Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Tory Welsh Manifesto 2019
Tory Welsh Manifesto 2019
Tory Welsh Manifesto 2019
Unleash Wales’
Potential
2
Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 2
Get Brexit Done ........................................................................................................................... 7
We Will Focus On Your Priorities................................................................11
We Will Unleash Wales’ Potential........................................................... 27
We Will Strengthen Wales In The World....................................45
We Will Put You First.......................................................................................................53
Under the Conservatives, for every £1 Our plan for the NHS and education in continue to celebrate and champion
spent on devolved services such as Wales will reverse the poor performance efforts to increase the number of Welsh
schools, hospitals, and council services in we’ve seen under successive Welsh speakers in every corner of the nation.
England, Wales receives £1.20 to spend on Labour Governments and make our public We will continue to protect and invest
services here. Hundreds of millions more services the envy of the world. in Welsh institutions such as S4C, our
is also being invested in growth deals National Library and Museum, the Urdd
across the country helping communities We would build more homes, transform and the National Eisteddfod.
across Wales to thrive. social care, and invest in infrastructure
such as roads, rail and broadband, to This is our Wales, our future; we will
In Wales, many policy areas are the make Wales a modern connected nation. change Wales for the better.
responsibility of the Welsh Labour And our commitments to veterans and
Government. Where this is the case our the armed forces would ensure that our Paul Davies
manifesto sets out the action which heroes, and their families, are afforded the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the
would be taken by a Welsh Conservative honour they deserve. National Assembly for Wales
Government to deliver positive change for
the people of Wales. Welsh Conservatives are proud of our
Welsh language and culture and will
4
5
6
Get Brexit Done
When the new Government entered Downing Street, the Prime Minister made a simple
promise: to get Brexit done. Many said it would be impossible. But he swiftly negotiated a
great new deal - despite Parliament’s best efforts to block his progress.
And then, when he put it to MPs, they insisted on yet more delay.
We must move on. No more renegotiations. No more referendums. Every week is costing us.
Investment is waiting to come into the country. Families and businesses cannot make vital
decisions. The public services cannot get the attention they deserve.
Our priority as Conservatives is to get Our deal is the only one on the table. It We will negotiate a trade agreement next
Brexit done - so that we can unleash is signed, sealed and ready. It puts the year – one that will strengthen our Union –
the potential of this great country. So whole country on a path to a new free and we will not extend the implementation
that we can push past the obstacles trade agreement with the EU. This will be period beyond December 2020. In parallel,
that other parties have put in our a new relationship based on free trade we will legislate to ensure high standards of
country’s way. So that we can deliver and friendly cooperation, not on the EU’s workers’ rights, environmental protection
on the people’s decision in 2016 and treaties or EU law. There will be no political and consumer rights.
use our new post-Brexit freedoms to alignment with the EU. We will keep the UK
transform the UK for the better by out of the single market, out of any form The only way to deliver Brexit is with a
focusing on your priorities. of customs union, and end the role of the Conservative majority in Parliament. A
European Court of Justice. vote for any other party or candidate is a
If we elect a majority of Conservative MPs vote for Jeremy Corbyn – and a vote for
to Parliament, we will start putting our This future relationship will be one that more chaos.
deal through Parliament before Christmas allows us to:
and we will leave the European Union in Take back control of our laws. Above all, it is the only way that we can get
January. Take back control of our money. on with the task of transforming Wales
and the whole United Kingdom for the
Control our own trade policy.
Boris Johnson’s new deal takes the whole better.
Introduce an Australian-style points-
country out of the EU as one United
based immigration system.
Kingdom. It takes us out of the customs
union, allowing us to set our own tariffs Raise standards in areas like workers’
rights, animal welfare, agriculture and
and do our own trade deals. It allows us to
the environment.
pass our own laws and ensures that it is
our courts that enforce them. Ensure we are in full control of our
fishing waters.
7
Mohamed Ali
Candidate for Cardiff North
Youth Engagement Worker
8
Unleash Wales’
Potential
For the past nine years, the Conservatives have been cleaning up Labour’s mess. Because
of the tough decisions that our party made and our success in bringing down the deficit,
the economy has continued to grow and the public finances have been restored. Thanks to
Conservative policies, employment is at a near-record high.
In Wales, we’ve helped tens of ground, with the performance of our This means that debt will be lower at
thousands of people into work, halving Welsh NHS and education system falling the end of the Parliament – rather than
the unemployment rate in the process. behind those in other parts of the UK. spiralling out of control under Labour.
We’ve doubled the personal allowance And we will use this investment prudently
to £12,500, meaning that every worker Across Britain we will help people and strategically to level up every part of
gets to keep more of what they earn. and families throughout their lives by the United Kingdom, while strengthening
We’ve raised the National Living Wage - bringing down the cost of living and the ties that bind it together.
and will raise it still further. making sure that work always pays.
We will also prioritise the environment
The strength of the UK’s balance sheet We will keep costs down for small in the next Budget, investing in the
- the hard work done by all of us in this businesses - rather than hiking their infrastructure, science and research that
country - means that we are now in a taxes and crushing Britain’s prosperity. will deliver economic growth, not just
position to invest properly in our future. through the 2020s, but for decades to
We will not borrow to fund day-to-day come.
A Conservative UK Government will give spending, but will invest thoughtfully
the public services the resources they and responsibly in infrastructure right Above all, we will listen to the people
need; we need to see that same level across our country in order to increase who have felt left behind by the last few
of ambition and vision from the Welsh productivity and wages. Our fiscal rules decades of economic growth and want to
Government. mean that public sector net investment have more control of their future.
will not average more than 3 per cent of
For the past 20 years, public services GDP, and that if debt interest reaches 6 We will get Brexit done, so we can change
in Wales have been run by the Welsh per cent of revenue, we will reassess our Britain for the better.
Labour Government in Cardiff, but plans to keep debt under control.
they have been running them into the 9
Amanda Jenner
Candidate for Ceredigion
Qualified Teacher
10
We Will Focus On
Your Priorities
In his first months, the Prime Minister has shown how he intends to make life better for
everyone in Wales. Supporting our police. Delivering record funding for Welsh public services.
We have listened to you, and we have acted. Acted to ensure that we deliver world-class
public services so that you can have the help and support you need throughout your life. And
we want to take that agenda further.
But none of it will happen without a Conservative majority Government.
