The UK Government's Budget

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 3:15 pm on 11 March 2020.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 3:15, 11 March 2020

There were several things that were obvious by their absence, I think, in the Chancellor's budget today, one of which was any mention of the steel industry. There was no clarity on rail spend. We had references to rail spend in Manchester, Leeds and other areas—Darlington—but nothing for Wales. And there were no real research and development commitments for us in Wales, and it was very unambitious, I think, in terms of tackling the climate emergency. So, there was lots there that I hope was obvious by its absence, steel being one of those areas, but we do continue to work with the UK Government. So, for example, on the future of the automotive industry, that's an area where we both have particular interests, and Welsh Government is particularly keen on developing that sector. So, Ken Slates is leading on some work in terms of how we can best ensure that investment that is brought to the UK does also feed through across to Wales.