Latest news with #JoStevens
The Guardian
a day ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘A choice between Eluned Morgan or Nigel Farage': Jo Stevens on Welsh Labour's struggles in Cardiff
It's still too early for many people other than dog walkers to be enjoying Roath Park in leafy north Cardiff, but it's the first stop of three for Keir Starmer's secretary of state for Wales, Jo Stevens. After coffee with the Guardian on Thursday, Port Talbot beckons for a meeting of the government-funded transition board that is supposed to help the traditionally steelmaking town navigate the closure of Tata Steel's blast furnaces – still a raw wound for many Welsh voters – and then it's on to Llandudno for the Welsh Labour conference. The spring summit is being watched more closely than usual. A year into government in Westminster, Labour is on tricky ground. In Wales, where the party has led every government since devolution in 1999, polling suggests it will win its lowest ever vote share in next May's Senedd election, behind Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. 'Every poll is a snapshot of a moment in time … but we do have a challenge on our hands,' Stevens said. The MP for Cardiff East, the most powerful Welsh politician in Westminster, is not from the capital. Her parents, a meteorologist and a teacher, were from the Welsh valleys, but she was born in Swansea and grew up in Flintshire. Today she lives in Roath, and her two grown up sons are out of the house. Stevens studied law at Manchester University and worked in trade union law for 20 years before standing in 2015 for the now-abolished seat of Cardiff Central. 'Being a lawyer was good training for parliament, because as an MP, you do a lot of casework,' she said. 'I loved my job. You can change the law as a lawyer, but it doesn't happen very often. The only way you can really effect change is to go into parliament. 'It took me ages to decide to go into politics but in the end it was an instinct, and I went for it.' After serving in Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer's shadow cabinets, including two stints as shadow secretary of state for Wales, in the 11 months since Labour swept into office in Westminster Stevens has had her best chance so far to make a difference. She can already point to a string of achievements: she is most proud of securing £21bn for Wales in the 2024 autumn budget – the largest settlement for Wales in real terms since devolution – and this month's spending review, in which record amounts of funding for Wales's neglected railways and clearing dangerous coal tips were announced. An offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea will bring thousands of badly needed jobs to Port Talbot and powering millions of UK homes. Increased spending has allowed Eluned Morgan's Welsh Labour government to bring down NHS waiting list times, which are worse than anywhere else in the UK. Whether this will be enough to stop Welsh Labour haemorrhaging votes in the Senedd next May remains to be seen. Unsurprisingly, Stevens has harsh words for Welsh opposition parties that have criticised Starmer's government. 'Plaid Cymru are the party of grievance,' she said. 'You could give them the moon on a stick and they'd still complain. 'I don't think they will be able to form a majority government. Wales has a choice next year between Eluned Morgan or Nigel Farage, because even if he's not on the ballot, he will be calling the shots.' Yet Steven's Welsh Labour colleagues are on edge. Morgan, the first minister, can no longer blame the Conservatives for failing to deliver for Wales, and there have been signs of infighting between the administrations. Labour Senedd members have privately said they are agog at the fact that only five Welsh Labour MPs are rebelling against the UK government's welfare bill, despite research showing it will disproportionately impact people in Wales. How deep or severe the disconnect between Cardiff and London is should become apparent at this weekend's conference. 'Eluned and I are friends,' Stevens said. 'We don't always agree, but we walk away from every conversation knowing I've got her back, and she's got mine. 'She's gone out and listened and decided the priorities for her government, and the UK government is working with her to deliver them. We are a team.' Stevens has just under a year to hope what she can deliver for Wales makes a difference in the Senedd elections, and prove how well two Labour administrations can work together. If not, 100 years of the party's dominance in Wales could be about to end.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New UK trade strategy 'important step forward' for Wales