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Improving social care But we also want to save millions of worst education system in the United
people, and their families, from suffering Kingdom and we are the only UK
It is a basic, compassionate the agony of a slow decline due to nation in the bottom half of the global
Conservative belief that we should dementia. We will make finding a cure rankings.
care for those in need - helping those one of our Government’s biggest
who cannot help themselves. collective priorities - one of the ‘grand Under the Conservatives, for every
challenges’ that will define our future £1 spent on schools in England, Wales
Thanks to decades of economic growth along with the impact of climate receives £1.20 to spend on schools here.
and scientific innovation, people are change or artificial intelligence. This However, funding in Wales has fallen
living longer, healthier lives. But this, will include doubling research funding behind with teaching union NASUWT
alongside the rise of dementia and other into dementia, doubling funding for estimating that pupils in Wales receive
chronic conditions, means that the the National Dementia Institute, and an average of £645 per year less than
pressures on the elderly care system speeding up trials for new treatments. their counterparts in England.
are ever-increasing. There has also been
significant growth in the number of We will also extend the entitlement to In his first months in office, Boris
working-age people with disabilities who leave for unpaid carers, the majority Johnson announced an extra £14 billion
need care at a younger age. of whom are women, and ensure their in funding for schools in England. This
pension is protected. will result in a substantial increase in
We need to have a system to give every funding to the Welsh Government.
person the dignity and security that Invest in our In addition the Welsh Government
they deserve. This is a significant and will receive an extra £35 million in
complex challenge and in order to lay schools new funding to support children with
the foundations, we must plan for the Talent is evenly spread across Wales. additional educational needs and the
infrastructure, workforce growth and Opportunity is not. As Conservatives, implementation of an Autism Act for
healthcare integration that is required we believe absolutely in equality of Wales.
for a care system fit for the 21st century. opportunity - the idea that every child,
in every part of the country, should A Welsh Conservative Government
A Welsh Conservative Government have a fair chance. It is not only the would use this new money to eliminate
would appoint a Chief Social Care most important thing we can do to the pupil funding gap between England
Officer for Wales and support those who unleash the UK’s economic potential,
care for their loved ones by providing but at the heart of creating a fair and
a guarantee for respite for those with just society.
caring responsibilities and practical extra
support for the silent army of young Under Labour in Wales over the past
carers across Wales by reducing the 20 years our education system has
barriers stopping them from accessing suffered. The OECD’s international
education, training and employment. PISA league table ranks Wales as the
13
Dr James Davies
Candidate for the Vale of Clwyd
GP
Vulnerable children
Wales has the highest rate of
looked after children in the
UK. Children who end up in
care often end up struggling as
adults, too often denied the love
and stability most of us take for
granted.
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and Wales to give every child the We want more young people to have of EU funding (which was, of course, only
opportunity to thrive. the choice of accessing technical a small part of the billions of pounds we
qualifications and apprenticeships. were contributing), and to replace the EU
Invest in the people A Welsh Conservative Government would
introduce:
programme with one that is fairer and
better tailored to our economy. And we
of Wales will ensure that £500 million of the UK
More funding for highly skilled Shared Prosperity Fund is used to give
The 2020s will see a transformation apprenticeships in Wales, including disadvantaged people across the United
in jobs. Automation and computing degree apprenticeships. We expect Kingdom the skills they need to make a
will change how businesses function. this to increase numbers by tens of success of life.
Our plan to deliver clean energy and thousands for large and small employers
a carbon-neutral future means new alike - and we will make sure the system Universities
kinds of jobs in new industries. And our works for all employers.
departure from the European Union Wales is home to world-class
means we can tailor our regulations Apprenticeships for all big new universities which make an important
to ensure that we are first in line infrastructure projects – including new contribution to our economy. To
to develop and benefit from the hospitals, new schools, roads and flood protect and enhance their reputation
technologies of the future. defences. we will explore ways to tackle the
problem of grade inflation and
This requires a dramatic rebooting of We would also put £20 million into low-quality courses and improve
our training system - to support public Further Education, upgrade our FE the application and offer system
services, existing businesses and the colleges and develop a STEM focused for undergraduate students. Our
businesses of the future. But above all, Institute of Technology in North Wales approach will be underpinned by a
to ensure that Welsh workers have the which connects high quality teaching to commitment to fairness, quality of
skills they need to flourish - and that business and industry. learning and teaching, and access.
every citizen of this country has the
opportunity to express their talents to We would create an adult learning A Welsh Conservative Government
the fullest. allowance to use on a degree, technical would review student support with an
training, or specific courses. This could aim of reducing the burden of tuition
Technical education and also be linked to employer support fee debt for students from Wales
through the apprenticeship levy. while protecting the income of Welsh
life-long learning universities through direct grants and
University provides a wonderful Leaving the EU also means that we can an increase in funding for research.
experience and education, but more take back control of the money that was
than two thirds of young people do not being channelled via its Structural Funds. We would also strengthen academic
attend university and their education We have already announced a UK Shared freedom and free speech in universities
and experience is equally important. Prosperity Fund, to ensure that no part and continue to focus on raising
of the UK loses out from the withdrawal standards.
15
Support working they are taxed. And we have made
sure the state pension keeps pace with
We promise not to raise the rates of
income tax, National Insurance or
families earnings. VAT. This is a tax guarantee that will
protect the incomes of hard-working
Since 2010, the Conservatives have In our first months, we announced an families across the next Parliament.
helped more than 1,000 people on increase in the National Living Wage
average into work every day. to two thirds of average earnings, We not only want to freeze taxes,
currently forecast at £10.50 an hour, but to cut them too. We will raise
That is an extraordinary figure. And it has and widened its reach to everyone over the National Insurance threshold
only been possible because of the strong 21. That means an average pay rise of to £9,500 next year – representing
economy we have helped to create; our £4,000 per year for four million people a tax cut for 31 million workers.
support for business; and our welfare by 2024. Our ultimate ambition is to ensure
reforms, which have encouraged more that the first £12,500 you earn is
people into the work. To help young people get a foot on completely free of tax – which would
the employment ladder, we abolished put almost £500 per year in people’s
Whoever you are, we want to make employers’ National Insurance pockets.
it easier for you to get a good and Contributions for under-21s and
rewarding job - and to be able to apprentices under 25. Raising a family should be the most
combine a rewarding career with raising fulfilling experience of your life. But
a family or caring for elderly or disabled Creating millions more jobs is one of the for too many parents, the costs of
relatives, rather than being forced to Conservatives’ proudest achievements. childcare are a heavy burden. We
prioritise between them. We want to A Labour Government that makes it want to give parents the freedom,
make sure that you get to keep more of harder for businesses to grow and to hire – support and choice to look after
the money you earn, and that we keep that allows people to sink into dependency their children in the way that works
your bills low. And we want to make rather than encouraging them to work and best for them. A Welsh Conservative
sure that those who can’t work, or have earn – could undo all of this progress. Government would fund more high
entered retirement, get the level of quality childcare before and after
support they need. A majority Conservative Government school and during the holidays so
will deliver a major package of measures that working parents do not have to
We have focused, over the past decade, designed to ensure that it always pays to choose between their careers and
on making sure that work always pays work, while doing everything we can to their children.
- particularly for those most in need of protect and support those who cannot –
support. We have raised the minimum and to address the cost of living pressures For many families, energy costs are
wage significantly and introduced and that we all face. a major source of financial pressure.
consistently raised the National Living We will keep our existing energy
Wage. We have doubled the personal cap and introduce new measures
allowance to £12,500, so that everyone to lower bills. We will also give the
gets to earn a decent amount before Competition and Markets Authority
16
Matthew Evans
Candidate for Newport West
Community Champion
enhanced powers to tackle consumer
rip-offs and bad business practices.
A number of workers,
disproportionately women, who
earn between £10,000 and £12,500
have been missing out on pension
benefits because of a loophole
affecting people with net pay
pension schemes. We will conduct
a comprehensive review to look at
how to fix this issue.
