Welsh secretary Jo Stevens is being questioned by MPs about progress she has made in her role. She will face questions on job losses at Tata, the closure of Holyhead port, and the inheritance tax rower involving farmers. Rail investment is also expected to feature in the Welsh Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday afternoon. She will appear with her deputy, Wales Office minister, Nia Griffith.
When appointed Ms Stevens pledged to “reset the relationship” between the Welsh Government and Westminster and committee members say they want to know how she will deliver on that. Plaid Cymru MP for Ynys Mon, Llinos Medi, said ahead of the meeting: “During the general election we were told that a new partnership between the Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster would bring real improvements to people’s lives in Wales. We were promised jobs and economic growth for people across Wales and cooperation to improve public services. But so far those promises feel like just words with little action to back them up.
“It’s frustrating for people who are struggling day-to-day to see no real progress. Farmers are anxious about the future, steelworkers are facing job losses, pensioners are struggling to heat their homes, and vital infrastructure projects remain on hold. Despite previously calling for the over-£4bn owed to Wales in rail funds while in opposition Jo Stevens has now adopted the previous Tory government’s position since taking office.”
Follow the hearing as it happens below: