Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar MS has warned that the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government risks jobs and investment in Wales after an announcement that decisions on investment in the defence sector should be put on hold.
In a statement issued yesterday, Cabinet Minister Adam Price said that “all decisions related to investment in the defence sector should be, where legally and practically possible, be deferred” while the Welsh Government develops a new “ethical framework” for dealing with defence companies.
The defence and aerospace industry directly employs around 16,000 people in Wales and receives support through Welsh Government economic development activity and investment from the Development Bank of Wales.
Darren Millar has today written to the First Minister demanding urgent clarification on whether the announcement means the Development Bank of Wales and other Welsh Government bodies are now prevented from making new investments in Welsh defence businesses.
Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:
“There has rarely been a more dangerous time for the Welsh Government to send out such a negative message about our defence industry.
“With Russia waging war in Europe and warnings about the growing threats facing the UK and our NATO allies, we should be strengthening our defence capability, not putting investment decisions on hold.
“The Welsh Conservatives support increased defence spending and we want to see as much of that additional investment as possible coming to Wales, to support Welsh businesses and create highly skilled, well-paid jobs.
“The Plaid Government’s actions risk sending a message to the UK Government and investors that Wales is hesitant about supporting the defence industry just as major decisions are being made about where increased defence spending should go.”
He added:
“It is also extraordinary that a Welsh Government which constantly demands respect for the devolution settlement is seeking to impose its own defence policy considerations on a matter which is clearly reserved to the UK Government.
“I have written to the First Minister demanding urgent clarification about what Adam Price’s announcement actually means.”
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