17
We as Conservatives believe that
everyone who can work, should
with no limits to their potential –
which is one of the reasons we are
Make Wales safer
work - and that it should always making it a priority to put more Our first duty as a Government is to
pay them to do so. But we also money in the pockets of low-paid keep our country safe. One of Boris
believe that those who truly can’t workers. A Welsh Conservative Johnson’s first promises as Prime
work must be given the help they Government would maintain free Minister was to start recruiting
need. That is why we will continue school meals. 20,000 new police officers, with
the roll-out of Universal Credit, more than 300 new officers already
which combines multiple benefits We will also extend the entitlement being recruited by the four Welsh
into one while building a clearer to leave for unpaid carers, the police forces. These new officers will
pathway from welfare into work. We majority of whom are women, and take violent criminals off the streets
have already acted to increase work ensure their pension is protected. and protect us and our country.
allowances, a move worth £630
to working families with children, As part of our efforts to support The Conservatives will always back the
and those with disabilities, and the most vulnerable, we will take brave men and women of our police
we will do more to make sure that measures to empower and support and security services, which is why
Universal Credit works for the most disabled people. In particular we will empower the police, backing
vulnerable. We will also end the we will reduce the number of the increased use of stop and search
benefit freeze, while making sure it reassessments a disabled person as long as it is fair and proportionate.
pays to work more hours. must go through when a significant And we will provide them with the
change in condition is unlikely - equipment they need.
At the same time, we will make because you should not have to
sure those who cheat the system provide repeated proof of your We need a fair justice system - one that
by committing benefit fraud are disability. We will publish a National stands for the law-abiding majority, not
punished. There is no excuse for Strategy for Disabled People before the criminal minority, and that gives
exploiting others who have worked the end of 2020. This will look at the a second chance to those who have
hard and paid in. benefits system, but also improving served their time and wish to make a
opportunities and support and fresh start.
To help those looking after family access for disabled people in terms
members, especially women, we of housing, education, transport and
will support the main carer in any jobs. We will reduce the disability Our plan to cut crime
household receiving the Universal employment gap. We will back our police by equipping
Credit payment. And we will continue officers with the powers and tools
our efforts through the tax and they need to keep themselves and
benefits system to reduce poverty, all of us safe, including tasers and
including child poverty. Children body cameras. We will put the Police
should grow up in an environment Covenant into law to ensure they
have the support they need.
19
Police will be empowered by a new
court order to target known knife
carriers, making it easier for officers
to stop and search those convicted
of knife crime. Anyone charged with
knife possession will appear before
magistrates within days not weeks.
Those who use a knife as a weapon
should go to prison.
22
Sajid Javid Priti Patel
Candidate for Bromsgrove Candidate for Witham
Chancellor of the Exchequer Home Secretary
23
Sadie Vidal
Candiate for Ogmore
Medical Communications
Officer Our student visa will help universities
attract talented young people and
allow those students to stay on to apply
for work here after they graduate.
Integration and
openness
We want our party, and our
Government, to represent modern
Britain – a diverse and tolerant
country with confidence in its own
identity and values. We believe the
enduring beliefs that unite us are far
more important than our differences.
24
less well at school, earn less at work, Contributing to our A Welsh Conservative Government
or are more likely to be victims of country would change the planning system
crime. We will act to improve the lives in Wales to ensure that new GP and
of all and reject the politics of division. It is a basic point of principle – and school places will be built first with
Our priority is to focus on practical natural justice – that you should not new housing developments, and we
solutions that make a real difference be able to take out before you have put will invest in technical skills and work
to people’s lives. in. Of course we should help those in incentives so Welsh workers take up
genuine need – especially those who as many jobs as possible.
We will boost English and Welsh have fled from persecution. But at the
language teaching to empower same time, it is both right and fair that, This is a package of measures that is
existing migrants and help promote as in other countries, people making fair, firm and compassionate - that
integration into society. the UK their home should pay into the brings the immigration system, after
tax system for a reasonable period of so many years, into line with the British
We will improve the quality time before they can access welfare. people’s own sense of what is right. But
of evidence and data within Our new immigration system will mean: we cannot do any of it unless we have a
Government about the types of strong Conservative Government that
barriers different groups face, People coming into the country from can get Brexit done.
ensuring that fairness is at the the EU will only be able to access
heart of everything we do. unemployment, housing, and child
benefit after five years, in the way
We will continue to grant asylum non-EEA migrants currently do.
and support to refugees fleeing
persecution, with the ultimate aim We will no longer allow people to
of helping them to return home if it claim child benefit for children
is safe to do so. living overseas.
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26
We Will Unleash
Wales’ Potential
Getting Brexit done allows us to focus on making this the best possible place to live and work
- to use our post-Brexit freedoms to build prosperity and strengthen and level up every part
of the country.
Because it is not just Wales’ potential that we want to unleash, it is that of the Welsh and
British people.
Our plan means making sure people Investing in people, restoring the fabric We stand for the people working every
have access to world-class public of our towns and cities, building the hour they can, those taking a risk on
services, that they feel safe on the homes we need, supporting our great a new idea, those challenging existing
streets, that working families get to science and industry, strengthening markets. Their success is our success.
keep more of their own money,and that the great Union between the United
we help with cost of living pressures. Kingdom’s four nations - that is how we And we stand for those who give their
will unleash our country’s full potential. time to help others - the charities,
But it also means making sure that community groups and volunteers who
we share prosperity across the UK, We are the only party that can deliver already do so much to make our country
addressing the longstanding economic this programme, because we are a better place.
challenges in parts of the country. We the only party that understands
will invest responsibly and prudently the symmetry at the heart of the We believe, in other words, that Britain
in the infrastructure that can make a UK economy. That the only way to is a great country - the greatest place
difference, and ensure communities fund world-class public services on earth. But together, we can make it
in every corner of the United Kingdom and outstanding infrastructure is greater still.
are pleasant, safe and prosperous. to encourage the millions of British
And we will invest far more in helping businesses that create the wealth of
workers train and retrain for the jobs and the nation - especially small businesses,
industries of the future. family firms and the self-employed.
27
A new deal for communities
Our funding will help to support Programme to support the
communities which are safe to walk in development of local libraries and
and a pleasure to be in. Where there museums. We will also work with
are things to do, places to shop, eat,
experience, where transport is easy and
local universities to do more for the
education, health and prosperity of
Restore our
people feel well connected, and where a their local area. communities
community’s future is in the hands of the
people who live there. Community ownership. People are rightly proud of where they
We would establish a Community come from and their local areas. But
We are delivering growth deals for Ownership Fund to encourage local too many communities across Wales
every region in Wales, providing £790 takeovers of civic organisations or feel let down. Violent crime and anti-
million in extra funding to support community assets that are under social behaviour are ignored amid a
economic growth and create well paid threat - local football clubs, but backdrop of boarded-up shops and
employment opportunities for people in also pubs or post offices. We would pubs on our high streets. In addition,
every corner of the country. set up a fan-led review of football our rural communities need a new
governance, which will include deal outside the EU that supports
A Welsh Conservative Government’s consideration of the Owners and their way of life.
priorities would include: Directors Test, and will work with
fans and clubs towards introducing We as Conservatives want to give you
Regenerating towns. A Seaside Town safe standing. And we will help freedom - low taxes, opportunity, the
Fund and a Market Town Fund would communities that want to create chance to realise your dreams. But we
be established to help seaside and ‘pocket parks’ and regenerate derelict also want to give you the security of
market towns to improve their local areas. safe and pleasant streets and of taking
economy. How that money is spent pride and comfort from the community
would be up to the community, but Giving people a future. As well as our around you.
it could pay for free wifi, support for investment in schools and technical
local businesses, and better transport education, we would put in £25 million Launching a transport
links. into supporting youth clubs and
services.
revolution
Safer streets, safer towns. A key part of our plan to level up the
A new Safer Streets Fund will invest Community spirit. Through our UK’s cities and regions is to connect
in preventative measures like new Cultural Investment Fund, we would them.
