“Strong Welsh Voice Resonates Again” – Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales
The political landscape in Wales has seen a significant shift, with a resounding call for change in recent times. Jo Stevens, the newly appointed Labour Secretary of State for Wales, reflects on the past year and shares insights into her upcoming priorities in an exclusive opinion piece for Wales Online.
In July of this year, amidst the winds of change, Wales made a decisive vote for a new direction. Jo Stevens took on the historic role of becoming the first female Labour Secretary of State for Wales, with a clear mandate – to deliver on the promises made to the people of Wales during the election campaign.
Central to their pledges were commitments to enhance public safety, promote sustainable energy solutions, and most importantly, generate new opportunities for job creation and economic prosperity throughout Wales. A key focus lay on collaborating with the Welsh Government to revamp and revitalise public services, injecting much-needed funds into essential sectors like healthcare after years of neglect.
The foundation of this transformative agenda was built on fostering a renewed and strengthened relationship between the UK and Welsh Governments. The dawn of a new era marked the end of divisive disputes, making way for a collaborative partnership that truly serves the best interests of the Welsh populace, for the first time in a generation.
The recent Budget allocated a historic sum of £21 billion to the Welsh Government, including an additional £1.7 billion for the upcoming year to bolster public services, notably the NHS, and reduce waiting times. The Welsh Labour Government is poised to channel over £600 million of fresh funding into healthcare and social welfare in the coming year, reflecting the urgent need for enhanced health services as voiced by citizens across Wales.
Efforts are also underway to bolster the economy, with strategic Investment Zones in vital hubs like Cardiff, Newport, Wrexham, and Flintshire. These initiatives aim to leverage sector-specific strengths such as creative industries, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Approvals for Welsh freeports are set to unlock substantial private investments, potentially creating nearly 20,000 jobs in port communities like Milford Haven, Port Talbot, and Holyhead.
A groundbreaking Economic Advisory Group comprising representatives from businesses, trade unions, and academic institutions across Wales has been assembled. This innovative collaboration ensures that Wales remains at the forefront of attracting investments in key sectors, unlocking future job opportunities and industries. Noteworthy among these initiatives is the pursuit of floating offshore wind projects, offering Wales a pioneering role in harnessing oceanic wind energy and creating sustainable jobs.
The rejuvenation of the Wales Office and the reinstated prominence of the Welsh Secretary’s role at the Cabinet table signify a renewed vigour and advocacy for Welsh interests within the UK government. Notably, Stevens highlights her successful efforts to secure the promised £80 million support for workers and businesses in Port Talbot, rectifying previous unfunded commitments. The swift action resulted in the allocation of millions of pounds towards supporting local enterprises and employees, with the Labour Budget confirming the full £80 million commitment.
The collaborative spirit between the UK and Welsh Governments was evident in addressing pressing concerns such as the allocation of £25 million for the maintenance and protection of coal tips across Wales. This cooperative endeavour underscores the evolving partnership between the two administrations, addressing long-standing issues affecting numerous former coal mining communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, a comprehensive Plan for Change is set to be rolled out, promising enhanced policing to ensure community safety, and a revamped rail network to meet the evolving transportation needs of the Welsh population. Partnerships with Welsh authorities aim to bolster rail infrastructure and services, signalling a commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and economic growth.
As the year unfolds, Wales can anticipate a future brimming with opportunities and advancements, with a resolute commitment from Jo Stevens and her team to elevate Wales’s voice on the national stage. The narrative of a strong, empowered Wales resonates once more, promising a decade of renewal and progress, with a unified vision for a brighter tomorrow.