Brexit, building Wales’ economy and business tax relief – parties’ political plans for 2017

With Brexit dominating the political agenda, Wales’ five major political parties tell Chief Reporter Martin Shipton how they view the nation’s political prospects in 2017

economy and jobs closer to home.

“For businesses wanting to grow and take on people, we are taking forward our pledge to cut the amount of tax that small businesses pay as well as creating a new Development Bank of Wales to support SMEs to expand.

“For individuals needing skills for employment, we are beginning work on a new employability programme that brings together our existing programmes into one single support programme to better tackle economic inactivity and, for individuals wanting higher skills, there is a promise to create 100,000 all age apprenticeships to give individuals a pathway into high quality jobs.

“We’ve also committed to investment in stronger, more integrated infrastructure to ensure that major projects, such as the Metro, can drive transformational change in local economies and communities.

“We are incredibly proud of the stronger economy that the Welsh Labour has delivered over the last few years. 2017 is the time to build the economy of the future.” “As Jonathan Edwards MP has pointed out: ‘Westminster has managed to cheat the voters into thinking slashing public services was unavoidable and that it would lead to prosperity again by 2015.’

“In such an uncertain time, Wales needs to protect and nurture those jobs we already have.

“Plaid Cymru has been consistent on prioritising Single Market membership as the main objective for Wales in any Brexit negotiations. The party has no doubt whatsoever that this will be recognised as being the priority for Wales.

“Wales needs to make progress with a National Infrastructure Commission and a Bank of Wales to support the SME sector. Issues raised by Plaid Cymru in this year’s elections need to be pushed by the Welsh Government, including the need for more public spending contracts to go to Wales-based firms and suppliers.

“All political parties in Wales should prepare for the possibility of major constitutional change in the UK during 2017, as Scotland tries to protect its EU membership. There will be significant repercussions from this and Wales must respond with confidence and resilience if Scottish independence returns to the agenda.”