Give our talent a reason to stay here

IT IS commendable that Welsh Government Economic Minister Vaughan Gething MS is launching an initiative to stop young people leaving Wales.

It is badly needed; Wales lags well behind most of the UK regions in its economic performance. Retention of talent (and attracting new talent) is key to addressing the downward drift we have seen for so long.

Our three children all left Wales for university education – the offering in England being wider and deeper – and all three have made their lives in England, well-paid jobs and opportunity being their drivers.

Our children, and now our grandchildren, love to come home to Wales. Yes, for Mum’s cooking, but also for the scenery, open space and friendly welcome. However, they will never settle here and contribute to the Welsh economy in any structural sense.

Depressingly, they see the growing disparity between the two countries. The education system in England is far more progressive and offers far more choice than is the case in Wales – the relative performance in all studies bears out their experience. In health provision, delivery and outcomes are far better in England, again all too evident from the figures. Road and rail infrastructure in England allows easier movement and access to economic opportunity and entertainment. The gap sadly widens.

Mr Vaughan is right to highlight this issue; it is at the core of a solution, a long-term solution, to the economic and social woes that deter young people from coming home.

Wales is a great visitor destination, but it also needs to provide the base for building an economic powerhouse by offering our talent reasons to make Wales a permanent home.

Peter Weavers Talgarth, Powys