Wales Office

The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales supports the Welsh Secretary and the Parliamentary Under Secretaries of State in promoting the best interests of Wales within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Welsh interests are represented at the heart of the UK Government and the UK Government’s responsibilities are represented in Wales.



Secretary of State

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Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales

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Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Lords Spokesperson (Wales Office)

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Humphreys (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Wales)
David Chadwick (LD - Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Wales)

Conservative
Mims Davies (Con - East Grinstead and Uckfield)
Shadow Secretary of State for Wales
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Wales)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Nia Griffith (Lab - Llanelli)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Wednesday 11th June 2025
Oral Answers to Questions
Oral Questions
Select Committee Inquiry
Monday 10th March 2025
Farming in Wales in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities

Wales has a long tradition of farming, and the sector is integral to the Welsh economy. In 2022, agriculture, fishing …

Written Answers
Monday 30th June 2025
Import Controls: Holyhead
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when the border control facility at Parc Cybi will be (a) completed …
Secondary Legislation
None available
Bills
Tuesday 7th June 2016
Wales Act 2017
A Bill to amend the Government of Wales Act 2006 and the Wales Act 2014 and to make provision about …
Dept. Publications
Monday 5th August 2024
16:54

Wales Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Jun. 11
Oral Questions
Nov. 18
Written Statements
Apr. 24
Westminster Hall
View All Wales Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Wales Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Wales Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petition Open
2,456 Signatures
(10 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
2,456 Signatures
(10 in the last 7 days)
Wales Office has not participated in any petition debates
View All Wales Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Welsh Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Welsh Affairs Committee
Ruth Jones Portrait
Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 9th September 2024
Steve Witherden Portrait
Steve Witherden (Labour - Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Henry Tufnell Portrait
Henry Tufnell (Labour - Mid and South Pembrokeshire)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Andrew Ranger Portrait
Andrew Ranger (Labour - Wrexham)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Llinos Medi Portrait
Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Claire Hughes Portrait
Claire Hughes (Labour - Bangor Aberconwy)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Ann Davies Portrait
Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru - Caerfyrddin)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
David Chadwick Portrait
David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat - Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Ben Lake Portrait
Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 4th November 2024
Gill German Portrait
Gill German (Labour - Clwyd North)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 6th January 2025
Simon Hoare Portrait
Simon Hoare (Conservative - North Dorset)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 13th January 2025
Welsh Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Welsh Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The work of the Secretary of State for Wales
9 Jul 2025, 2 p.m.
At 2:30pm: Oral evidence
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP - Secretary of State for Wales at Wales Office
Dame Nia Griffith MP - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Wales Office

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Welsh Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Brexit and trade: implications for Wales The Dunlop Review and the UK Government’s union capability Freeports and Wales The Welsh economy and Covid-19 Wales and the Shared Prosperity Fund Brexit: Agriculture, Trade and the repatriation of powers inquiry The Cancellation of Rail Electrification in South Wales inquiry Broadcasting in Wales follow-up: S4C funding Agriculture in Wales post-Brexit inquiry Applications by Welsh pupils to Oxford and Cambridge Universities The future of the Severn River crossings inquiry The future of nuclear power in Wales inquiry The steel industry in Wales inquiry Welsh rates of income tax inquiry Devolution: Lessons for Wales inquiry Wales and Borders rail franchise inquiry Implications for Wales of the EU referendum result inquiry Police and Crime Commissioner Elections inquiry S4C review inquiry Brexit, trade and customs: implications for Wales inquiry Renewable energy in Wales inquiry Devolution of Air Passenger Duty to Wales inquiry Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales inquiry Prison provision in Wales inquiry City Deals and Growth Deals in Wales inquiry Wales and the Armed Forces inquiry Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station inquiry The proposed closure of Ford's Bridgend plant inquiry Work of the Police and Crime Commissioners Energy generation in Wales: Shale Gas The Severn Crossings Toll: follow up Implications for Wales of the Government's Proposals for Constitutional Reform The future of the Newport Passport office S4C Inward investment in Wales Organ Donation (Legislative Competence) Broadband in Wales Cross-border Road and Rail Connectivity The Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales Support for Armed Forces Veterans in Wales The impact of changes to housing benefit in Wales The Voluntary Code of Practice in the dairy sector The Work Programme in Wales Dairy Farmers in Wales inquiry Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales evidence sessions Broadcasting in Wales inquiry Pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Wales Bill inquiry Prisons in Wales and treatment of Welsh offenders inquiry Cross-border health arrangements between England and Wales International Representation and Promotion of Wales by UK bodies Silk Commission Part II: devolving legislative powers to Wales Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Wales Bill Nuclear power in Wales Broadcasting in Wales Floating Offshore Wind in Wales Water quality in Wales Defence industry in Wales University research funding Transport in Wales Prisons in Wales Impact of population change in Wales Renewable energy in Wales Access to High Street Banking in Wales Railway Infrastructure in Wales Promoting Wales for inward investment The environmental and economic legacy of Wales' industrial past Prisons, Probation and Rehabilitation in Wales Farming in Wales in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities Devolution of Air Passenger Duty to Wales Brexit, trade and customs: implications for Wales The proposed closure of Ford's Bridgend plant City Deals and Growth Deals in Wales Prison provision in Wales Renewable energy in Wales S4C review Wales and the Armed Forces Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when the border control facility at Parc Cybi will be (a) completed and (b) opened.

