Oral Answers to Questions

The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, responded to tabled questions on support for clean energy projects in Wales. She discussed the government's plans to establish Great British Energy to drive investment in new green technologies, such as floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, which will create high-quality green jobs and attract private investment across Wales. The Secretary of State also highlighted the success of Welsh tidal, solar and offshore wind projects in securing contracts through the government's main scheme for supporting low-carbon electricity generation. The Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, John Lamont, asked the Secretary of State to recognize the previous Conservative government's role in delivering clean energy projects for Wales, including the Celtic freeport, and inquired about the Welsh Government's plans to support clean energy. The Secretary of State acknowledged the previous government's work and stated that she is backing the delivery of the two freeports in Wales, with the involvement of the Welsh Government. The Secretary of State then responded to tabled questions on supporting the steel industry in Wales. She discussed the £13.5 million in funding announced for supply chain, skills and employability support, as well as the business and community pledge scheme to support affected workers. The Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland questioned whether the new deal for the steel industry in south Wales is largely unchanged from the previous Conservative government's agreement, and asked the Secretary of State to provide details on how the funding will reach impacted workers swiftly. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Dame Nia Griffith, responded to tabled questions on supporting economic growth in Wales. She highlighted the government's mission to kick-start economic growth across the UK, with opportunities in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, the creative sector, fintech and life sciences. The Minister also discussed the challenges facing Welsh universities and the government's work with the Welsh Government to support the higher education sector. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Dame Nia Griffith, then responded to tabled questions on the government's policy regarding the proposed nuclear power plant at Wylfa. She stated that nuclear energy can play an important role in achieving energy security and clean power, while providing skilled jobs, and that Great British Nuclear has acquired the Wylfa site with a view to developing a new nuclear project.