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‘Economic competence lacking’ under Labour says Price as he pledges to take ‘responsibility’ for recovery

30 Mar 2021 3 minute read
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price. Picture by Plaid Cymru

Adam Price has said that he would take “personal responsibility” for Wales’ economy if his party win the Senedd election.

Plaid Cymru’s leader said that “economic competence had been lacking” under the Labour Party and that he would place the economic recovery “front and centre” of its programme for government.

Touting his credentials as a Harvard-educated economist who worked in economic development before entering the Welsh Parliament, he said that the result of the election “will define Wales’s economic fortunes for a generation”.

He pointed to plans to create 60,000 jobs in low carbon sectors and make Wales a testbed for global innovation on climate change as part of its net-zero carbon by 2035 target.

“The Covid crisis has taught us that we need to build a far more resilient economy if we are to protect jobs and livelihoods in future,” he said.

“That is why Plaid Cymru would place the economic recovery front and centre of our programme for government, implementing a Welsh Green Deal, creating  60,000 jobs in low-carbon industries, the foundational economy and our vital public sectors like health and education.

“If elected First Minister, I would take personal responsibility for the economy – a reflection not only of the size of the challenge but also Plaid Cymru’s commitment to overcoming it.”

The Labour party have pledged a Young Persons’ Guarantee, with work, education or training offer for all under-25s as part of their manifesto.

The Conservatives have pledged 65,000 new jobs to help the Welsh economy bounce back and so more families have the security of a regular wage.

‘Economic competence’

Adam Price added that putting sustainability at the heart of the economy was something that had happened far too slowly under a Labour government.

“With a Plaid government, Wales would be at the leading edge of the green industrial revolution, becoming a testbed for global innovation on climate change and helping us achieve a net zero carbon target by 2035,” he said.

“We would fire up the Welsh economy after Covid by pressing ahead with infrastructure projects which have sustainability and resilience at their heart, such as achieving nationwide Gigabit connection, growing Welsh ownership of the renewable sector, and expanding and modernising the rail network.

“Thousands of new jobs would also be created in our vital public services, more doctors and nurses to support the vital Covid recovery and a ‘local first’ approach to procurement would boost the foundational economy.

“Economic competence and creativity have been lacking under Labour. This election will define Wales’s economic fortunes for a generation. Only a vote for Plaid Cymru on May 6th will guarantee a government with a plan to prosper.”


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