CCTV or community wardens. Police support activities, traditions and
will also have more power to break up events that bring communities We will consult on the earliest date
travellers’ camps and make arrests together and promote the Welsh by which we can phase out the sale
where appropriate. language and culture. We would of new conventional petrol and diesel
support regional newspapers by cars. We will end the complicated
New civic infrastructure. We extending the business rates relief and franchising model and create a
would invest in a Cultural Capital explore other ways to support them.
28
simpler, more effective rail system, Improve cross border and intra- We know how difficult it will be, so we
with greater control for local leaders. Wales transport links. have announced a raft of legislative
changes to accelerate progress.
As in France, we will require that a Give every Welsh local authority
minimum service operates during extra funding to improve and and £5 billion of new UK-wide public
transport strikes. Rail workers deserve extend bus services, making them funding to connect premises which
a fair deal, but it is not fair to let the more frequent, with more electric are not commercially viable.
trade unions undermine the livelihoods vehicles which are better-integrated
of others. with other modes of transport. Local government is the bedrock of
our democracy. We are proud that
Parliament has voted in principle to Invest up to £50 million in completing Conservative councils have led the
support a third runway at Heathrow. a fast-charging network to ensure way in helping keep council taxes
But it is a private sector project. It is that everyone in Wales is always within low, providing value for money and
for Heathrow to demonstrate that 30 miles of an EV charging station. supporting local communities. A
it can meet its air quality and noise Welsh Conservative Government
obligations, that it can be financed Make extra investment in strategic would maintain this commitment to
and built and that the business case and local roads. local government by ensuring services
is realistic. The scheme will receive no are properly funded and would guard
new public money. Increase funding for walking and against excessive council tax rises
cycling routes, creating a new cycling without local consent by legislating
A Welsh Conservative Government infrastructure fund and new design for a local referendum on any inflation
would: standards which must be followed to busting rises.
receive any money. We would support
Develop proposals to upgrade the commuter cycling routes, connecting We are committed to devolution and
A55 as the main road transport artery more people to jobs, and promote guarantee that Wales will not lose
for North Wales and improve capacity cycling for healthier living. any powers or funding as a result
and resilience on the road. of our exit from the EU. A Welsh
Connecting the UK is not just about Conservative Government would
Progress the dualling of the A40 to transport. We are Europe’s technology also seek to devolve powers from
Fishguard by 2025. capital, producing start-ups and success Cardiff to Welsh regions and explore
stories at a dazzling pace. But not the establishment of new, directly
Work with the UK Government everyone can share the benefits. We elected, regional mayoralties in North,
to deliver a Pant/Llanymynech intend to bring full fibre and gigabit- Mid and West, and South Wales,
bypass. capable broadband to every home and whose leaders will stand up for their
business by 2025 across the whole of respective regions and deliver the
Ensure the delivery of an M4 relief Wales. growth deals in their areas.
road.
29
Helping people buy and rent
The biggest problem that young
people face in getting on the housing Reintroduce a Right to Buy on a
Deliver the ladder is the deposit. There are more reformed basis, mandating 100 per
30
sleeping and homelessness to
ensure that everyone has a safe and
Places we want to live in
supported home to call their own. The Welsh Government is failing to Provide funding for a Smart Homes
build the homes that people need, with initiative to support micro and
The centre of a Welsh Conservative fewer than 6,000 new homes built neighbourhood energy schemes.
approach will be Housing First, in the last year. As well as ensuring
enabling people to have housing 100,000 new homes are built, a Welsh Support the creation of new kinds
immediately, whatever their needs, Conservative Government would of homes that have no energy bills
and then giving them wrap around ensure that our communities are areas and which support our environmental
support and treatment. we want to live in: targets. We will also expect all new
streets to be lined with trees.
Housing First will be the focus of a Require local authorities to submit
Welsh Conservative Government’s plans to utilise derelict and Encourage innovative design and
plan to tackle homelessness in undeveloped land that can be technology to make housing more
Wales, which includes: developed into urban green spaces. affordable, accessible, and suitable
for disabled people and an ageing
Legislating to make Housing a Create a Technology Infrastructure population.
basic human right in Wales. Fund to establish complete wifi
coverage in town and city centres Devolve more planning
Committing to end rough sleeping across all of Wales. responsibilities to local
in Wales by 2026. communities, giving them a greater
Introduce an ‘Urban Litter say and redressing the balance
Immediately bring 150 empty Prevention Grant’ which trials between local need and central
social housing properties back cutting-edge litter prevention such targets.
into use specifically for military as river traps, litter cameras and night
veterans who are at risk of time economy pollution. Amend planning rules so that the
homelessness. infrastructure - roads, schools, GP
Double the length of cycle and surgeries - comes before people
Introducing statutory housing and walking routes in urban residential move into new homes.
homelessness awareness classes areas by 2040, prioritising local
into all secondary schools in Wales. cycling networks around community Establish Blue Belt zones in areas of
anchors. flood risk to prevent inappropriate
Appointing a Homelessness Tsar, development.
ideally someone with experience of Deliver 10,000 electric charging
homelessness. points by 2030.
31
Make Wales the and successful new companies
than anywhere on the continent -
Driving down costs
best place to especially in the technology sector.
and supporting small
businesses
start and grow a In areas such as technology, financial
services, law and the creative
business industries we lead the world - and will We understand the challenge of
continue to do so after Brexit. increasing running costs, especially for
We want Wales to be the best smaller firms, and are committed to
country in the world to start and Of the nearly six million businesses in reducing them.
run a business - a place where the UK and 259,200 in Wales, the vast
entrepreneurs know they can build majority are micro, small and medium But we also want to tackle the other
on their ideas and find success. sized. They are the backbone of the everyday obstacles that they face.
economy and Britain is immeasurably
Not only because businesses are good stronger for their contribution. We will commit to real reductions
for society - creating the jobs that put in the burden of business rates
bread on the table, and generating the However, here in Wales we are on individual firms. A Welsh
tax revenue that funds our vital public hampered by a Welsh Labour Conservative Government would
services. Government with the least review business rates with a
competitive business rates particular focus on how to support
But because we believe that we environment in the UK and the small businesses. As a first step
should do everything we can to highest high street vacancy rate. we would further lift the burden of
support those who want to start their business rates for retail businesses
own company, strike out on their own, Once we get Brexit done, we can use and exclude grassroots music
and have an idea that grows into a our new freedoms to ensure that the venues, small cinemas, and pubs.
world-leading business. Our mission UK’s businesses can unleash their
as Conservatives is to give everyone, enormous potential - that they can We will increase the Employment
across the country, the opportunity to invest, hire, export and grow, rather Allowance for small businesses – a
fulfil their potential. than being crushed by Jeremy Corbyn tax cut for half a million small firms.
and John McDonnell’s inexorable
We have many strengths. We are a hostility towards aspiration and We will support start-ups and
highly competitive economy with a entrepreneurship. small businesses via government
strong education system and well- procurement, and commit to
respected regulatory framework. We paying them on time. We will also
have more world-class universities clamp down on late payment
than anywhere in Europe. more broadly and strengthen
the powers of the Small Business
We are a magnet for talent, and Commissioner to support small
we are home to more innovative businesses that are exploited by
32
Charlotte Lang
Candidate for Aberavon
Public Relations Director
their larger partners.
