labour's proposed cuts. I hate to say it, we have been proved right.

Assisted by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, have starved the

NHS of 100 million pounds. Wales spends ?50 per head less on health

than in England. Patients are paying the price. Welsh Conservatives were

right then and we are right today. Our NHS cannot afford any further

underinvestment. Conference, no Conservative has ever cut the NHS

has. APPLAUSE

So, you won't see this on a Labour pledge card, or a nationalist or the

kippers. Like the people of Wales, the NHS is our number one priority.

I am proud to confirm a Welsh Conservative Government will

guarantee more investment in our health service each and every year.

APPLAUSE No reorganisation, no hospital

closures and never privatising RB livid NHS. Reopening minor injury

units. A new start for our NHS. Securing real change Wales needs.

Conference, last year we all rolled up our sleeves and work so hard to

spread our Conservative message. It was tough, but it was worth it. We

need to do it again. Wales faces an historic 55 days ahead, because our

country has never had a better chance to get rid of Labour. The

whole of the UK is one assembly seat away from becoming a Labour free

zone. It is not simply saying Labour has had a long time to give it

us need to get out there and tell the people of Wales over the next

eight weeks. Roll up your sleeves, because the

eight weeks. Roll up your sleeves, have to focus on is what the

government of Wales will look like on May the sex and how the support

and policies of the government will affect that culture, getting new

blood into agriculture because the average age of farmers today is over

60. You are probably the most high-profile farmer in Wales. You

want us to leave the European Union. Yesterday, David Cameron said we

should remain in because it would be devastating for the Welsh farming

industry. Basically saying you are fundamentally wrong about an

industry you have spent your entire life in. I have lived all my life on

a farm, I have two sons and a daughter who want to come into

farming business, I what farming means and needs to reinvigorate

itself. It doesn't need a continuation of dairy farms and

sheep and beef farmers. We need to farm for food production and not to

the subsidies. So David Cameron is wrong? At the end of the day the

Prime Minister has a position he needs to project because of the

referendum on June 23 and there is a deal to be agreed on. Do we stay in

the European Union as a political entity, or do we need a union that

is an economic entity that delivers economically for the citizens but

not driving further into political integration. We will have that

debate after May the 6th. But we have these national assembly

elections and if agriculture and farming Bont to benefit they need a

change in Cardiff Bay. All Plaid Cymru have done is drive down the

economy and agriculture. That is why young people are not coming into the

industry. Was Davy Jones right yesterday when he said the Prime

Minister was wrong to use the speech as an EU debate rather than local

politics? He is the leader of the country. I am proud I campaigned

with him last year to secure a majority Conservative Government. We

promised a referendum on the EU. We have delivered that. What will

happen after May the 5th, everyone over the age of 18 will have an

opportunity to engage in a debate and vote on June 23. No one's vote

will be any more than anyone else's. In terms of the assembly campaign,

you made a big case yesterday for the 408 thousand people that voted

for the Conservatives in the general election in Wales. Now, the problem

you have got is a huge chunk of those don't vote in assembly

elections. How will you get them to vote in the assembly election? By

emphasising how important the National Assembly for Wales is

important in their everyday lives. Webby want an NHS, excellent

education for your children. An economy that gives decent take-home

pay. Whether you want security and decency in old age and 30 hours of

free childcare. Every facet of life today is determined by the shape of

government coming out. Will you get them to come out? In previous

campaigns, you haven't managed to do it. At the end of the day you are

right to point out turnout is less at assembly elections. It is a

challenge to us all. But it won't be for the want of trying. We will be

in every community, we have 40 candidates all over Wales. It won't

be for the want of trying, that we as Conservatives will be taking our

message of securing real change for Wales after 17 years of managed

decline. The NHS, you want a directly elected health

commissioner, more accountability. How will that ring down waiting

times? It rings people closer to the service. People feel remote and

distant from the decisions taken on their behalf. It allows people to

scrutinise what is going on locally. The way you commission services can

only be guaranteed if you guaranteed the health budget. If you don't know

how much money is coming through the system, you cannot commission those

services. That is why we have guaranteed the health budget over

the next five years. Everyone is saying they will detect the NHS

funding. No, we have been doing this since 2011, the rest have come late

to the table and if you look at the small print, there is no guarantee

with any of them. They have taken ?1 billion out of the health service

over the last five years. The first budget in 2011, 2012, ?200 million

was taken out of the NHS budget by an assembly member from Wrexham who

was the health minister. If you want security for the NHS, you vote the

Welsh Conservatives. If you want dignity in old-age, you have two

vote Welsh Conservatives. Andrew RT Davies, thank you very much.