Decisions regarding the Border Control Post at Parc Cybi are a matter for the Welsh Government.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether her Department has updated guidance on the use of single-sex facilities in response to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025.

We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements. We aim to ensure appropriate facilities are available for all staff.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
16th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on plans for cross-border healthcare.

I meet with the First Minister of Wales regularly to discuss a range of issues, including health. We are working in a spirit of genuine collaboration to do everything possible to cut waiting lists and build an NHS fit for the future.

A good example of our two Governments working together on health is the Interministerial Group (IMG) for Health and Social Care, which met on 30 April, chaired by the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. The IMG brought together Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Devolved Governments to discuss shared priorities across health in the UK.

I welcome the news that waiting lists, including long waits, have fallen in recent months. These improvements come after we provided the Welsh Government with an additional £1.7 billion to invest in public services like the NHS at the Autumn Budget. An extra £600 million in funding has now been announced by the Welsh Government for health and social care in their Budget for 2025/26. Furthermore at the Spending Review last week, we announced a record £22.4 billion per year on average for the Welsh Government between 2026-27 and 2028-29, to invest in public services and drive down waiting lists. This is the largest budget settlement in the history of devolution.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many staff network events took place in her Department in May 2025; and what the names of those events were.

No staff network events took place in my Department in May 2025.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how much funding the Welsh government requested from her Department for coal tip safety and remediation work as part of the Spending Review 2025.

At the Spending Review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that HM Treasury would provide the Welsh Government with the funding it requested to continue its vital coal tip safety work. Ensuring coal tips across Wales remain safe is of the upmost importance and this is why the UK Government is committing £118 million over the three years of the Spending Review period (over financial years 2026/27-2028/29). This is in addition to the £25m provided at Autumn Budget last year, bringing the total UK Government investment in coal tip safety to over £140m. This is another example of how two governments working in partnership are delivering for the people of Wales.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on increasing economic growth in Wales.

Growth is the number one mission of this government. We are creating tens of thousands of jobs in every corner of Wales through our Freeports, Investment Zones, support for steelworkers, inward investments and our thriving green industries.

I have also established the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group, which brings together business, industry, university and trade union leaders to plan how we unleash Wales’s economic potential.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on improving rail connectivity in Wales.

We are working with Welsh government on a range of shared priorities, which includes rail connectivity.

We are investing an historic £445 million into Welsh rail to right years’ of underfunding by previous governments and unleash Wales’ economic potential.

This will mean new stations, enable more and faster trains on the key lines across North and South Wales, connecting people with the new, well-paid jobs we’re creating across Wales.

Nia Griffith
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support the steel industry in Wales.

Welsh steel has a bright future under this government. Our improved deal with Tata Steel UK has delivered £1.3 billion investment and protected over 5,000 jobs.

