The communities of Wales are more protected from the recession with Plaid in government than they ever were under the Tories. That was the clear message from Plaid AM Gareth Jones, speaking in a debate on unemployment in Wales.

The Plaid AM for Aberconwy said that Plaid in government were using effective measures such as the applauded ProAct and ReAct schemes to help the people of Wales weather the economic storm. He highlighted that only this week the Welsh government has announced £120m of capital funding which is being brought forward to be invested strategically in order to stimulate the economy and create new jobs.

During the debate, Mr Jones referred back to the previous recession, which Wales faced under Tory rule from Westminster. He commented that Wales is much better off with Plaid in government in Wales, looking out for the interests of Welsh communities, than it ever was under a London Tory government.

Plaid AM for Aberconwy, Gareth Jones said:

Janet Ryder“With schemes such as ProAct and ReAct, and the strategic use of capital funding, the Plaid driven government is doing all in its powers to help the people of Wales to weather the current economic storm. Plaid is the only party that has had a clear vision for economic recovery from day one – we launched our paper on this in March this year.

“While Plaid in government battles to protect our communities and to enhance public services, the London parties battle over who can cut the most. Both the Tories and Labour are determined not only to slash public spending but also to cut benefits at a time when finding a job is getting harder and harder.

“Few people can forget the economic devastation that was wrought on Wales throughout the term of the last Tory government in Westminster. Communities across Wales are still to recover from the impact of the decisions of the last Tory government. I am grateful that, in devolution, the communities of Wales now have some protection from the often negative impact of London based decision making. I look forward to the day that greater powers for Wales will mean greater protection for Welsh communities.”