How awkward is it going to get and can be parked Europe during the

Welsh election? Because of the decision by Andrew RT Davies, to

support leaving, every time David Cameron or George Osborne, all Boris

Johnson visits Wales to help out in the campaign, this issue will arise.

There are people who say, may be Andrew RT Davies could have stayed

neutral until after the assembly election. That would have been

difficult. If he wasn't going to be on the same side as the Prime

Minister, it would cause difficulties. The party knows that

and is trying to manage it. But it is difficult to manage it when you

are trying to keep Europe out of your conference and suddenly the

Prime Minister rolls up and insists on talking about it. But it could

make the party more track to potential Ukip voters during the

election campaign and the specific stands on Andrew RT Davies with that

could be... Political strychnine is for a party to be divided. A party

is no more divided than one word the Welsh leader disagrees with the UK

leader at a Welsh referendum. It might put some people off. The Welsh

Conservatives, if they had been seen to be overly enthusiastic, it might

have happened as well. It is an predict the ball Welsh general

election. Interesting the politicians attacking Jeremy

Corbyn's Labour Party rather than Carwyn Jones' Labour Party, they see

the difference there? It is in the Conservatives' interest to

nationalise it on UK issues because of what the UK polls are saying. But

the truth of the matter is, we won't know how effective the tactic is

until the votes are counted. Banks are now.

The conference also heard from Wales' man at the UK

The Welsh Secretary, Stephen Crabb, told delegates he wanted them

to build on their success at last year's general election.

It's great to be back here at this Llangollen pavilion. This is the

home of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, which is celebrating its

70th anniversary. The Eisteddfod is a unique and colourful celebration

of music and culture that has done so much to showcase Wales to a

global audience. I believe in a successful, confident, up beat,

outward looking Wales. Proud of who ER, proud of our and identity. I

believe in showcasing it to the rest of the world. Whether it is the

International Eisteddfod, the rug the World Cup, the Nato summit, or

next year's Champions League final, I am determined Wales should become

known the whole world over as the very best place for hosting major

events, whether it is sporting, political or cultural events.

APPLAUSE Llenge our nation faces, the state

of our NHS. This is something we now do very well in Wales. When it comes

to that particular, that very special cultural and social event

which is happening tomorrow afternoon, indeed a unique

celebration of Anglo-Welsh culture, I would suggest, I'm afraid there is

only one objective and only one outcome we want so see. As we might

say in Welsh... Welsh... And for our English

friends, that means, may the best team win. We were about to fight the

fight to most important general election in a generation. And boy

what a result. Picking up new seats in mid-Wales, and South Wales, and

in Manchester last October we rightly celebrated those stunning

successes. With Craig Williams, James Daves in the the Vale of Clwyd

who took the seat from right under their nose. Chris Davis, who

overwhelmed the Liberal Democrats with that thumping majority in

Brecon and Radnorshire. APPLAUSE. And who could forget Byron

Davis, who prised Gower from the iron grip of the Labour Party after

more than 100 years. These were your successes too. You responded to the

call. You got out there and campaigned with the team to win

those seats. And the support from members of the party was amazing. So

yes conference you deserve another round of applause.

APPLAUSE. And special thanks does go of course to our previous director,

Roger Pratt, and our current director and the whole from federal

team at CCHQ in Cardiff. APPLAUSE. I'm very happy to provide

a progress update on how our new Welsh MPs are getting on. I know you

want to know. Craig Williams, he's not been one of the key players

helping land the Cardiff City deal. He's squeezed in some time to become

a father for a second time. Many congratulations to Craig and to

Clare. APPLAUSE. In fact Craig is one of a

group of MPs who've all had newborn children in the last couple of

weeks. Having looked at the calendar Craig and done some counting, it is

pretty clear there was a lot of celebrating going on during the

weekend which followed May 5th, and rightly so.