The plan sets out a post-Brexit vision to position the UK as the world's most connected trading nation and create £5 billion worth of export opportunities for businesses. Jo Stevens, secretary of state for Wales, said: "Our Trade Strategy is an important step forward for businesses in Wales. "The UK Government has already secured better access for Welsh exporters to the European Union, United States and India in recent trade deals and this builds on the progress made. "We are focusing on targeted sector deals which will deliver results quickly that help Welsh businesses of all sizes reach new markets with greater confidence. "This approach ensures that innovation and economic growth reach all parts of Wales, delivering on our Plan for Change commitment to raise living standards throughout every part of the UK." The strategy includes expanding UK Export Finance (UKEF) capacity to £80 billion and introduces a Small Exports Builder to improve access to export protection insurance for smaller firms. It also pledges to strengthen the UK's trade defence toolkit and make the trade remedies system more agile and assertive. The strategy follows recent trade agreements with the EU, US, and India, all of which offer new opportunities for Welsh exporters. The EU deal is expected to benefit Wales' food and drink sector in particular, with improved access for Welsh sausages and lamb mince, and fewer barriers for pet owners travelling to the continent. The US agreement protects jobs in key industries across Wales, including aerospace manufacturing. The Indian deal is projected to add £4.8 billion to the UK economy and increase wages by £2.2 billion each year. The UK Government said it is working with industry to shape future steel trade measures that will protect UK producers after the current safeguard expires in June 2026. Meanwhile, up to £13 billion in direct lending will be made available to support exports from key industrial sectors. The strategy forms part of the UK Government's wider Plan for Change and aims to deliver stronger, more sustainable economic growth by boosting international trade.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Plans to boost manufacturing and semiconductors in Newport
UK Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, launched a fresh strategic approach for industry which has major benefits to Wales, the minister said. He has the backing of the UK Government's Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens and local industry leaders in Newport. The plan will see further subsidies for manufacturing that are high energy users and also a boost to the semiconductor industry, which is strong along the M4 corridor area in Gwent. Other Welsh boosts, largely outside Gwent, will see cost benefits for defence, chemical and steel making, with further subsidised energy costs being offered. From 2027, electricity costs will be cut by up to £40 per megawatt hour for electricity-intensive businesses. The Business Secretary has said the cash boost will help Welsh industry and attract new investment: "It will make existing Welsh industry a lot more competitive and attract new investment," he added. Energy-intensive industries will get help from the British Industry Supercharger, which will use more taxpayers' money to increase subsidies in energy intense production. The subsidies will increase from 60 per cent to 90 percent in 2026. The industrial strategy is a decade-long plan to 'make business cheaper and easier' and assist UK Government in its growth aims. The plan is to "make it quicker, easier and cheaper" to do business in the UK, he clarified. The package for Wales will see a university-led growth in research into semiconductors, which will feed the Gwent-based manufacturers. The doctoral centre will be 'world- leading' and based in Swansea. The funding will see £275million for skills and training in England and a related, so-called Barnett consequential funding for Wales. That funding will be at the heart of the strategy, it is claimed. Skills training is devolved to Wales and Wales ordinarily gets a bigger share of funding from what is called the Barnett consequential. This means Wales should get a bigger proportionate share for training than is available in England. The Welsh Government can add to the sums and further boost work in education and training, which is already proportionately bigger in Wales's smaller and less competitive job market. However, adding to the sums is entirely the decision of the Welsh Government, Mr Reynolds has pointed out. UK Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said the industrial strategy was good for Wales and its businesses. She added: "The strategy will support key sectors like compound semiconductors while developing industries of the future like floating offshore wind where Wales is well-placed to be a world leader.' The strategy aims to harness an 'investment zone' around the semiconductor sector in Newport. Dr Wyn Meredith, Chair of CSconnected, the collective brand for advanced semiconductor activities in South East Wales, said: "This announcement marks a major milestone in strengthening South Wales' position as a global leader in compound semiconductor technologies. "The Cardiff Capital Region Investment Zone will support the growth of this strategically important industry, accelerating supply chain growth, workforce development programmes, and innovation to produce the products and services of the future. These factors are critical drivers for further job creation, inward investment and remaining globally competitive in this highly competitive global industry." Michael O'Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Vishay, which operates the largest semiconductor factory in the UK based in Newport, said: 'This is a critical milestone for South Wales and the UK as a whole – a vote of confidence in the talented workers who have attracted investment from Government and companies across the globe. "We know that the world class semiconductor cluster in South Wales has the expertise to meet the great challenges of our age – from Net Zero to the huge energy demands that will come from the growth of AI and electric vehicles. 