We have committed a further £2.5 billion for steel over the course of this Parliament with our Steel Strategy due to be announced soon.

Steel communities are the heart of Wales. I have allocated over £70 million Transition Board funding to help people, businesses and communities with retraining, business support and growth, and regeneration.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to improve transport links between Wales and the rest of the UK.

We are investing an historic £445 million into Welsh rail to right years’ of underfunding by previous governments and unleash Wales’ economic potential.

This new investment will improve transport links, including for Padeswood on the Borderlands Line through Wrexham, and between Cardiff and Bristol.

This will mean new stations, enable more and faster trains on the key lines across North and South Wales, connecting people with the new, well-paid jobs we’re creating across Wales.

This announcement also includes providing £48 million over four years to the Welsh Government to continue to upgrade the Core Valleys Lines.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on family farms in Wales.

The Government is steadfastly committed to family farms in Wales. That is why we protected the farm budget at its current level and allocated £337 million to the Welsh Government at the Autumn Budget.

Furthermore, at the UK-EU Summit on the 19th of May, the Prime Minister announced that the UK would deliver a new agri-food deal with the European Union. This will make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cut costs and red tape for Welsh producers and retailers, and help keep prices down and increase choice in the shops.

Nia Griffith
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential economic impact of the proposed visitor levy on the economy in Wales.

The Welsh tourism sector is thriving; last year British residents took over 7 million overnight trips in Wales, spending more than £2billion.

Visitor levies are widely used abroad, and, if a visitor levy were introduced by all Welsh local authorities, it could raise up to £33million.

This money can be invested in local services and infrastructure to support tourism, helping to improve facilities like toilets, footpaths and beaches, which will benefit both visitors and local residents.

Nia Griffith
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
4th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many permanent civil servants in her Department are staff without assigned posts; and how many are placed in an equivalent (a) people action team, (b) priority movers list, (c) redeployment register, (d) talent pool and (e) skills match hub in the most recent period for which data is available.

There are no permanent Civil Servants in my Department without assigned posts and no permanent Civil Servants are placed in a people action team, priority movers list, redeployment register, talent pool, or skills match hub in the most recent period for which data is available.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps she has taken with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle poverty in Wales.

The Government is committed to tackling poverty and we will achieve this by increasing living standards through our Plan for Change.

Up to 160,000 workers across Wales received a record pay rise through the UK Government’s increases to the living wage and minimum wage. For full time workers 21 and over, this means up to £1,400 a year more for these individuals and up to £2,500 a year more for full time workers between 18-20. These increased incomes are set to boost financial stability for millions of families.

We are creating tens of thousands of jobs in every corner of Wales through our Freeports, Investment Zones, support for steelworkers, inward investments and our thriving green industries.

The positive impact our UK and Welsh Labour Governments are having is clear in how the Welsh economy is changing. Unemployment fell significantly last quarter. And, since we came into office, real wages have continually increased while interest rates have been cut four times. We are creating jobs and putting more pounds in the pockets of working families across Wales.

The Government is also developing a Child Poverty Strategy that will be UK-wide, building on shared effort across all nations and regions of the UK and placing children and families at its centre.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on steps to support the tourism industry in Wales.

Although tourism is devolved, the UK Government is firmly committed to working with the Welsh Government to support Wales’ tourism industry.

In March, my colleague the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, alongside the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, visited Elan Valley Lakes. This project, which will benefit from £11.8 million investment from both UK and Welsh Governments, will enhance visitor experience to the site and safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Elan Valley.

In addition, in February, the UK Government announced £15 million in funding for Venue Cymru and the Newport Transporter Bridge. These are three key projects that will strengthen Wales’ tourism industry and attract more visitors.

I also support the millions of pounds of investment into the tourism industry in Wales made by the Welsh Government in their Budget, which the Conservative and Plaid Cymru parties in the Senedd decided to vote against.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on school standards in Wales.

I have regular discussions with the Welsh Government on a range of issues, including Education. In addition, officials from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Welsh Government regularly meet and share best practice as do DfE Ministers and their Welsh Government counterparts.

