North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has today called for assurances from the Welsh Labour Government that programmes to boost the economy in North Wales will continue to be supported.
Speaking in this afternoon’s plenary meeting, Mr Isherwood highlighted key UK Conservative Government programmes to grow the economy in the region and asked the Cabinet Secretary for Economy what plans he has to take these forward with the next UK Government.
The Cabinet Secretary failed to commit to any of them.
Mr Isherwood said:
“On issue after issue, from the North Wales Growth Deal to generate total investment of over £1 Billion for North Wales, to the £160 million purchase of the Wylfa Nuclear site on Ynys Môn for new nuclear energy development; from the decision to establish a Freeport in Holyhead, backed by up to £26 Million UK Government funding and expected to generate Billions of public and private investment, to the decision to establish a new £160 million Investment Zone around Wrexham and Flintshire; the UK Conservative Government has taken the initiative and then worked in partnership with the Welsh Government to deliver these.
"All of these and more, including the commitment to invest £1 billion in the electrification of the North Wales railway line, are in the Welsh Conservative manifesto for tomorrow's General Election. What plans do you therefore have in place to take these programmes forward with the next UK Government?”
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Isherwood said:
“It is concerning that in his response, the Cabinet Secretary failed either to commit to any of these key programmes, or to acknowledge that they are UK Conservative Government programmes which brought the Labour Welsh Government in as delivery partners.”