National Assembly for Wales

This is a position endorsed by the Welsh public in two successive referendums. We must all work to ensure that devolution is protected from those who would take a sledgehammer to the progress we have made together, if they ever got a chance to lead a government.

Public health campaigns save lives. It’s as simple as that. Whether it’s helping people quit smoking, cutting back on alcohol or spotting the early signs of cancer, they give people the knowledge and confidence to take action. That’s why this Welsh Labour Government backs evidence-based campaigns that don’t just raise awareness but actually change behaviour, from encouraging vaccination to promoting healthy weight. Prevention isn’t a slogan. It’s the best investment we can make in the health of our nation.

North Wales is a vital part of our economy and it’s powering ahead in advanced manufacturing, tourism and clean energy. The growth deal, backed by nearly £1 billion in investment, is delivering infrastructure, innovation and jobs across the region, while our free ports, investment zones and Transforming Towns programme are creating opportunities on the ground. We’ve invested in rail too—a 50 per cent increase in services on the north Wales coast main line and by December we’ll have doubled trains between Wrexham and Chester. And with projects like offshore wind and marine energy, north Wales is at the heart of our renewable energy future. The Conservatives talk north Wales down. Labour invests, builds and delivers.

After years of Tory neglect, we now have constructive relationships with a UK Labour Government, working together every day to deliver for Wales: £220 million for coal tip safety, £500 million for Tata, £445 million extra for rail. But let me be clear: partnership doesn’t mean silence. We’ll keep fighting for fair funding and stronger devolution because Wales always comes first.