Point 3.

So, consequently, UKIP will be supporting amendment 2. As regards the other amendments to the motion, relating to amendment 1 by Labour, I note that Welsh Labour may now be spending some money in north Wales—at least they promised to, and we’ll see if those plans come to pass—but I don’t think that Welsh Labour have anything really to boast about, though. Yes, money is being promised to north Wales in some limited ways, but that’s a drop in a puddle compared with the moneys that are being invested by Welsh Government in south Wales. The benefits of the so-called improvement to the A55/A494 corridor to the local economy remain to be seen. I and many others believe that the decision to implement the red route will merely move the traffic problems currently in Queensferry further west, which will help no-one and certainly not the wider community. So, I will be reminding voters whose lives and livelihoods will be damaged by the decisions and the neglect of north Wales by Welsh Labour that they should not only blame Labour, but also the equally culpable Plaid.

Turning to the other amendments proposed by Labour, as regards an additional crossing over the Menai strait, when will these plans actually see the light of day, and when will construction actually start? How soon can people on Anglesey expect the third crossing? When will this advanced manufacturing research institute start showing dividends? No economic benefits can be felt until the plans come to fruition, so when will we actually see some improvements in the real world? I recognise that some of the powers called for by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board would need to be devolved by the UK Government first. However, the proposals of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board are very interesting ones that should be taken on board by Welsh Government, but I fear they won’t be. It would make sense for such decisions to be made by those most closely affected by them and by people who understand the area and put north Wales first.

Powers should be devolved to the lowest level of government feasible, and therefore we will be supporting amendment 3. Perhaps if investment decisions had historically been made by those most affected by them, we would not now be bemoaning the neglect of north Wales in comparison with other regions of Wales.

So, in summary, although I support the sentiments expressed in Plaid’s motion, I do find it a bit rich coming from a party that has propped up a Labour Government for years, that has treated north Wales as a poor and remote relation, and continues to do so. Thank you.