Business of government must go on
Theresa May, supported by the DUP, will today present a plan for government in the Queen’s Speech.
The new UK Government must be in no doubt that this is a pivotal moment for the Welsh business community, and we will be watching closely to ensure the Queen’s Speech sends a clear and positive signal.
Clearly, the UK Government must make progress on what a Brexit deal will look like for Wales. We have emphasised that one of the first priorities must be for EU workers to be given leave to remain, to give stability both to employees and businesses.
We also need to ensure a good deal for small businesses. We laid out how this is possible in our series of Brexit reports and General Election manifesto; it is now time for the UK Government to tell us their position and work with the Welsh Government to achieve the best trading position for Welsh businesses.
Before the election the Conservatives pledged to scrap the Severn Bridge tolls. Last week, FSB Wales called on the UK Government to implement this as soon as possible. We can see no reason to prevaricate on this commitment, which will benefit businesses that rely on the Severn Crossing and ensure businesses in south Wales are given a confidence boost.
We also want to see the Government set out plans for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon in coming weeks. Tidal Lagoon Power made an early commitment to a local supply chain, and the project has widespread business and political support. This project could regenerate the wider Swansea region and it is time the Government gave it the green light.
The North Wales Growth Deal was another Conservative manifesto commitment that brings potential jobs and growth. Ahead of the election, small businesses told us that a priority for the next UK government should be to ensure regional development and investment across Wales. Giving early sign-off to the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and North Wales Growth Deal will demonstrate to those businesses that the Conservatives have listened to the Welsh business community.
Following the State Opening of Parliament, the new government has officially got everything it needs to begin working for the benefit of small businesses across Wales. While the UK Government must work with the Welsh Government to deliver a successful Brexit for Wales, and work on the projects we have outlined as a matter of priority, its overarching ambition must be to provide the certainty and stability that small firms require in order to go about their business with confidence.
The Prime Minister fought the election on the basis of being “strong and stable”, and it is now the reasonable expectation of business that her government should demonstrate this. Moving forward with these key projects in Wales would go some way to helping to fulfil that commitment.
Janet Jones is policy chair for FSB Wales.