Backing entrepreneurs
and innovation
Every day, people risk their savings
and their future by becoming
33
entrepreneurs. They invent the new and Enterprise Investment Scheme, impact we hoped, so we will review and
goods and services that improve which we will continue in the next reform Entrepreneurs’ Relief. A Welsh
our lives. From decarbonisation to Parliament. And by cutting corporation Conservative Government would
expanding the frontier of artificial tax from 28 per cent to 19 per cent, we also increase funding for the Welsh
intelligence, they are tackling some of have encouraged more businesses to Development Bank to invest in growth
the great challenges of our time. We invest and grow in the UK. sectors.
want to be a nation of start-ups, and
of successful scale-ups. We have more Some measures have worked, but need Of course, supporting enterprise is not
‘unicorns’ - new billion-dollar tech to go further - as with R&D tax credits. just about championing businesses -
companies - than any other nation in We will increase the tax credit rate to more people than ever are moving into
Europe. 13 per cent and review the definition of self-employment, especially women. We
R&D so that important investments in will therefore launch a review to explore
We are proud of the work we have cloud computing and data, which boost how we can better support the self-
done to support entrepreneurship productivity and innovation, are also employed. That includes improving their
and want to see more entrepreneurs - incentivised. access to finance and credit (not least
including women and those from BAME mortgages), making the tax system easier
backgrounds. Some of our work has been We also have to recognise that some to navigate, and examining how better
spectacularly successful - such as the measures haven’t had exactly the broadband can boost home-working.
Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme
34
Building a fairer businesses who do pay their fair share to invest and set up a business, we will
should know that we will not permit take further action to redesign the tax
taxation system evasion to go unchecked. So we will system so that it boosts growth, wages
Conservatives believe in a corporate set out a new anti-tax avoidance and and investment and limits arbitrary tax
tax system which rewards evasion law. This will: advantages for the wealthiest in society.
entrepreneurship and punishes
evasion. We will always be whole- Double the maximum prison term We are also strengthening the UK’s
heartedly on the side of business, to 14 years for individuals convicted corporate governance regime, and
while making sure everyone pays of the most egregious examples of will reform insolvency rules and the
their fair share of tax. Already, the tax fraud. audit regime so that customers and
top 1 per cent of income taxpayers suppliers – and UK taxpayers – are
pay over 29 per cent of income tax Create a single, beefed-up Anti- better protected when firms like
– higher than at any time under the Tax Evasion unit in HMRC that Thomas Cook go into administration.
last Labour Government. covers all duties and taxes, from We will also carefully study the results
individual errors to deliberate non- of the ongoing investigation into its
We will continue to build on this compliance – which is put on a collapse. We will improve incentives
to tackle tax evasion and reduce legislative footing. to attack the problem of excessive
opportunities for aggressive tax executive pay and rewards for failure.
avoidance. Consolidate existing anti-evasion
and avoidance measures and We will reintroduce legislation that
Since 2010, we have introduced more powers. protects pension pots from being
than 100 anti-avoidance measures plundered by reckless bosses, helps
and secured more than £200 billion Introduce a new package of savers be better informed with pension
which would otherwise have gone anti-evasion measures, including dashboards, and creates a new style
unpaid – £24 billion in the last year measures to end tax abuse in of pension scheme which is more
alone. We have led the international the construction sector, crack sustainable for workers and employers.
fight against aggressive tax avoidance down on illicit tobacco packaging
and offshore tax havens, rewriting and further measures to avoid Fairness in the
global rules to ensure tax is paid profit-shifting by multinational
where profit is made. This has companies to avoid paying taxes.
workplace
included committing 100 jurisdictions As well as making Wales the best place
to ending bank secrecy. Major multinational companies should to start a business, and the best place
pay their fair share of tax. As part of to learn and develop your skills, we
But we can go further still. The our approach, we will implement the want to make it the best place in the
gap between the amount of tax Digital Services Tax. world to work.
that should be paid and is actually
collected stands at £35 billion – still While always backing entrepreneurs The increase in employment that
too high. Hard-working families and that choose to make the UK the place the Conservative Government has
35
Tomos Davies
Candidate for Dwyfor
Meirionnydd
overseen since 2010 is proof that We will therefore build on our existing Public Relations
there is no contradiction between high employment law with new measures Consultant
employment and high standards – that protect everyone, especially
between dynamic growth and protecting those in low paid work:
employees from unfair policies and
discriminatory treatment. Over the last We will create a single enforcement
year, for example, unemployment has body and crack down on any
continued to fall, even as average real employer abusing employment law,
wages have increased. whether by taking workers’ tips or
refusing them sick pay.
We have raised the personal income
tax allowance, increased the minimum We will ensure that workers
wage and introduced and consistently have the right to request a more
raised the National Living Wage to predictable contract and other
ensure that people get to keep more reasonable protections.
of what they earn and that work
always pays. And we have aimed to We also want to look at more radical ways
strike the right balance between the to support working families in the UK. Our
flexibility that the economy needs lifestyles have been transformed over We will encourage flexible working
and the security that employees the last four decades – many families and consult on making it the default
deserve, introducing new protections today have two working parents who are unless employers have good reasons
for workers while preserving the juggling work and other responsibilities. not to.
dynamism and job creation that drive They have to stretch themselves daily
our shared prosperity. to care for children, elderly relatives We have reformed redundancy law
and those with disabilities. For women, so companies cannot discriminate
Once we have got Brexit done, we will who still tend to be the main carers in against women immediately after
go further. Because people cannot households, this can have a big impact on returning from maternity leave.
fulfil their potential if they do not have their careers and limit their participation
jobs that treat them with dignity and in the workplace. We will legislate to allow parents to
respect, and if they are not in control take extended leave for neonatal
of their lives and their futures. But while the modern workplace is care, to support those new
adapting as a result, we can do more as mothers and fathers who need it
As Conservatives we will always a Government to make things easier, during the most vulnerable and
prioritise the principle of fairness in learning from sensible approaches stressful days of their lives. And we
the workplace, whether it is in the job adopted in other countries. We will will look at ways to make it easier
application process, ensuring equal therefore introduce a raft of measures for fathers to take paternity leave.
pay for equal work, or people’s working that balance the needs of employees
conditions. and employers:
36
more Nobel laureates than have been
produced by any country in the world
bar the United States. More, indeed,
than France, Japan and China
– combined.
