8. Welsh Conservatives debate: 'Prosperity for All'

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:10 pm on 24 January 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 6:10, 24 January 2018

The point I make is this: close co-operation is very, very important. You can look throughout the world at the importance of cross-border co-operation, but let's remember what the focus is here, and be realistic about the fact that it's not the interests of Wales that's at the heart of some of these developments, like those trumpeted by Alun Cairns this week. The fact, I think, that it's called a 'western powerhouse' tells me that that is something that is being thought up from a British perspective, because to me, Bristol is to the east, and I go further than to say 'British perspective', but an English perspective. And the same thing can be said for the Northern Powerhouse—it's the north of England powerhouse, just as Mark Isherwood said. Just ask somebody from Scotland what they make of the term 'Northern Powerhouse' and whether they think that is from a British context.

So, let's have a strategy that looks at the Welsh economy as a whole. Yes, looking for new partnerships, but looking at ensuring that no part of the Welsh economy is left untouched.