'We plan to invest £250m, supporting 500 jobs to manufacture cutting edge compound semiconductors. These microchips with faster processing speeds will reduce energy losses and support advanced manufacturing industries from next generation wind turbines, data centres, to the latest electric vehicles and chargers. 'We look forward to working in partnership with leaders in the Welsh Government, Cardiff Capital Region and beyond to make the most of this opportunity for growth." Welsh Labour ministers are expressing delight at recent events and are buoyed ahead of next year's Senedd elections by this news. The boost follows the recent spending review that saw £445million pumped into rail, bus, cycling and walking alternatives to the congestion on the M4. Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Minister for the Economy and Energy, has told media the boost is the result of the government partnership between the Senedd and Westminster. A spokeswoman for Plaid Cymru said Wales is being short changed by Westminster again and will remain an afterthought in Labour's plans, which seem to centre on Senedd elections, not economic renewal. Key factors for Wales: UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, building on the world-leading cluster based in south Wales. A Defence Growth Deal cluster to build on Wales's major strengths. The top five Ministry of Defence suppliers all have a presence in Wales. A new British Business Bank champion for the Cardiff Capital Region to connect investors with businesses and kickstart growth. £30m for a Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation. The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales. Support for the UK's city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investment sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator. Strengthened support from the Office for Investment to help identify, shape and deliver strategic investment opportunities.
Business News Wales
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Developers Revealed for Celtic Sea Floating Wind Projects
Delivering floating offshore wind off the coast of Pembrokeshire has taken a significant step forward, as the Crown Estate has named Equinor and a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB as preferred bidders, following the conclusion of its Round 5 leasing process. Two developers have each secured rights to develop 1.5GW of floating offshore wind (FLOW) capacity in the Celtic Sea, with a third 1.5GW lease area yet to be awarded. As part of the Crown Estate's Round 5 leasing process, both successful bidders will pay an annual option fee of £350 per megawatt, amounting to £525,000 per year for their 1.5GW lease area. Unlike traditional fixed-bottom turbines, FLOW technology allows wind farms to be installed in deeper waters, opening up vast new areas of seabed for renewable energy generation. This latest announcement represents a major milestone for the emerging Floating Offshore Wind industry in the Celtic Sea, with the Crown Estate forecasting the potential for a further 4GW to 10GW to be made available by 2030. The news also follows the Crown Estate's recent commitment to invest £400 million in enhancing port and onshore infrastructure. With two project development areas being located in different parts of the Celtic Sea coastline, strategic investment in ports and the grid will now be critical, as potential supply chain investors await further information from the leasing process regarding the developers' supply chain plans. A major benefit of this announcement is that we now know the developers who will be progressing these projects, so communities and supply chains across South Wales and the South West can engage with the developers to co-create opportunities to maximise the benefit from these projects. What these stakeholders need from the developers now is an indication of project timelines and milestones to prepare and align themselves. This announcement is a significant vote of confidence in the UK's world-leading offshore energy market at a time of global volatility and uncertainty for the sector. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 'Floating offshore wind will be transformative for economic growth in Wales and the South West, unlocking thousands of jobs in places like Port Talbot and Bristol, bolstering our energy security and delivering industrial renewal. 'The Celtic Sea has huge untapped potential to support our mission to become clean energy superpower, so we can get energy bills down for good through our Plan for Change.' Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: 'This is a hugely significant moment for the clean energy industry in Wales and one which will have a positive impact for generations to come. 'Floating offshore wind will help deliver the transition to clean energy, bring down bills for households and help secure the UK's home-grown energy supply. 'Increased economic growth and thousands of new well-paid jobs will come from this huge vote of confidence in Wales' energy industry and its workforce.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'The establishment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea marks the start of a new industrial opportunity for Wales. 'Over the last six months, we have been working through our Task and Finish Group to ensure Wales is in the best possible position to reap the rewards from the energy transition. 'This is an exciting and important step in that journey, and we look forward to working with the industry, The Crown Estate and counterparts in Westminster to write the next chapter in this story.' Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Renewables UK, said: 'I am absolutely delighted to announce that we, together with our project partner ESB, have secured preferred Bidder status with The Crown Estate for an Agreement for Lease as part of the Round 5 Leasing Process. 'We look forward to further developing the Gwynt Glas offshore wind farm, helping the UK maintain a market leading position in floating wind and recognising the important role that floating wind can play in the UK's ambition towards reaching net zero.' Jim Dollard, Executive Director at ESB, said: 'ESB, in partnership with our colleagues in EDFR, is delighted to have been successful in The Crown Estate Round 5 seabed allocation in the Celtic Sea. The Celtic Sea is of strategic importance to ESB given its location adjacent to Ireland and the opportunities to develop a floating offshore project in what we believe to be an ideal area bodes well for our ambitions to develop a portfolio of floating offshore wind projects in Ireland and UK to contribute to the net zero plans for both countries as well as those of ESB.' Trine Borum Bojsen, Senior Vice President for Renewables Europe of Equinor, said: 'We are delighted to be given this opportunity in the Celtic Sea. The UK is a core strategic market for Equinor and a market where we have more than a decade's experience in offshore wind. The seabed lease offers the scalability and timing flexibility we seek and is a long-term option for Equinor's renewables portfolio. We believe that the deeper waters in the Celtic Sea have good future potential for floating wind which will play an important role in unlocking the UK's journey towards net zero.'
Business News Wales
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Business News Wales
Wales to Benefit From £900m Investment for Major Sporting Events and Grassroots Sport
Villages, towns and cities across Wales and the UK at large are set to benefit from a 'transformational' investment of more than £900 million in sport. The funding will support a pipeline of major international events and deliver new grassroots facilities. The funding commitment, which was outlined in the Spending Review last week, has now been set out by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. It will see more than £500 million committed to supporting the delivery of a host of world class sporting events being held in Wales and around the UK over the coming years, including the first stages of the Tour de France in 2027, the European Athletics Championships 2026 and the men's UEFA EURO 2028 – alongside Ireland – for which Cardiff's National Stadium of Wales (Principality Stadium) is a host venue. These events are expected to deliver significant economic benefits, with EURO 2028 alone projected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value across the UK. Work is also continuing with the Home Nation football associations, including the Welsh FA, and devolved administrations to develop the bid for the UK to host the Women's FIFA World Cup in 2035. In tandem at least £400 million will be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities that promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion. Work to remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities will continue. Already, government funding has helped clubs to build new pitches and changing rooms, install floodlights, solar panels and goalposts; supporting a range of sports including football, rugby and others. Government funding has already seen £400,000 invested in a new artificial pitch at Abersychan Comprehensive School and a £220,000 upgrade of the grass pitch at Ruthin Town FC. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can – uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change. Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK. ' Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: 'The investment in sport is fantastic news and means that grassroots facilities all around Wales will be upgraded, expanded, and improved, helping more people get active and improve their wellbeing. 'The £500 million for sporting events will strengthen Wales and the UK's global reputation for excellence in staging major sporting events, hosting EURO 2028 in our National Stadium in Cardiff and a stage of the Tour de France in 2027.' Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of the UK and Ireland 2028 Board, said: 'We welcome today's announcement of significant investment in sport from the UK Government, which marks a major boost to the successful delivery of UEFA EURO 2028. This commitment will not only help us stage a world-class tournament but also ensure that communities across the UK feel long-lasting benefits – from enhanced grassroots facilities to stronger local economies. 'UEFA EURO 2028 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and with this investment, we are better placed than ever to deliver an event with pride, purpose and impact.' Nick Webborn, Chair of UK Sport, said: 'We welcome the Government's ongoing commitment to hosting the Tour De France, Tour De France Femmes and Euro 2028. These events have huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation in communities across the UK. 'We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country's social fabric. We are really excited to be working with the Government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.'