LAUGHTER. What about the former Metropolitan Police officer Byron

Davis, exposing dodgy land sales and cavalier attitude. With his dogged

determination to go after them Labour and Westminster know that

Byron is going to make their life very difficult. We have Dr James

Davis, described recently in the press, accurately, as one of our

rising stars. He is in some ways our very own Jamie Roberts. A young

Welsh medic, quietly spoken, but tough and direct and making a big

impact. He's quickly become one of the most authoritative voices in

Parliament when it comes to the provision of cross-border health

services. He's a huge asset to the team. And there's Chris Davis. He

seems to have cracked a code which 300 other Conservative MPs would

like to copy. Chris has already a powerful voice for the whole of

rural Wales and the House of Commons. And there is one individual

I want to personally thank more than anyone else today for those results

last year. Someone who took on chairing our party at a crucial

moment. Someone who had the vision, the energy and the strength to take

the Welsh Conservative Party to that next level. And that is Jonathan

Evans. APPLAUSE. Jonathan, in this four

final conference as party chair, let me take this opportunity on behalf

of the whole Welsh party to thank you personally for everything you

have done to build this party. You've epitomised this party and

with a lifetime of service to the party. You are a true compatriot and

a true Conservative. APPLAUSE. If this was the BAFTAs,

and I can see we are in some very glamorous company today, Jonathan,

would be receiving a lifetime achievement award. Come to think of

it there is one boy with a statue in downtown Cardiff city centre. There

is another one which should be elected next to Nye Bevan. I want to

thank my team in the Welsh Office. He spoke to you earlier today. I

couldn't ask for a better friend and Minister, and Lord Nick Bourne, who

is known to us so well, and Davis Morris. They share my vision for a

more confident, outward looking Wales. And like me relish rolling up

their sleeves to ensure a strong team of Conservative Assembly

Members in Wales. And my good friend Simon Heart, Guto Bebb, David Jones

and the formidable David TC Davis. So conference, as we gather here

this year we know this is a big year for Wales. It is a year of decision.

In the weeks and the months ahead we'll be asking the people of Wales

to make some big calls about what they want for their nation. Decision

which is will have a profound impact on our public services is, our

economy, on jobs and investment. On our overall quality of life.

Decisions that may strengthen or weaken our efforts to build real and

last economic security. 2016 is indeed a big year of decision for

Wales. And this provides a good moment to step back and reflect on

the progress that we are making as a Government at building economic

security. A moment to think about the good things happening in Wales

and the growing sense of optimism in the Welsh economy. Our Boris

Johnsonening manufacturing business, the dynamism of our Welsh enrep

nufrs, and our ability to attract drop class firms to invest in Wales.

This morning today in Wales more people went out to work than at any

other point in our history. That's what record employment looks like.

More children growing up in homes in Wales seeing a mum or a dad go out

to work each day. In the last 12 months since we met for conference,

we've seen the best inward investment figures for Wales in 25

years. And the key point about those inward investment figures is that

more than 85% of these new projects coming to Wales came about through

UK Government working with Welsh Government. Just in the last

fortnight Aston Martin, General Dynamics, have announced deal which

is will create 1,000 manufacturing jobs in Wales. MOD assets in Wales

will be used as the base for a prestige sports car manufacturer.

The ordeal using the muscle of our defence spending to deliver a new

manufacturing base in Merthyr Tydfil for the new armoured vehicle which

will provide support and equip our brave men and women on the front

line. Crucial to both deals was the role played by the Ministry of

Defence. So I put on record my thank today to the Prime Minister and the

Secretary of State for defence, Michael Fallon, for making both

those deals happen. APPLAUSE. But there are two lessons

here. Firstly, we are only able to do these sort of deals because of

the difficult, tough decisions we've seen to strengthen our national

finances. That's what enables us to keep our NATO promise to spend 2% of

GDP on defence. If we had taken Jeremy Corbyn admits economic vice,

and we never works by the way, there would be no way we could commit to

those spending. So when we say this man is a threat to our economic

security and our national security, you had better believe it. The

second lesson here is that two Governments working today can

deliver so much more for Wales. The people of Wales don't want

separation. And actually the facts on the ground show that two

administrations when they work together can deliver real, better

results for Wales. Wales' best interests rely in remaining a strong

part of the United Kingdom. I'm absolutely clear that better

devolution, stronger devolution, does not mean greater separation.

Every decision that I take as Welsh Secretary is guided by a simple

question: What is the right thing for Wales? Where do Wales' best

interests lie? And my goal has always been to strike the right

balance. Yes the people of Wales wants better devolution. Devolution

that works for Wales. But they don't want a pathway to separation. We

Conservatives, we are the party which want to improve devolution,

deliver a better, stronger, fairer devolution settlement for Wales. And

so long as I'm Secretary of State for Wales, no-one will work harder

or be more committed to Wales. And, conference, as we make progress with

the Wales Bill, I will give you this guarantee. I'll never bring forward

legislation that forces greater separation on Wales.

APPLAUSE. But we know what's coming. We know

what Labour want to do. You can spot it. They are looking to Plaid Cymru.

Yes, Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Nationalists, to get them back into

power after May. And conference, I believe there's a dangerous

convergence happening right now between Welsh Labour and Plaid

Cymru. With Labour in Wales more and more dancing to a nationalist tune.