As Education is devolved, the Welsh Government is responsible for school standards in Wales. The UK Government delivered the biggest budget settlement in the history of devolution, with £21 billion of new money for the Welsh Government to spend on public services such as schools.

In Financial Year (FY) 2024/25, the Welsh Government provided almost £200 million to support school standards across Wales. For FY 2025/26, the Welsh Government is awarding a further almost £170 million for school standards, which the Conservative and Plaid Cymru parties in the Senedd decided to vote against.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on steps to improve infrastructure in Wales.

I have regular discussions with Welsh Government colleagues on a range of issues, including improving infrastructure across Wales.

Improving infrastructure is key to this Government’s mission to kick-starting economic growth across the UK. This government acknowledges that its predecessors have short-changed Wales for years on rail investment, including because of HS2. One of my top priorities is to reverse years of historic underfunding in Wales’ rail infrastructure. The UK and Welsh governments have agreed a prioritisation of rail improvement projects developed by the Wales Rail Board and this has informed our work in the run up to the Spring Spending Review.

This government is also committed to improving our energy infrastructure as part of our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan sets out a clear pathway to delivering a secure, affordable, and fully decarbonised electricity system by the end of the decade. We are putting Wales at the forefront of our clean energy mission by supporting green energy innovation such as tidal power in North Wales, floating offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea and investing in the Celtic and Anglesey Freeports.

The Chancellor confirmed two Investment Zones and two Freeports for Wales at the Autumn Budget. Each Freeport will receive £26 million which can be spent on infrastructure improvements, while simultaneously unlocking significant inward investment. In addition, our Welsh Investment Zones and Freeports will support tens of thousands of new jobs.

The Port of Mostyn recently announced a major expansion to make the port ready for the next generation of larger offshore wind turbines, expected to create 130 jobs during construction and 300 permanent jobs to follow.

In the Port Talbot area, over £28 million of Transition Board funding will support four regeneration projects and over 370 jobs.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in employer National Insurance contributions on wages in Wales.

Raising the revenue required to fund public services and restore economic stability requires difficult decisions on tax, which is why we are asking employers to contribute more.

The changes broadly return NICs revenues as a proportion of GDP to the level they were before the previous government’s cuts to employee and self-employed NICs, but do so in a way that does not result in higher taxes in people’s payslips.

This Government has taken quick and sensible action to boost wages for millions of lower paid workers who are the backbone and future of our economy. Around 150,000 workers across Wales received a record pay rise through the UK Government’s increases to the living wage and minimum wage. For full time workers 21 and over, this will provide up to £1,400 a year more for these individuals and up to £2,500 a year more for full time workers between 18-20.

Real total wages have continually increased since this Labour Government was formed in July 2024, and are up 1.7% on the year for January 2025 to March 2025.

These increased incomes are set to boost financial stability for millions of families, improve spending power and deliver economic growth.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in employer National Insurance contributions on employment in Wales.

We have protected the smallest businesses and more than doubled the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning that over half of small and micro businesses will pay less or no national insurance contributions at all. Small and medium-sized enterprises account for 99.3% of total enterprises in Wales.

UK Government analysis shows that 865,000 UK businesses will pay no NI contributions at all as a result of these measures. In addition, more than half of employers with NI contribution liabilities will either see no change or an overall gain from 2025.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of performance of the Welsh economy.

Growth is the number one mission of the government. I have worked with UK and Welsh Government colleagues to drive over £1.5 billion in private investment from the likes of Eren Holding and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners into Wales. We are creating tens of thousands of jobs in every corner of Wales through our Freeports, Investment Zones, support for steelworkers, inward investments and our thriving green industries.

Our new Industrial Strategy is central to the Growth Mission and will channel support to eight growth-driving sectors – those in which the UK excels today and will excel tomorrow. The Strategy will play to Wales’s sectoral strengths, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Life Sciences and Creative Industries.

My department has been working closely across UK Government and the Welsh Government on the Industrial Strategy. I have also established the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group, a group that brings together business, industry, university and union leaders to discuss key economic topics across Wales.

