Prime Minister and First Minister of Wales Meetings
Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Baroness Wilcox of Newport
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
My Lords, the First Minister’s speech reflected the reset relationship between our two Governments based on respect, collaboration and delivery. The Labour Party is a broad synagogue, and we actively engage with people of all views. It will not surprise noble Lords that we are two Governments working together, but Welsh Labour has its own identity and, of course, we do not agree about everything. But we are two Governments working together with a shared set of values and priorities that reflect what matters most to the people of Wales, which is why we have delivered so much for them in our first 10 months.
Baroness Wilcox of Newport (Lab)
My Lords, yesterday the First Minister made an important speech in Cardiff noting the changed and positive relationship with the UK Government since last July. But just as the wonderful programme “Gavin and Stacey” often showed, what is right for Billericay will not always be right for Barry. Does my noble friend agree that this can be seen as a positive example of devolution and disagreement between partners? It is grown-up modern government.
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
I thank my noble friend for the question. I really hoped that she would start her question with “What’s occurin’?”, because it sounds so much better in her accent than in mine. There are many things we learn from “Gavin and Stacey”, not least that no man is an island—except Barry. On that basis, we are clear that devolution in action is about two Governments working together for the people of Barry, Basildon and Billericay—and for the people of Burslem in my former constituency.
Wales
Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Baroness Wilcox of Newport
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his question, but I am somewhat surprised, given that the previous Government cancelled the electrification to Swansea, that he is asking it. As for future infrastructure projects, we will update the House in due course.
Baroness Wilcox of Newport (Lab)
Does my noble friend agree that the record settlement for the Welsh Government at the Budget—£1.5 billion, the largest since the dawn of devolution—will provide a much-needed spending boost for public services after years of neglect from previous Governments of the past 14 years? As a commissioner for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, I draw attention to the wonderful blue light services that responded to the dreadful storms and flooding that we experienced.
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
I thank my noble friend for all the work that she does in support of the blue light services, and as a commissioner. The reality is that last month’s Budget was an extraordinary settlement for the people of Wales—£21 billion, and £1.7 billion in additional funding as part of the Barnett formula. That shows the difference there can be when you have a Labour Government at the Senedd and a Labour Government here.