We will extend the entitlement the state does everything it can to Once we have got Brexit done, we
to leave for unpaid carers, the help you help yourself - by upgrading will turn our attention to the great
majority of whom are women, your skills, or by being able to balance challenges of the future such as clean
to a week. work and family life. It is one in which a energy and advanced energy storage; a
deep commitment to entrepreneurship cure for dementia; and solving antibiotic
Over the last nine years, we have and business is matched by a desire to resistance. To do this we will make an
extended the offer of free childcare ensure that the jobs that are created unprecedented investment in science
hours to more working parents. We are highly skilled, well-paid and fulfilling. so we can strengthen research and build
know that people value this support, the foundations for the new industries of
but wish it could be more flexible.
A Welsh Conservative Government
Unleash tomorrow.
would fund more high quality childcare innovation We commit to the fastest ever increase
before and after school and during the in domestic public R&D spending,
holidays so that working parents do not The UK has a proud record of including in basic science research to
have to choose between their careers innovation and discovery. We are the meet our target of 2.4 per cent of GDP
and their children. country that gave the world penicillin, being spent on R&D across the economy.
the World Wide Web, the theories of Some of this new spending will go
Our vision for the labour market, in gravity and evolution, that unravelled to a new agency for high-risk, high-
other words, is not one where the state the structure of DNA. The University payoff research, at arm’s length from
does everything for you. It is one where of Cambridge alone has played host to government. We will continue to support
37
our outstanding science sector as we
leave the EU.
would host a Festival of Wales in Even as the UK forges ahead in the Just as in the wider economy we can
Wrexham in 2024 to showcase Welsh future, we must not forget those combine strong employment growth
talent to the world and help to sell communities that have not shared with high employment standards, so
our talent overseas through the fully in the growth generated by our we believe that Welsh farmers and
appointment of Welsh Trade Envoys in economy. fishermen should be able to profit
cities around the globe. by producing food and fish that
39
A post-Brexit deal for Review the Welsh Labour are the envy of the world - both for
farming Government’s designation of Wales as their quality and the world-leading
a nitrate vulnerable zone. standards to which they were
Once we have got Brexit done, we produced.
will free our Welsh farmers from the Use our exit from the EU to encourage
bureaucratic Common Agricultural the public sector in Wales to ‘Buy We want people, both at home
Policy and move to a new system. To Welsh’ to support our farmers and and abroad, to be queuing up to
support this transition, we will guarantee reduce environmental costs. buy Welsh. And one of the great
the current annual budget to farmers in opportunities of Brexit is the chance
every year of the next Parliament. A post-Brexit deal for to lead the world in the quality
fisheries of our food, agriculture and land
We will increase the annual quota for the management - driven by science-led,
Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme Upon leaving the EU, we will leave the evidence-based policy.
we are piloting from 2,500 to 10,000. Common Fisheries Policy, becoming
an independent coastal state and And we want those same farmers and
A Welsh Conservative Government taking back control of our waters in fishermen to act as the stewards of
would: December 2020. the natural world, preserving the UK’s
countryside and oceans as they have
Work with Welsh farmers, food We will increase funding for fisheries for generations.
producers and environmental experts, across the UK’s nations throughout
and other stakeholders, to devise a the Parliament and support Stewards of our
new agri-environment system for the regeneration of our coastal
Wales. communities.
environment
A Welsh Conservative Government
Promote our high quality produce and A Welsh Conservative Government would work to protect and enhance
seek to develop an industry-led Welsh would introduce a new fishing environmental protection across
Food and Drink Strategy. strategy which would be based on the Wales and ensure that we are not left
principle of ‘maximum sustainable behind, having been the first country
Develop a new, holistic approach for yield’, and would legally require the to declare a climate emergency.
the eradication of bovine TB. Welsh Government to maintain fish
sustainability for every stock. We would:
Ensure the strength of the Welsh Deliver a Clean Air Act for Wales.
brand is maintained and enhanced as Ban single use plastics.
we leave the EU. Introduce a drink containers deposit
scheme.
Scrap Natural Resources Wales and
replace it with a new and independent
environmental watchdog with greater
powers and more resources.
40
Impose a moratorium on approvals of the UK can move on together. Freeports: We will aim to ensure
for new large-scale incinerators in This will allow us to strengthen the that our new freeports benefit the
Wales. Union, by making it our mission as a people in each of the four nations. We
Promote the planting of trees in Government to work for the whole of believe that there are many places
urban areas. the United Kingdom, delivering for all across the United Kingdom that have
Introduce tougher penalties for fly- of its people wherever they live. the opportunity to be successful
tipping, dog fouling and littering. innovative hubs for global trade.
Investing across
A Conservative UK Government
the Union Investing in Wales
will introduce extended producer
responsibility, so that producers pay UK Shared Prosperity Fund: The UK In the 2016 referendum, Wales voted
the full costs of dealing with the waste Shared Prosperity Fund will be used to to Leave – yet the Welsh Labour
they produce, and boost domestic bind together the whole of the United Government and Plaid Cymru are
recycling. We will ban the export of Kingdom, tackling inequality and intent on overturning that decision
plastic waste to non-OECD countries, deprivation in each of our four nations. by holding another referendum on
consulting with industry, NGOs and It will replace the overly bureaucratic our membership of the EU.
local councils on the date by which EU Structural Funds – and not only
this should be achieved. be better targeted at the UK’s specific Only the Welsh Conservatives can
needs, Wales will receive at least the end the current uncertainty by
We will make no changes to the same level of financial support as it delivering on the democratic decision
Hunting Act. currently receives from the EU. of the Welsh people to Leave – getting
Brexit done so we can unleash Wales’s
Strengthen Strengthening the Union: Conservatives
have a proud history of upholding
potential as part of the United
Kingdom.
our Union and strengthening the devolution
settlements in Wales, Scotland and We are ambitious for the Welsh
The United Kingdom is the most Northern Ireland. We want to ensure that economy and for our Union. We
successful political and economic the institutions of the UK Government will ensure that Wales gets a fair
union in history. Together, with England, are working effectively to realise the deal, with major investments in
Scotland, and Northern Ireland, Wales benefits of our four nations working infrastructure and industry to deliver
is safer, stronger and more prosperous. together as one United Kingdom. We will real opportunity across the nation.
For over 300 years, our people have consider carefully the recommendations
built this great country together and of Lord Dunlop’s Independent Review After Brexit, we will continue to be
we believe our best days lie ahead. into UK Government Union capability a champion for Welsh exports and
when it is published, as we look at how Wales’s presence on the global stage
By getting Brexit done, we will deliver we work to strengthen our Union going as part of a strong United Kingdom.
certainty so that all four nations forward.
41
Marches Growth Deal: Too often
infrastructure is focused on
those plans out of timidity. This
road is a vital economic lifeline and
Protect our
national connectivity within its cancellation shows that Wales is democracy
England and within Wales, rather continually being held back by the
than across the communities Labour Welsh Government. We will As Conservatives, we stand for
which live and work near the also deliver on our commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Our
border. We will work with the Welsh fund the building of the West Wales independent courts and legal system
Government and councils on both Parkway Station outside of Swansea. are respected throughout the world.
sides of the border to negotiate
a transformative Marches Growth Automotive industry: The We are committed to devolution and
Deal, focusing on cross-border automotive industry in Wales guarantee that Wales will not lose any
infrastructure which supports the sustains tens of thousands of jobs powers as a result of our exit from
local and cross-border economy. and we believe that it has a bright the EU. Indeed, Brexit will mean that
This will be modelled on the future ahead. In September, we more powers flow to the devolved
successful collaboration between worked to bring INEOS Automotive parliaments, with decisions taken closer
governments and councils through to Bridgend, which will create 500 to the people they affect.
the Borderlands Growth Deal in new jobs. We will continue to back
Northern England and the South of Welsh car manufacturing, as the One of the strengths of the UK’s
Scotland – building on the work of industry transitions to building constitution is its ability to evolve – as
the Western Gateway partnership electric vehicles in the coming times have changed, so have Parliament,
we have already announced. decades. government and the judiciary.