The positive impact our UK and Welsh Labour Governments are having is clear in how the Welsh economy is changing. Unemployment fell significantly last quarter. And, since we came into office, real wages have continually increased while interest rates have been cut four times. We are creating jobs and putting more pounds in the pockets of working families across Wales.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps she is taking to increase the number of apprenticeship starts in her Department.

We remain committed to supporting the use of apprenticeships across all government departments to break down barriers to opportunity. This includes supporting the Government's commitment to 2,000 digital apprenticeships through its TechTrack scheme by 2030 to improve digital skills and drive improvements and efficiency in public services.

Additionally, a new cross-Government Level 3 apprenticeship programme in Business Administration, The ‘Civil Service Career Launch Apprenticeship’ (CLA), will see new apprentices kickstart their careers, across various departments, starting from January 2026.

Apprenticeships are available to new and existing Wales Office staff and my Department promotes these opportunities through Ministry of Justice (MoJ) intranet bulletins and Wales Office staff newsletters. When vacancies arise, the Department also considers if posts may be advertised as apprenticeships.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many (a) press, (b) media and (c) other communications posts there are in her Department; and what the salary band is for each post.

In the Wales Office communications team, there are a total of 8 Full Time Equivalent Government Communication Service professionals.

Of this total, 2 work in the media discipline which covers press and media responsibilities.

This is the latest available data from June 2024.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for clean energy projects in Wales.

The UK Government is delivering our clean energy mission in Wales as part of our Plan for Change.

Earlier this month, The Crown Estate announced that three Welsh ports have been shortlisted to develop floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea. These windfarms will generate up to 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, create up to 5,000 jobs and deliver a £1.4 billion boost to the economy.

Nia Griffith
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed increase in defence spending on the economy in Wales.

At the Spring Statement, the Chancellor increased the defence budget by £2.2 billion in 2025-26. This will boost the Welsh economy and our thriving defence sector, where the Ministry of Defence is already supporting 7,700 jobs across the length and breadth of the country.

Earlier this month, I visited Qioptic and Wagtail in North Wales, just two of the wide range of companies in Wales who play a vital role in defending the UK.

Nia Griffith
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed increase in defence spending on the economy in Wales.

At the Spring Statement, the Chancellor increased the defence budget by £2.2 billion in 2025-26. This will boost the Welsh economy and our thriving defence sector, where the Ministry of Defence is already supporting 7,700 jobs across the length and breadth of the country.

Earlier this month, I visited Qioptic and Wagtail in North Wales, just two of the wide range of companies in Wales who play a vital role in defending the UK.

Nia Griffith
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes in the level of the national minimum wage and living wage on people in Wales.

Up to 160,000 workers in Wales have just received a pay rise as the increases in the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage take effect.

Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will see a real-terms pay increase of £1,400 per year, whilst 18-to-20 year olds will get a record boost of £2,500 each year, helping to provide families with better financial stability, improved living standards and kickstarting growth.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on road connectivity between England and Wales.

Cross-border travel is crucial for people between Wales and England to unlock economic growth, employment opportunities and better connect the Union.

Improving transport connectivity is a priority for me, and I have been working in partnership with the Transport Secretary and the Welsh Government through the Wales Rail Board to deliver the transport improvements Wales needs.   

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes in the level of the employer National Insurance contributions on the economy in Wales.

The government recognises the need to protect the smallest employers which is why we have more than doubled the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning more than half of businesses with NICs liabilities either gain or see no change. SMEs account for 99.3% of total enterprises in Wales.

The previous Conservative Government left us a £22bn black hole in public finances and the highest debt burden in 70 years – we are fixing the mess the party left to kickstart economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether she has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of aligning building regulations in England with those in Wales.

I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues on a wide range of matters. I also recently met with the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, to discuss the Welsh Government’s plans for legislation on building safety in Wales.

Although buildings policy is a devolved matter, officials at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Building Safety Regulator and the Welsh Government maintain close working relationships. Representatives from all devolved nations attend the Building Advisory Committee Working Group on Fire Safety, which provides an authoritative view to the Building Safety Regulator how the functional requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations are implemented.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) the Welsh government, (b) Natural Resources Wales and (c) the Canal and River Trust on the extraction of water during drier periods to supply the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.

