Job creation, closing the education attainment gap and improving skill levels are our key priorities and represent the most effective levers at our disposal to tackle poverty in Wales.

Our constitution must give the Assembly and the Welsh Government the powers we need to deliver for the people that elected us. Where matters are reserved, robust inter-governmental arrangements are essential to underpin a strong United Kingdom that works for all its constituent parts.

In 2011 the people of Wales voted conclusively in favour of full legislative powers for the National Assembly. The restrictions in the draft Wales Bill were not consistent with that decision. It remains to be seen whether the final Bill will change that assessment.

As an arm’s-length subsidiary of the Welsh Government, individual investment decisions are a matter for Finance Wales. However, since its inception in 2001 to the end of 2015-16, Finance Wales has invested £383 million in Welsh businesses, leveraged in an additional £585 million from the private sector, and supported 41,500 jobs.

The Welsh Government has made a commitment to deliver a minimum of 100,000 high quality, all age apprenticeships.