That's why the decision that Wales will take on May 5th really, really

does matter. I believe Wales is at a turning point. So just imagine the

truly transform arable things that we could achieve with two

Conservative administrations at both ends of the M4. A Welsh Government,

Welsh Conservative Government, working in genuine partnership with

UK Government as part of a genuine team Wales approach. Conference,

this is the sort of leadership which Andrew RT Davis and the Welsh

Conservatives will provide the Cardiff Bay. We made great strides

last May but we are going to need your help again to increase our team

in the Welsh Assembly so that we can give Wales the change of

administration it deserves and a new Welsh First Minister in the shape of

Andrew RT Davis. APPLAUSE. And the campaign starts

right here in North Wales. Long forgotten and taken for granted by

Cardiff Bay. Our general election results last year showed that North

Wales won't stand for it. Labour seats were lost, majorities slashed

and change is coming to North Wales. A lot has been spoken about city

deals. City deals for Cardiff, Swansea maybe, but economic

devolution, real devolution, isn't just about cities. It's about

regions within Wales too. Where there are distinct needs, a distinct

identity and a distinct geography. Nowhere embodies that more than here

in North Wales. Here lies challenge for Welsh Government. To be a

vehicle for devolution within Wales. Just as Liverpool and Manchester led

by the Labour Party of course, the have forged ahead as economic and

political units of their own. I too want to see North Wales emerge from

the shadow of Cardiff Bay. APPLAUSE. North Wales deserves its

own growth deal and deserves the respect from Welsh Government. I

want to see a new North Wales growth deal to ensure that North Wales

captures all of the fruits of the emerging northern powerhouse. That's

why I'm determined to see a devolution deal for North Wales. We

know there is so much to do to lift Wales off the bottom of the economic

league table. We face up to the many challenges out there at the moment.

We absolutely do face up to the storm that's ripping through the

global steel industry right now and which is creating pro fund nernlts

and difficulty for Welsh steel workers. But we also salute those

who create jobs, who take risks, who build enterprises. I've said it

before from this same platform, these men and women are the true

heroes of the economic recovery in Wales. People like Sean Taylor, an

ex-Royal Marine commando, who founded Zip World in Snowdonia, the

fastest zip line in the world, an enormous success story, tested only

on Thursday. As you saw from materialier session today Alan

emerged safe and well, and in fact had far more luck on his zip wire

than I recall Boris Johnson did on his a few years ago.

I make no apology I have spent enormous amount of my time talking

to and listening to businesses across Wales. In every part of

Wales. In terms of the other big decision we will be taking this

year, it is the overwhelming view of businesses I speak to the remaining

inside the EU is the right choice for Wales. It is not about

sentimental attachment to the EU, it is

sentimental attachment to the EU, it Welsh jobs and Welsh economic

security. Which is why, when the referendum vote comes around on the

23rd of June, in what will be an enormous exercise of writ issued

sovereignty, I will be voting to remain. A secretary for Wales, I

think the case for Wales and the UK remaining in the EU is compelling.

While, yes, people will be talking about Europe in pubs, cafes, across

work and across Wales over the next few months, they will be talking

about waiting lists, jobs, few months, they will be talking

security, educational standards at schools and local government.

You have found some other people who Because Wales

You have found some other people who have stayed behind with you? Yes, I

haven't found them, we arranged we would meet and have a chat. Liz

Simon is the candidate for Merthyr and Andrew Atkinson is the

Conservative candidate for Wrexham. Liz, this is your first election.

Merthyr Tydfil is not a conservative heartland, but we know more people,

400,000 people voted for the Conservatives a year ago, how will

you dissuade them to vote for you in Merthyr? We will show them what we

have been doing in power in Westminster. We had the coalition

where our hands were tied, now in power for the first time in a long

time, and we have a fantastic record of what we have been doing. Cutting

unemployment, creating more jobs and sorting of the NHS. We can reverse

what has been going on in Wales for the past 17 years. Andrew, is that a

message you are taking to your area, look what the Conservatives can do

when they are in government? Definitely, and it is also a look at

what Labour has been done in government for the last 17 years.

What I am seeing on the doorstep is an appetite for change. I am

campaigning on huge things. Protecting the maternity services in

Wrexham, making sure the NHS is properly funded, certainty for the

staff. It is people waking up and thinking, those budgets have been

cut, who did that. They are deciding it is Labour who have made those

decisions. They are wanting change in Wales and people are deciding it

is the Welsh Conservatives who can deliver the change. I year ago you

stood in Wrexham in the general election. This year we had a name

check from the Prime