I have regular discussions with Welsh Government Ministers and stakeholder organisations in Wales on a wide range of matters, including the environment. Whilst water management is devolved to the Welsh Government, the UK Government recognises the environmental and economic value of canals in Wales and is investing £13.9m in restoring the Montgomery canal.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many meetings has she held with the (a) Farmers Union of Wales (b) National Farmers Union Cymru, (b) Country Land and Business Association Cymru, (c) Tenant Association Farmers Cymru (d) Countryside Alliance Wales and (e) Central Association for Agricultural Valuers since 30 October 2024.

The farming unions are a key partner for the Wales Office – the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and I are committed to working with them and maintaining an active dialogue. In November 2024, both the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and I met with the Farmers Union of Wales, National Farmers’ Union Cymru, Country Land and Business Association and the Tenant Farmers Association. I separately met with the National Farmers' Union Cymru again later that month.

In January of this year, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State attended the National Farmers Union Cymru Council, and then had a meeting with the National Farmers Union Cymru in March. She will also be meeting with the Farmers Union of Wales at the end of this month.

I want to reiterate that the Government’s commitment to the farming sector is steadfast – that is why we protected the farm budget at its current level, allocating £337 million to the Welsh Government at the Autumn Budget.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many visits has she made to working farms in Wales since the announcement of changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief on 30 October 2024.

Both the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and I meet regularly with farmers and farming unions to listen to their concerns regarding Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief.

The Government is steadfastly committed to the farming sector – that is why we protected the farm budget at its current level, allocating £337m to the Welsh Government at the Autumn Budget. By negotiating a veterinary agreement with the EU to remove trade barriers and by announcing an extension of the Seasonal Worker visa route for five more years, the Government is supporting farmers to become more profitable.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
7th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on promoting the Welsh language in Patagonia.

I regularly meet with Welsh Government Ministers and the First Minister to discuss a wide range of matters, including the Welsh Language.

Although the Welsh Language is a devolved matter, the UK Government has a role to play in supporting the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 strategy. This is most notably through ensuring that S4C continues to thrive because of its vital role in ensuring the ongoing promotion and use of the Welsh language.

A good example of collaboration between the UK Government and Welsh Governments on the Welsh Language is the Welsh Language Project (WLP), funded by the Welsh Government and administered by the British Council. This has been promoting and developing the Welsh Language in the Chubut region of Patagonia, Argentina since 1997, where each year two teachers from Wales spend a full academic year from March to December teaching in Patagonia. Teaching time is split between the three Welsh-Spanish bilingual primary schools, Coleg Camwy, a secondary school in Gaiman where Welsh is taught as a second language, and the Welsh for Adults Centres in the region. The project also funds a permanent Welsh Teaching Co-ordinator, based in Patagonia, and supports approximately 20 staff in the schools and adult learning centres to teach Welsh.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, if she will have discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential implications for their policies of the recommendations of the Sullivan Review.

I have regular discussions with the Welsh Government on a wide range of matters.

The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous government, which was also sent to the Welsh Government. We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
27th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many people in Wales will be impacted by welfare reform.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper will be published in due course, with some information already published alongside the Spring Statement. These publications can be found here Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper - GOV.UK.

There are currently 347,100 Universal Credit claimants in Wales, with 267,100 claimants of Personal Independence Payments. 89,000 claimants in Wales are receiving both Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit. Overall, 15% of working age people in Wales receive a disability or incapacity benefit and around a quarter are neither in work nor looking for work.

To raise living standards in every corner of our country, we need to unleash the talents of people across the UK wherever they live. However, the system we inherited has left millions of people trapped on benefits, without the support they need to build a better life.

We know many sick and disabled people want to work, with the right help and support. They deserve the same rights, chances and choices to get good jobs as anybody else. That is why the government is fixing the social security system so that it gives those who could work the help they need, and those who can’t work the dignity and security they deserve.

The Department for Work and Pensions will continue to work with the Welsh government and other devolved governments, which will include looking at Welsh specific impacts to help support people back into work if they are able to, but also protect those who rely on our social security system.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
25th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether she has had discussions with Welsh farmers on changes to inheritance tax.

