Welsh Secretary says UK government is committed to ensuring Wales is strong and supported
Jo Stevens says the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has the interests of people in Wales firmly in his mind
The Welsh Secretary has told us the UK Government is committed to making sure Wales is strong and supported.
Jo Stevens said the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has the interests of people in Wales firmly in his mind.
This comes after announcing additional funding for those affected by Tata Steel's changes in Port Talbot.
She said there's been a focus since day one of Labour's rise to power on having a strong Westminster-Cardiff relationship.
"I was determined, the Prime Minister was determined with the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland executive and I hope people will of seen that already we've worked very closely and we've delivered significant investment into Wales.
"He the Prime Minister is absolutely committed to making sure every nation of the United Kingdom is on an equal footing and you've seen that...
..he was in Wales within hours of being elected as PM, he's been back several time since, working closely with both me and the First Minister."
When asked on improving investment and living standards in Wales, Jo Stevens said:
"All the sectors in Wales where we're really strong, like advanced manufacturing in North East Wales etc, that's where my focus is.
"We'll be making sure that that is at the forefront of the industrial strategy, delivering new jobs, delivering jobs with good wages meaning there's more money in people's pockets."
Earlier today 19th of December 2024, the UK Government announced it was doubling funds to support workers and businesses affected by job losses at the Tata steel plant in Port Talbot.
Ministers, including the Secretary of State for Wales, said an extra £15 million will be made available for supply chain businesses and workers affected by changes at Tata's Port Talbot site in south Wales.
Jo Stevens said the move means a fund to support businesses across Wales heavily reliant on Tata steel will be increased to £30 million.
She also announced that more businesses will be able to apply for the funds, and the value of individual grants is increasing to up to £250,000 for businesses to invest in equipment, property, technology.