Prime Minister Andy Burnham will make his first official visit to Wales today, meeting Welsh workers and apprentices as part of a “UK listening tour”. Downing Street said the visit is the next leg of Mr Burnham’s summer tour, which has seen him meet local communities outside Westminster ahead of Parliament’s return next week.
PM urges leaders to back ‘good jobs’ pledge
In a statement issued in advance of the visit, the Prime Minister said: “I am in south Wales (today) because the answers to the UK's challenges will not come from an echo chamber. They will come from the places that know their own strengths, and from a government willing to listen and then act. Good jobs in every community, in every part of the UK. That is what I want every leader in this country signed up to.”
Mr Burnham will spend the morning speaking to Welsh workers and apprentices about issues including reindustrialisation, jobs, and the cost of living, Downing Street said.
Economic council to strengthen collaboration
The visit comes as the Prime Minister announced that he will convene the First Ministers of Wales and Scotland, and the First and deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland in October, to discuss how to drive “good growth in every postcode across the UK”.
The National Economic Council will meet with the aim of strengthening collaboration between the UK Government and the Devolved Governments to drive opportunity and prosperity in every part of the UK, Downing Street has said. The council was revived by the Prime Minister during his first week in office to bring together leaders from across the UK to strengthen economic growth.
Wales already seeing summer action benefits
“Wales is already seeing the benefit of action taken this summer to provide breathing space to households,” Downing Street said ahead of Thursday’s visit. “Measures announced in recent weeks include cutting VAT on household electricity bills to help ease cost-of-living pressures, and action to tackle everyday frustrations and unfair practices like subscription traps.
“The government has also worked closely with partners in Wales to ensure military assistance is available during emergencies where required, including during this summer's wildfires, helping protect communities and support local resilience.”
During his summer tour the Prime Minister has discussed cost of living pressures with groups including families, small business owners, police officers, community leaders, farmers, apprentices and workers. On Wednesday, Sainsbury’s announced 10,000 work experience opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs).
Outlining work on the way, Downing Street said that on Thursday the Whitehall government will set out how households could save over £100 on their energy bills as plug-in solar panels are brought to market. On Friday, “work to tackle rogue operators causing misery to millions of people across the country struggling with rip-off prices” will be set out as part of what Downing Street said was the Prime Minister’s commitment to end everyday hassles.
