A chance to build for a richer future

WELSH Secretary Alun Cairns has been at the heart of this nation’s politics long enough to know that his proposal for a “Western Powerhouse” would trigger scepticism and even opposition.

Committed devolutionists do not think of Wales as somewhere on the western side of the UK but as a nation more than capable of setting its own path for economic development but held back by the refusal of support for projects such as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

The controversy over the surprise renaming of the second Severn Crossing in honour of the Prince of Wales has raised tensions and there is concern about some of the potential challenges southeast Wales may face when the tolls go.

Plaid Cymru-supporting economist Eurfyl ap Gwilym was pointed in his criticism, saying the Western Powerhouse concept may be a “diversionary exercise designed to undermine the integrity of Wales and to divert attention from the omnishambles that is the current, Brexit-stricken UK Government”.

An exercise in state-sponsored spin will do nothing to help Wales – and our lamentable earnings and skill levels demonstrate clearly there are clear areas where this nation does need to improve. The jury is out on whether the Western Powerhouse will deliver investment but there is real potential for collaboration between communities on both sides of the Severn.

Bristol is home to industries and a university that would be the envy of any world city and it ably demonstrates that a knowledge-intensive economy can thrive far from the M25.

The ambitions that drive academics and entrepreneurs in Bristol are also found among innovators in Newport, Cardiff and Swansea. There are clear opportunities to build relationships, pool expertise and pursue joint-projects that can unlock new prosperity.

The tolls on the M4 extended the sense of distance between the southwest of England and Wales but at last this tax on travel is gone. There is the clear potential to cooperate in tourism marketing so that international visitors are encouraged to plan trips that will take in the majesty of the Brecon Beacons, the glory of Gower, the heritage of Blaenavon and the delights of some of the most beautiful English countryside.

With Wales expected to face greater competition from English cities for investment as a result of HS2 we have every incentive to work together with neighbours who also have great ambitions.