Speeches by German.

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Denbigh youth shed, led by the inspirational Scott Jenkinson. Youth Shedz is youth-led, with young people in leadership roles shaping their own activities, ranging from upcycling old guitars to creating comfort packs for children going into care. The Government have recently …”

“Things feel insecure right now, whether that is because of the war in Iran, the cost of living pressures on families or the sense that systems are not working quite right. In Clwyd North, I hear that all the time. When families are struggling and young people do not feel that they have a fair chance, it erodes their tr…”

“I am so pleased that early intervention and working with families is at the heart of this Government’s approach. As a former cabinet member for children’s services in Denbighshire, I know how important that is. Will my right hon. Friend set out how increased investment in programmes such as Turnaround will help childre…”

“One of my main priorities as an MP is to ensure that we see more of our young people in good, fulfilling work, because I know that far too many young people in Clwyd North are unable to fulfil their potential. I am excited about the £3,000 youth jobs grant and the expansion of the youth guarantee in Wales, but can the …”

“I know all too well the difference this Bill will make for families across the country. In my constituency, I have seen far too many families struggling to make ends meet. Indeed, that reality was a huge part of what drove me to this place from my primary school classroom and a lead role in local government, so I am pl…”

“I absolutely agree. Every child deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, and it is our responsibility to make that happen. I am proud that a Labour Government in Wales have led the way with practical initiatives to support children, including free breakfast in primary schools since 2004, protected by legislation …”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Dowd. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Derby South (Baggy Shanker) for securing the debate. Improving community safety in Clwyd North is one of my top priorities. It has been great to work alongside North Wales police through meetings and walkabouts, and to talk d…”

“Know your places; know your people.”

“I am interested in your point about investing in places. We heard that strongly from the diaspora, when we did our visit to the States. They were very invested in Wales, because of not just the economic potential, but that idea of place and belonging—Wales as a nation, and the different parts of Wales and what they can…”

“There seems to be potential to join up people across rural and coastal areas in that way, if they can find each other naturally.”

“Sure, and allow the dots to be joined from the bottom-up as opposed to top-down. I think you are right; we need both.”

“I completely agree, and we have heard that in previous evidence. It goes back to the point about devolution as well—you can make the most of that place to make it attractive. With that in mind, do you think there is a place for clusters to support investment in more rural and coastal areas? In north Wales, for example,…”

“That moves us nicely on to my question. We have mentioned the compound semiconductor cluster in south Wales. When Committee members visited the United States, the companies there were really impressed with that cluster, and the amount of knowledge that they had of what existed in that area. We know that there are other…”

“The WRU set about a consultation on the reduction from four clubs. What do you believe will be the benefits to rugby in Wales of moving from four to three clubs? Bearing in mind that the WRU’s consultation made the case for model D—two professional clubs—and said that it was optimal for financial stability and sporting…”

“This is brilliant news today, not just for the north of England but for north Wales too. With investment already in place for the north Wales main line, it will give us better connectivity for tourism, employment and leisure to our great northern cities and beyond. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that we must…”

“I warmly welcome the not just one, but two offshore wind projects in Wales, with billions of pounds in investment and thousands of new jobs putting Wales firmly on the map as a clean energy producer. We are delighted to see Awel y Môr in north Wales, and the benefits for Clwyd North are clear—skilled, well-paid local j…”

“I would like to follow up on Andrew’s question regarding our visit to the United States. We have talked already about the connections that we made with the British consulate and Welsh Government officials. They were really informative. One of the things that really stuck with me was when we met Welsh diaspora. These ar…”

“I would like to follow up on Andrew’s question regarding our visit to the United States. We have talked already about the connections that we made with the British consulate and Welsh Government officials. They were really informative. One of the things that really stuck with me was when we met Welsh diaspora. These ar…”

“I warmly welcome the second rise in the national minimum wage under this Government. Some 160,000 workers in Wales have already benefited since the rise in April. Many of them are younger workers, particularly in the retail and hospitality sector, which is so important to my constituency at Christmas and beyond. What a…”

“I came into this place driven to make life better for the struggling families I saw each and every day as a teacher, and as council lead for education. That purpose guides me every day. I have seen far too many families fighting to get by, so this Budget feels personal to me, because it makes fair, responsible choices,…”