Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:16 pm on 23 March 2022.
Diolch yn fawr, Weinidog. A few weeks ago, I visited the new Spark centre in Cardiff University, and I encourage all Members to visit that new research centre. They stressed to me, prior to Brexit, the amount of funding they were receiving from the European Union. Universities Wales received almost £570 million since the turn of the century. In the context of Cardiff University, that had a huge impact and it's been crucial with regard to their research and their main ventures, which have subsequently provided a huge impetus towards the local economy in Cardiff and beyond. But they were very concerned with the levelling-up proposals affecting universities in Wales. Therefore, in this context—I appreciate what you said, that you as a Government have been completely bypassed—what discussions has the Minister had with the education Minister and also with the UK Government and universities to ensure that Welsh universities do not miss out because of the UK Government's levelling-up fund? Diolch yn fawr.