Yes.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
25th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the (a) closure of Oakwood theme park and (b) potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions on the (i) hospitality and (ii) tourism sectors in Wales.

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters, including those affecting the Welsh economy.

I was saddened to hear about the closure of Oakwood Theme Park. I understand this will be a concerning time for workers at the park and their families.  However, Wales's tourism and hospitality offering continues to be among the best in the world, and both the UK and Welsh Governments are committed to supporting these sectors.

Regarding the impact of changes to National Insurance contributions on the sector, the UK Government has protected the smallest businesses by more than doubling the Employment Allowance to £10,500, ensuring over half of small and micro businesses pay less or no national insurance contributions. Small and Medium sized enterprises account for 99.3% of total enterprises in Wales.

The UK Government is committed to supporting the Welsh tourism and hospitality sectors. In February, we announced a £15 million investment for Venue Cymru and the Newport Transporter Bridge. These are two key projects that will help boost the tourism and culture sectors in Wales.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
24th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what the median age is of computers issued to officials in their Department.

The Wales Office does not hold this information. The Department’s computers are provided by the Ministry of Justice.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
25th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps she is taking to reduce economic inactivity in Wales.

As set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper, we have committed £240m of investment towards sixteen trailblazers to test new and innovative ways to support people into work and tackle the root causes of inactivity, including one in Wales. My department has been working in close partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Welsh Government to co-develop and deliver the trailblazer in Wales.

Since coming into government, I have worked with UK and Welsh Government colleagues to drive over £1.5 billion in private investment from Eren Holding and Kellogg’s, creating and sustaining over 400 jobs. Wales is also set to benefit from a £250 million investment from one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers which is expected to support over 500 high value jobs and hundreds more through the wider supply chain. In addition, we will support tens of thousands of new jobs through our Welsh Investment Zones and Freeports.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
25th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps she is taking to improve productivity rates in Wales.

Growth is the number one mission of the government. Our new Industrial Strategy is central to that Growth Mission and our Plan for Change. The Industrial Strategy will channel support to eight growth-driving sectors – those in which the UK excels today and will excel tomorrow. The Strategy will play to Wales’s sectoral strengths, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Life Sciences and Creative Industries.

My department has been working closely across UK Government and the Welsh Government on the Industrial Strategy. I have also established the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group, a group that brings together business, industry, university and trade unions to discuss key economic issues across Wales.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, which towns in Wales were considered for funding through the Plan for Neighbourhoods; and on what evidential basis the successful towns were chosen.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave on 17 March 2025 (UIN 37472).

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps she is taking to help ensure electricity bills do not increase in Wales, in the context of proposals for zonal energy pricing.

No decision has been taken on Zonal or Reformed National pricing. The Government are currently conducting analysis to understand the impacts of zonal pricing on consumers, including those in Wales.

The Government will ultimately develop proposals that minimise costs and ensure a fair outcome for consumers, as part of our Plan for Change to lower bills and improve living standards.

The Government is working closely with the Welsh Government to understand how any potential review of electricity market arrangements (REMA) reforms could impact Welsh consumers and industry, and this will be taken into account as part of the final decision-making process.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
6th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Secretary of State for Wales intends to meet Welsh Ministers to discuss the future of the Welsh National Opera.

My colleagues, the Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP and the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Wales Dame Nia Griffith MP, meet with Welsh Government colleagues frequently on a range of issues including culture. Our two governments are working in close partnership to deliver for the people of Wales.

In October, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Wales Dame Nia Griffith MP and DCMS Minister Sir Chris Bryant MP met with Welsh Government Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant MS to discuss the Welsh National Opera and to recognise the value of its work, not just for the people of Wales but also for the people of England.

Minister Bryant then held a series of meetings with Welsh National Opera and Arts Council England to understand the issue in more detail. This series of meetings was able to reassure everyone that all partners wanted to see a positive long-term future for Welsh National Opera.

