Welsh Liberal Democrats call for greater economic powers to kickstart growth in Wales

• The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the UK Labour Government to deliver greater economic powers for Wales in today's Wales Questions, warning that the country is being held back by a lack of control over key areas of economic development.

Speaking during Welsh Questions in the House of Commons, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP challenged the Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Kinnock, to commit to further devolution during the current Parliament.

Mr Chadwick argued that transferring responsibility for the Crown Estate, rail infrastructure and greater borrowing powers would give Wales the tools it needs to attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Following the exchange new Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock refused to answer the question on whether the UK Government intended to devolve further powers to Wales during this Parliament.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long argued that Wales should have the same economic powers as Scotland, where control over the Crown Estate and greater borrowing flexibility have given the Scottish Government more opportunities to invest in infrastructure and economic development.

Despite almost three decades of devolution, Wales continues to lag behind much of the UK on key economic indicators, including productivity, wages and economic output per head.

The party argues that the current devolution settlement leaves Wales overly dependent on decisions made in Westminster, limiting the ability of Welsh institutions to pursue a long-term economic strategy tailored to the country's needs.

In particular, the party has highlighted the potential for devolving the Crown Estate to ensure revenues generated from Wales's natural resources, including offshore renewable energy developments, can be reinvested directly into Welsh communities.

Greater control over rail infrastructure would also allow Wales to develop a more joined-up transport strategy, while increased borrowing powers could help unlock investment in major infrastructure projects that support long-term growth.

Likewise, the party has previously criticised the fact that Wales receives less than its population share of Research and Development funding as a long-term drag on the Welsh economy. 

Commenting following the exchange, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said:

"For too long, Wales has been expected to grow its economy with one hand tied behind its back. We have enormous economic potential, but too often the decisions that determine our future are being made elsewhere.

"From our renewable energy resources to our transport infrastructure, Wales has opportunities to create thousands of skilled jobs, attract investment and build a stronger economy. But we need the powers to make those opportunities a reality.

"Scotland already enjoys economic powers that Wales is denied. There is simply no good reason why Wales should be treated as a second-class partner within the United Kingdom. Labour needs to explain why they seen to think we are a lesser nation.

"This isn't about constitutional change for its own sake. It's about giving Wales the practical tools to create jobs, raise living standards and deliver prosperity.

"After years of economic stagnation, Wales cannot afford another Parliament of warm words and missed opportunities. The Labour Government must set out a clear timetable for delivering the powers Wales needs to build a stronger economic future."

ENDS