It was therefore shocking when it not only failed on all counts as Wales once again qualified for structural funds. Even after the EU was expanded by the admission of former Warsaw pact states from the east of Europe, despite billions of euros being pumped into west Wales and the Valleys, our nation was still as poor, or even poorer, than many of the former Soviet bloc countries that had gained EU membership. Once more, billions of euros were flooding into Wales in an attempt to level up Wales. What Plaid like to gloss over is the fact that these funds could only be spent on terms set by the EU. This institution had no say, no sway, so it's little wonder that what emerged was a string of broken promises, failed projects and a stagnant economy.

The UK Government's replacement schemes are in stark contrast. They are designed to deliver maximum benefit to local communities, designed to give local residents the final say in projects to improve their areas, yet this is unacceptable to Plaid and Labour politicians. They don't care about local communities, they only care about holding power onto them. I urge Members to reject this motion and support—