The Conservative group is pleased to be supporting both motions that have been laid relating to the LCM today, which will be introducing revised legislation for the processes and procedures of Government public procurement. This Bill will take advantage of the post-Brexit opportunities, allowing the United Kingdom to shape its own procurement rules while complying with our international obligations, including the World Trade Organization's agreement on Government procurement, giving businesses across the UK guaranteed access to £1.3 trillion-worth of public procurement overseas.

The Procurement Bill will also slash more than 350 complicated and bureaucratic rules that govern public spending in the EU. Removing these and creating more sensible rules will not only reduce costs for businesses and the public sector but also drive innovation by allowing buyers to tailor procurement to their exact needs. Not only will this Bill speed up and simplify public procurement processes, it will place value for money at the heart of procurement and create greater opportunities for small businesses and social enterprises to innovate public service delivery. 

The Procurement Bill will also make it easier for small businesses to win more of the £300 billion-worth of goods and services that are bought by Governments, across Wales—indeed, access to the £8 billion in Wales, as the Minister mentioned. It will also introduce new rules to help the UK Government procure, in emergency situations, such as during health pandemics, ensuring that contracting authorities can react quickly to tackle any emergencies, similar to those we experienced with COVID-19. And obviously, that benefits Wales. So, Llywydd, I ask all Members to join with us and the Welsh Government in supporting this LCM and its two motions.