The Welsh Conservatives have welcomed the announcement from the Welsh Government that it will terminate funding for the Mbale tree-planting programme in Uganda from 31st March 2027.
The Welsh Conservatives first called for the programme to be axed in September last year, citing it as an example of spending on a matter for which the Welsh Government is not responsible, and calling for the money saved to be redirected towards improving public services in Wales.
Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:
“This decision is long overdue, but it is better late than never.
“It’s outrageous that the Welsh Government has been spending so much taxpayers’ money on planting trees in Africa while our schools and hospitals have not been getting the cash they need.
“Welsh Ministers must now go further by scrapping other unnecessary spending overseas, such as solar powered canoes for tribes in the Amazon, and expensive, unnecessary mini-embassies in exotic locations around the world.
“It has no responsibility for foreign affairs or international development, so every pound spent on these things is a pound that is being taken away from our NHS, our education system, and helping the Welsh economy.
“The Welsh Government should put the people of Wales first, not vanity projects overseas.”
FOCUS ON THE PEOPLE’S PRIORITIES
• No more devolved powers
• Protect women only spaces
• Match the childcare offer available in England.
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