Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his way to Wales today for a significant visit that entailed facing a series of challenging queries presented by staff members of a prominent employer. During his visit to Airbus in Broughton, Starmer engaged in a question and answer session with approximately 80 staff members. They posed tough questions covering a range of topics including the UK’s economic situation, Brexit, farming issues, and education funding in Wales. The Prime Minister addressed concerns about the economic forecast figures released on the same day, indicating that the UK’s economic growth of just 0.1% was deemed insufficient. Starmer acknowledged the need for a stronger relationship with Europe post-Brexit, highlighting the intention to reset the existing terms. He assured staff of his commitment to resolving the challenges they faced in working with European counterparts since Brexit.
Moreover, Starmer responded to inquiries regarding education affordability for students from the UK and abroad, as well as support for economically struggling schools. He emphasised that the recent Budget allocated £1.7 billion to Wales, with decisions on allocation left to the Welsh Government. Acknowledging past obstacles, he expressed a collaborative approach between his government and the Welsh administration, underscoring the imperative of cooperation for success. The Prime Minister also addressed concerns raised by farmers grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, particularly referencing the impending changes to inheritance tax rules affecting farming communities.
Furthermore, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to address these issues effectively, engaging in constructive dialogue with staff members and offering his availability for further communication. The discussion also touched upon the pressing need for infrastructure investment in Wales, notably in rail projects. Starmer expressed his willingness to collaborate with Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan on infrastructure development, acknowledging the significance of this sector for Wales. Discussions expanded to include the upcoming Senedd election in 2026, with Starmer highlighting the importance of delivering on promises to regain voter confidence.
During the visit, input was also sought from the Prime Minister on consequential payments related to HS2, with efforts directed towards productive discussions rather than contentious debates. Starmer addressed concerns raised by Welsh Labour ministers regarding previous lapses in infrastructure planning and reaffirmed a joint focus on addressing Wales’ infrastructure needs. Notably, Starmer outlined a strategy centred on effective governance, economic recovery, and collaborative efforts with the Welsh Government to maximise the impact of budget allocations in Wales.
In conclusion, Starmer’s visit to Airbus in Broughton provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue with Welsh employees on critical issues impacting various sectors. The interactive session underscored the government’s commitment to addressing economic challenges, fostering European relations, supporting vital industries like farming, and prioritising infrastructure development in Wales. Starmer’s collaborative approach and emphasis on delivery-oriented governance resonated with staff members, marking a significant step towards addressing concerns and fostering a more robust partnership between the UK government and Wales. This visit signals a proactive engagement by the Prime Minister with local stakeholders, setting a precedent for future dialogues and concerted efforts towards Wales’ economic prosperity and sustainable growth.