My colleague, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Wales Dame Nia Griffith MP, looks forward to meeting with you at the end of this month to discuss this further.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
11th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government how many policy reviews and consultations the Wales Office has launched since the General Election on 4 July 2024; what the subject of each review is; and what the anticipated timescales are for their completion.

The Wales Office has not launched any policy reviews or consultations since the General Election on 4 July 2024.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps he has taken since 5 July 2024 to ensure that NHS IT systems in England and Wales are fully compatible.

I regularly meet with Cabinet colleagues and with the First Minister to discuss a range of matters, including the NHS. Our two governments are working in close partnership to deliver for the people of Wales.

I acknowledge the complex challenge of integrating IT systems across England and Wales and I know that both the NHS in Wales and in England are aware of the issue. I am pleased that Digital Health and Care Wales is working closely with the NHS in England to identify ways of addressing this.

We are working in a spirit of genuine collaboration to do everything possible to cut waiting lists and build an NHS fit for the future. Our two Governments are already learning from best practice in areas such as the Welsh Government’s work on dentistry and GP practices, and in the UK Government’s plans to roll out extra elective capacity, including through new surgical hubs. There is also a Statement of Values and Principles that underpins the arrangements for treatment of patients living on the Wales-England border. We will continue to explore cross-border health arrangements where capacity allows.

In the Autumn Budget, we provided the Welsh Government with an additional £1.7 billion to invest in public services like the NHS. An extra £600 million in funding has now been announced by the Welsh Government for health and social care in their Budget for 2025/26.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent estimate she has made of the total cost of the electrification of the North Wales mainline.

The previous Government made a series of unfunded commitments in its Network North plan, including the proposed electrification of the North Wales Main Line.

The Government recognises the case for enhancing levels of service on the North Wales Main Line and is prioritising increasing capacity alongside improving connectivity. In August, Network Rail and Transport for Wales announced that it is undertaking local consultation, planning and development work to close four level crossings along the North Wales Main Line. This has the potential to increase rail capacity by 40%, with 50% more timetabled services on the North Wales Main Line.

This government acknowledges that its predecessors have short-changed Wales for years on rail investment, including because of HS2. The North Wales Transport Commission and South East Wales Transport Commission provide the Government with key recommendations for rail enhancements in these regions that will boost economic growth and provide good jobs and housing.

The UK and Welsh governments have agreed a prioritisation of rail improvement projects developed by the Wales Rail Board which will inform work in the run up to the Spring Spending Review.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent estimate she has made of the total cost of the electrification of the remainder of the South Wales mainline to be.

This Government acknowledges that its predecessors have short-changed Wales for years on rail investment, including because of HS2. The South East Wales Transport Commission and North Wales Transport Commission provide the government with key recommendations for rail enhancements in these regions that will boost economic growth and provide good jobs and housing.

The UK and Welsh governments have agreed a prioritisation of rail improvement projects developed by the Wales Rail Board which will inform work in the run up to the Spring Spending Review.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many staff their Department has seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024.

No staff in my Department have been seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many of their Department's officials have been seconded from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024.

No officials from my Department have been seconded from the Institute for Economic Affairs, the Policy Exchange, the Adam Smith Institute or Labour Together since July 2024.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what criteria was used to select the five areas in Wales set to receive funding through the Plan for Neighbourhoods.

These areas were identified based on a clear and transparent methodology, which considered a range of socio-economic factors, including:

  • Indices of multiple deprivation
  • Population size
  • Healthy life expectancy
  • Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked
  • Skill levels

A detailed methodology note outlining the selection criteria is publicly available on the GOV.UK website.

The long-term Plan for Towns programme was not fully funded by the previous government. As part of its Plan for Neighbourhoods, this Government is committed to ensuring that each of the five selected towns in Wales will receive up to £20 million in funding and support over the next decade.

We will work in partnership with the Welsh Government on the Plan for Neighbourhoods to make sure it aligns with the Welsh Governments work to regenerate neighbourhoods. This funding will be used to revitalise high streets, enhance local parks, support libraries, cultural venues, and youth clubs, and invest in essential community services to create thriving, well-connected neighbourhoods.

Jo Stevens
Secretary of State for Wales