Plaid Assembly debate to call for Regional Renewal Bill

Plaid Cymru AMs will today lead an Assembly debate on the north Wales economy, highlighting the party’s achievements for the area while scrutinising the Labour Welsh Government’s record when it comes to regional investment.

Llŷr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru AM for north Wales who will lead the debate, said that Labour’s fixation with concentrating investment in Cardiff and the surrounding area was in danger of fuelling regional inequality and that many people throughout the rest of Wales, particularly the north, felt left behind by the government.

He added that Plaid Cymru was proud of its achievements as part of the Welsh Budget deal in which it secured millions of pounds for improved road links, medical training for the region, work on a third Menai crossing, and a national football museum.

Speaking ahead of the Assembly debate, Llŷr Gruffydd AM said, “Figures show that the Labour Welsh Government is guilty of chronic underinvestment in the north Wales region. Since 2013, residents in north Wales have received £361.45 less per head than residents in south east Wales.

“This has meant that many people feel left behind by the government in Cardiff Bay, viewing it as a distant and disinterested entity which doesn’t represent them.

“Plaid Cymru has shown determination to prove to people throughout north Wales that we can overcome that geographical challenge and deliver for communities many miles away.

“In our recent Welsh Budget deal, we secured millions of pounds of extra investment for north Wales, including funds for improved road links, medical training for the region, work on a third Menai crossing, and a national football museum.

“An all-Wales economic vision such as Plaid Cymru’s is essential if we are to spread prosperity and opportunity throughout the country.

“That is why we want to see the Labour Welsh Government introduce a Regional Renewal Bill to prioritise the most deprived areas for investment in order to rebalance the economy.

“The government has a duty to ensure that no community is left behind as it seeks to create jobs, growth and opportunities. Labour must now heed Plaid Cymru’s calls and deliver an economic strategy which delivers for each and every part of Wales.”