Plaid Cymru ministers have failed to say whether they would allow public investment for Welsh defence firms if Britain went to war.
Welsh Conservative Leader, Darren Millar, tabled a series of questions to the First Minister after the Welsh Government announced that it would try to halt any public investment in Welsh defence firms until they had been shown to comply with an “ethical” defence framework.
Mr Millar asked what impact the framework would have on jobs and investment, who the Government would speak to before setting it up, and whether the framework could be suspended in time of war.
But Economy Minister Adam Price gave no straight answer. He said the rules were still being developed, with decisions about support arrangements to be considered during drafting and review.
The response also gave no assessment of the possible cost to Welsh jobs, businesses or Britain’s security.
Meanwhile, ministers have told officials to hold back new defence investment support decisions wherever legally and practically possible until the framework is published and arrangements for putting it into practice have been considered.
The Conservatives warn that the uncertainty could drive investment and skilled jobs elsewhere.
Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said
“Even if Britain went to war, Plaid cannot say whether it would back Welsh defence firms. These businesses help equip the armed forces who defend us, yet the Minister cannot give them a straightforward assurance.
“Companies cannot put recruitment and investment on hold while Plaid works out its policy. Businesses considering bringing skilled jobs to Wales could think twice and take their investment elsewhere.
“There is nothing ethical about creating avoidable uncertainty for the people and businesses who help defend our country.”
The Senedd last week voted 45–43 for a Welsh Conservative motion calling for a Welsh defence industrial strategy to attract investment and expand training opportunities.
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