Transport: To support our Union, Supporting steel: A Conservative Today, that need is greater than ever. The
we will, working with the Welsh UK Government would work with failure of Parliament to deliver Brexit
Government, upgrade the A55 the Welsh Government to maintain – the way so many MPs have devoted
as the main road transport artery a competitive steel industry fit for themselves to thwarting the democratic
for North Wales – improving its the 21st century. decision of the British people in the
capacity and resilience to build 2016 referendum – has opened up a
connections between Wales and the Welsh language: Conservatives destabilising and potentially extremely
rest of the United Kingdom. A Welsh are proud of Welsh language and damaging rift between politicians and
Conservative Government would culture. We will support Welsh people. If the Brexit chaos continues,
deliver an M4 relief road which has institutions such as S4C, the with a second referendum and a second
been mothballed by the Labour National Library and Museum, the Scottish referendum too, they will lose
administration. We gave financial Urdd and the National Eisteddfod. faith even further.
support to the Welsh Government to We will support the ambition for
build the relief road, yet the Labour one million people in Wales to be It is only by getting Brexit done that we
administration decided to abandon able to speak Welsh by 2050. can start the necessary task of restoring
public trust in government and politics:
42
We will ensure we have updated and Welsh Conservatives will continue After Brexit we also need to look
equal Parliamentary boundaries, to oppose Labour, Plaid Cymru and at the broader aspects of our
making sure that every vote counts the Liberal Democrat plans to extend constitution: the relationship between
same – a cornerstone of democracy. voting rights for prisoners. The UK the Government, Parliament and the
Government will maintain the ban on courts; the functioning of the Royal
We will get rid of the Fixed Term prisoners voting in England and Wales. Prerogative; the role of the House
Parliaments Act – it has led to of Lords; and access to justice for
paralysis at a time the country We will champion freedom of ordinary people. The ability of our
needed decisive action. expression and tolerance, both in the security services to defend us against
UK and overseas. terrorism and organised crime is
We will continue to support the First critical. We will update the Human
Past the Post system of voting for UK To support free speech, we will Rights Act and administrative law to
elections. repeal section 40 of the Crime ensure that there is a proper balance
and Courts Act 2014, which seeks between the rights of individuals, our
We will protect the integrity of to coerce the press. We will not vital national security and effective
our democracy, by introducing proceed with the second stage of government. We will ensure that
identification to vote at polling the Leveson Inquiry. judicial review is available to protect
stations, stopping postal vote the rights of the individuals against an
harvesting and measures to prevent We will ensure redundancy payments overbearing state, while ensuring that
any foreign interference in elections. can be clawed back when high-paid it is not abused to conduct politics by
public servants move between jobs. another means or to create needless
We will make it easier for British delays. In our first year we will set
expats to vote in Parliamentary We will improve the use of data, data up a Constitution, Democracy &
elections, and get rid of the arbitrary science and evidence in the process Rights Commission that will examine
15-year limit on their voting rights. of government. these issues in depth, and come
up with proposals to restore trust
We will maintain the voting age at 18 Once we get Brexit done, Britain will take in our institutions and in how our
for UK elections – the age at which back control of its laws. As we end the democracy operates.
one gains full citizenship rights. supremacy of European law, we will be
free to craft legislation and regulations
We will ensure that no one is put off that maintain high standards but which
from engaging in politics or standing work best for the UK. We want a balance
in an election by threats, harassment of rights, rules and entitlements that
or abuse, whether in person or online. benefits all the people and all the parts of
our United Kingdom.
43
44
We Will Strengthen
Wales In The World
As Conservatives, we are immensely proud of the UK’s history and its standing in the world,
especially the long history of the people of Wales’ dedication and continued sacrifice to our
Armed Forces. Unlike those currently leading the Labour Party, we view our country as a force
for good.
The strength of the Armed Forces, our alliances with like-minded democracies and our
willingness to act are all reasons for the UK to hold its head high. So too is our work in
promoting international development and fighting climate change - both issues on which the
Conservative Party and Conservative Governments have driven the agenda forward.
And in an uncertain world, in which Commonwealth; Five Eyes; the G20; the new partnerships across the world. We
the threat of terrorism, rogue states G7; and the World Trade Organisation. will work with our cultural institutions like
and malign non-state actors is ever- We will open new markets and support the BBC and British Council to expand
present, it is vital that Britain stands free trade and global growth. our influence and project our values. And
up and is counted. unlike Jeremy Corbyn, we will stand up
We will build on our fantastic track to foreign countries that threaten the
Getting Brexit done will allow us to do record of delivering major international stability of Europe, or commit state-
more on the international stage. We sporting events – including supporting sanctioned murder on British soil.
will continue to be an outward-looking the upcoming Commonwealth
country that is a champion of collective Games, UEFA European Women’s A Welsh Conservative Government would
security, the rule of law, human rights, Championships and Rugby League sell Wales to the world with a new export
free trade, anti-corruption efforts and a World Cup – and we would back a strategy for Wales and a network of
rules-based international system. potential UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 Trade Envoys around the globe, working
FIFA World Cup. within British Embassies to maximise
After Brexit, we will bolster the alliances commercial opportunities for Welsh
and institutions that help project our As we extend our diplomatic network, businesses.
influence and keep us safe: the UN and we will reinvigorate relationships with
the UN Security Council; NATO; the Europe and seek to strengthen old and
45
Supporting our veterans and investing in the men and women
of today’s Armed Forces
A Conservative Government understands We have established a new Office for Introduce a Service Pupil Premium
the sacrifices made by Armed Forces Veterans’ Affairs and we will introduce for the children of those serving in the
personnel, veterans and their families. a Veterans’ Railcard. armed forces.
That is why we will introduce new We will offer a guaranteed job Bring 150 empty social housing
legislation to tackle the vexatious legal interview for veterans for any properties back into use specifically
claims that undermine our Armed reserved public sector role they apply for military veterans at the risk of
Forces and further incorporate the for. homelessness.
Armed Forces Covenant into law.
A Welsh Conservative Government Place a duty on local authorities
We will continue to acknowledge would: to ensure the maintenance of war
and commemorate the invaluable memorials.
contribution of diaspora communities Appoint an Armed Forces
in previous armed conflicts. We also Commissioner for Wales, accountable
recognise the contribution in the to the National Assembly for Wales
present day of so many from beyond to champion the needs of the Armed
these shores, such as the Gurkhas. Forces community and ensure that
Wales upholds the Armed Forces
In addition, we will bring in a range of Covenant.
measures to support former and current
Service personnel. Establish an Armed Forces Card to
provide:
We will reduce National Insurance - free bus travel
contributions for employers if they - priority access to NHS treatment
employ ex-Service personnel. and home adaptations for service
related injuries or illness
We will offer wraparound childcare - free access to leisure centres and
for Forces families. CADW heritage sites
46
Put our national We will support the UK’s world- We will further develop an
security first class defence industry by investing independent Magnitsky-style
in ambitious global programmes, sanctions regime to tackle human
The security of our nation comes first. including building the new Type 31 rights abusers head on.
