PM promises new funding for Wales

PRIME Minister Boris Johnson will today announce new funding for Growth Deals in Wales. And he has pledged to make an early visit to Wales to meet members of the farming community.

Mr Johnson kicked off his planned visits to the devolved nations of the UK

with a trip to Scotland today. The Prime Minister was due to announce the expansion of Growth Deals across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, backed by £300m of new funding. Mr Johnson will set out how this new pot of money will help communities thrive. Ahead of the Scotland visit, Mr Johnson said: “Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history.

“We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous.

“So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it’s vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom.

“I’m proud to be in Scotland today to

make clear that I am a passionate believer in our great Union, and I look forward to visiting Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that every decision I make as Prime Minister promotes and strengthens our Union.”

First launched in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2014, the UK Government has already committed £2.78bn for Growth Deals.

Supported by funding from the devolved administrations, local authorities and the private sector, the deals provide significant investment for local businesses. Growth Deals are already in negotiation in north Wales and mid Wales.

On the support for Growth Deals, Mr Johnson added: “As I said when I stood on the steps of Downing Street last week, it is time that we unleashed the productive power not just of London and the South East but of every corner of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Important projects like government’s Growth Deals – today backed with £300m new funding – will open up opportunities across our Union so people in every corner of the United Kingdom can realise their potential.”

The Prime Minister was also set to reaffirm his commitment to begin discussions with the devolved administrations for better support for towns in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said: “Wales is the only nation of the UK where Growth Deals have already been announced to cover all of our communities and the Prime Minister and I are committed to building on the successes of our existing collaborative achievements in both south and north Wales.

“For the Mid Wales Growth Deal, I am keen for us all to be as ambitious as possible in driving forward the development of projects, so that they can deliver enduring benefits to businesses and people right across the region.”