Labour’s claim Wales is “punching above its weight” is delusional, say Welsh Conservatives

Welsh Conservatives have today criticised the First Minister’s “delusional” claim that Wales is ‘punching above its weight’ under a Labour government.

The comments come as the Welsh Labour Government publishes its programme for the next five years, with the Welsh Conservative Leader arguing that seventeen years of Labour rule has left Wales “poorer and less equal” – in spite of claims to the contrary.

Commenting on the release, the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives – Andrew RT Davies – said:

“The First Minister’s relentless focus might be on improving the economy and public services, but it’s seventeen years of Labour rule which has left Wales poorer and less equal.

“Whilst it’s difficult to disagree with many of the commitments outlined in the programme for government, it does highlight the many areas in which the Labour Party has let down Wales since the dawn of devolution in 1999.

“As usual we are left with little by way of detail, and Carwyn Jones’ claim that Wales is punching above its weight is delusional. In spite of our many and varied talents, the evidence suggests that the exact opposite is true.

“Under Labour, the Welsh education system ranks behind Vietnam; large swathes of Wales are poorer than parts of Bulgaria, Romania and Poland; and Welsh NHS waiting times are the longest in the UK.

“If the Labour Party thinks that Wales punching above its weight, then they have a very low opinion of our country indeed.”