Wales shows how Labour would wreck UK economy, warn Tories

LABOUR’S record in Wales shows Sir Keir Starmer would wreck the British economy and be forced to raise taxes, the Welsh Secretary has warned.

David TC Davies blamed the “reckless policies” of the Left-wing administration in Cardiff for economic “stagnation” and a crumbling health system. He said Welsh voters and businesses had to suffer higher taxes and worse public services than counterparts in England.

He warned that Sir Keir, who has described outgoing First Minister Mark Drakeford as a “titan”, would use Wales as a “blueprint” for the whole UK.

Conservative strategists have identified Labour’s record in Wales as a major Achilles’ heel for Sir Keir and plan to attack it relentlessly in the run-up to the election.

They believe that zeroing in on Cardiff ’s incompetence will show voters the Labour leader cannot be trusted with the reins of power in London.

Mr Drakeford will leave a controversial legacy after five years in office, with the NHS in crisis and anger over the botched rollout of 20mph speed limits.

He was forced to admit this week that his administration made mistakes in launching the 20mph law, which polls have shown is hugely unpopular.

“Despite Welsh Labour’s shocking legacy, Sir Keir Starmer seems to be on a different planet, choosing instead to describe the Welsh Government’s actions as a ‘blueprint’ for the rest of the UK,” Mr Davies said.

“I challenge Sir Keir Starmer to repeat this description to my constituents, who are all suffering every single day from cuts to health provision. As a result of the implemented policies the Welsh economy is stagnating, with wages and the employment rate lagging behind other parts of the UK, with Welsh businesses also paying the highest levels of business rates in the UK.”

The Welsh Government, whose finances are in chaos, has recently hiked business rates and cut levels of relief in a move that has dismayed hospitality firms.

Wales also recently recorded its worst-ever performance for reading, maths and science results, according to the international Pisa rankings.

In contrast, England is now among the best performers across all Western countries, having made huge improvements in recent years.

Mr Davies added: “There’s no two ways about it. Labour is failing the people of Wales, despite receiving a record £18 billion a year from the UK Government. Does Labour’s track record sound like something to be proud of? It certainly doesn’t. But, unfortunately, Labour’s policies will be felt – and remembered – for many years to come.”

He warned those jostling to replace the First Minister had “chosen not to stand up to his reckless policies” and would make things “100 times worse”.