We will protect the British people at frigates in British shipyards such
home and abroad, and also ensure as Rosyth and a new generation of We will stand up for the rights and
that the democratic rights of people armoured vehicles, made in Britain. opportunities of women and girls to
in Gibraltar, the Falklands and all our be educated and safe.
The people of Wales make a significant
overseas territories are protected. contribution to the armed forces and
Welsh military bases are critical assets We will continue our campaigns to
We will continue to exceed the in our defence infrastructure. Welsh promote international media freedom
NATO target of spending 2 per cent Conservative MPs will continue to and to eradicate human trafficking
of GDP on defence and increase fight for a significant Armed Forces and the scourge of modern slavery.
the budget by at least 0.5 per cent footprint in Wales and to ensure that it
above inflation every year of the new is proportionate to the defence estate We will support marginalised
Parliament. elsewhere in the UK. communities in the developing
world, hosting the UK government’s
We will modernise the equipment
and improve the capability of our
Promote our first ever international LGBT
conference. We will seek to protect
world-class Armed Forces and values those persecuted for their faith
intelligence agencies. and implement the Truro Review
From helping to end the slave trade to
recommendations.
tackling modern slavery, the UK has
We will invest in training and
long been a beacon of freedom and
equipping our Armed Forces, human rights – and will continue to be We will proudly maintain our
and constantly champion their so. We are proud of our peace-building commitment to spend 0.7 per cent
exemplary contribution to our and humanitarian efforts around of GNI on development, and do
security and our country. the world, particularly in war-torn or more to help countries receiving aid
divided societies, and of our record in become self-sufficient.
We will maintain our Trident nuclear helping to reduce global poverty. We
deterrent, which guarantees our will continue to support international Building on this Government’s
security. initiatives to achieve reconciliation, existing efforts, we will end the
stability and justice across the world, preventable deaths of mothers,
and in current or former conflict zones
We will adapt to new threats, new-born babies and children
such as Cyprus, Sri Lanka and the
investing more in cybersecurity by 2030, and lead the way in
Middle East, where we maintain our
and setting up the UK’s first Space support for a two-state solution. eradicating Ebola and malaria.
Command.
Once we leave the EU, we will champion We will support the construction
We will stand against terrorism and these values even more strongly. of the planned UK Holocaust
extremism around the world. Memorial.
47
Animal Welfare A Welsh Conservative Government
would replace the Wales for Africa
High standards of animal welfare are In addition to action taken by a programme with a Wales for the
one of the hallmarks of a civilised Conservative UK Government, a World programme and treble its
society. We have a long tradition of Welsh Conservative Government funding to promote the delivery of
protecting animals in this country, often would: the millennium development goals
many years before others follow. Under in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and
a Conservative UK Government, that Introduce Lucy’s Law to ban the South America.
will continue. third party sale of cats and dogs
and compulsory CCTV in Welsh
We will not make changes to the slaughterhouses, as is already the
Hunting Act. case in England. Fight climate
We will bring in new laws on animal Review pet breeding standards and change and
sentience. registration requirements to ensure protect the
adequate protection for animals.
We will end excessively long environment
journeys for slaughter and Promote honest labelling to
fattening. enhance consumer choice, Today, the climate emergency means
including distinguishing between that the challenges we face stretch far
We will continue with the ivory stunned and non-stunned beyond our borders.
ban and extend it to cover other slaughter methods.
ivory-bearing species, and ban Thanks to the efforts of successive
imports from trophy hunting of Increase the percentage of public Governments, the UK has cut carbon
endangered animals. procurement of higher welfare emissions by more than any similar
Welsh produce. developed country. We are now the
world’s leader in offshore wind – a
Ban keeping primates as pets. fantastic success story of Government
and the private sector working hand
in hand to cut costs and deliver ever
more electricity at plummeting costs.
48
Yet we recognise that there is far more Ingigafactory;
and our trade andtalks, we
clean energy. around the Welsh coast and stimulate
that needs to be done. will follow the following interest in developing commercially
In the next decade, we will work with viable tidal lagoons in North, South and
We will lead the global fight against principles:
the market to deliver two million new West Wales, particularly where they can
climate change by delivering on our high quality jobs in clean growth. We deliver flood defence and marine leisure
world-leading target of Net Zero have ambitious targets: benefits.
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,
as advised by the independent Our world-leading offshore wind We would help lower energy bills by
Committee on Climate Change. industry will reach 40GW by 2030, investing in the energy efficiency of
We have doubled International and we will enable new floating wind homes, schools and hospitals and we
Climate Finance. And we will use farms. will support clean transport to ensure
our position hosting the UN Climate clean air.
Change Summit in Glasgow in 2020 We will invest £800 million to build the
to ask our global partners to match first fully deployed carbon capture Welsh Conservatives have been clear
our ambition. storage cluster by the mid-2020s. that there should be a moratorium
on approvals of any new large-scale
We will set up new international We will invest £500 million to help incinerators until a national plan has
partnerships to tackle deforestation energy-intensive industries move been developed to deal with such
and protect vital landscapes and to low-carbon techniques. applications.
wildlife corridors. We will establish a
new £500 million Blue Planet Fund to We will support gas for hydrogen Wales is facing more frequent risk
help protect our oceans from plastic production and nuclear energy, of flooding from rising sea levels and
pollution, warming sea temperatures including fusion, as important parts heavier rainfall. A Welsh Conservative
and overfishing, and extend the of the energy system, alongside Government would:
Blue Belt programme to preserve increasing our commitment to
the maritime environment. We will renewables. • Establish a National Flood Agency
continue to lead diplomatic efforts to coordinate flood risk management
to protect 30 per cent of the world’s We will support clean transport to and the response to flooding events.
oceans by 2030. ensure clean air, as well as setting
strict new laws on air quality. We will • Designate Blue Belts in areas of
Our first UK Budget will prioritise consult on the earliest date by which flood risk to prevent inappropriate
the environment: investing in R&D; we can phase out the sale of new development.
decarbonisation schemes; new flood conventional petrol and diesel cars.
defences, which will receive £4 billion • Invest in flood defence
in new funding over the coming A Welsh Conservative Government improvements via a Welsh Flood
years; electric vehicle infrastructure would fund further research to scope Defence Fund.
including a national plug-in network opportunities to harness tidal energy
49
Increase trade
and prosperity
For the first time in nearly half a century,
the UK will have its own independent
trade policy once we leave the EU.
We will create ten freeports around the The NHS is not on the table. The
UK, including in Wales, benefiting some price the NHS pays for drugs is
of our most deprived communities, and not on the table. The services
redouble our efforts to promote Welsh the NHS provides are not on the
business and exports. We will dismantle table.
barriers to trade and retake our seat at
the World Trade Organisation.
51
52
We Will Put
You First
Getting Brexit done. Investing in our public services
and infrastructure. Supporting workers and families.
Strengthening the Union. Unleashing Britain’s potential.
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