Keith Davies calls on welsh government to back Llanelli business against UK cuts agenda

Economic prosperity for Llanelli was the focus of Keith Davies’ first question to Carwyn Jones, First Minster for Wales during the plenary session on October 8th in Cardiff Bay.

In his question to the First Minister, Keith Davies asked for an update on how the Welsh Government could support businesses in the town.

In his response, Carwyn Jones said of the Welsh Government:

“We are continuing to prioritise our efforts to boost the economy across Wales by focusing on activities that encourage jobs and growth. One example is the repayable business finance funding that was awarded to Calsonic Kansei”.

Keith Davies AM replied:

“Llanelli has felt the benefit of the Welsh Labour Government’s micro-economic levers—in this year alone, BCB International, Hydro Industries US shipments and Dafen’s one-stop shop. Yet, Westminster holds the macro-economic levers. Its devastating budget cuts and austerity measures show no signs of stopping. We are holding a business breakfast in Llanelli this week, with Chuka Umunna MP speaking to local businesses on the challenges ahead. How can the Welsh Labour Government, in spite of the Westminster cuts agenda, champion Welsh business for our future prosperity?”

In reply Carwyn Jones, First Minister stated:

“I am taking forward business improvement districts, of course, and the Wales economic growth fund, which has been a huge success for Llanelli in particular. Some 13 businesses were successful with their applications, and that has led to funding of over £5 million being approved, with the potential to create 105 jobs and to safeguard a further 391. That has helped, of course, to make up for the inaction of the UK Government.”