Wales is experiencing a renewed sense of purpose and partnership, focusing on economic growth, public services, and community safety.
Cardiff: This year, Wales made a big decision for change. I was honored to become the first female Labour Secretary of State for Wales, and I’m here to make good on our promises.
During the election, we committed to safer streets, green energy, and creating new jobs. We’re working closely with the Welsh Government to improve public services, especially the NHS, which has faced years of neglect.
We’re all about building a better relationship between the UK and Welsh Governments. And let me tell you, we’re off to a great start.
The recent Budget brought in a record £21 billion for the Welsh Government, plus an extra £1.7 billion next year to enhance public services and tackle waiting lists.
Next year, the Welsh Labour Government plans to invest over £600 million in health and social care. People want better health services, and if other parties are on board, they need to support these plans in the Senedd.
We’re also focused on boosting the economy and putting more money in people’s pockets.
Investment Zones in Cardiff, Newport, Wrexham, and Flintshire are key to our strategy. They’ll help strengthen sectors like creative industries, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
We’ve approved Welsh freeports to attract billions in private investment and create nearly 20,000 jobs in port communities like Milford Haven, Port Talbot, and Holyhead.
I’ve set up an economic advisory group with businesses, unions, and universities across Wales. We want to be first in line for investment in our top sectors and unlock future job opportunities.
Floating offshore wind is a game-changer. Wales can lead in creating massive turbines at sea, which will lower energy bills and generate future jobs. Securing that investment is my top priority for the new year.
The Wales Office and the role of Welsh Secretary are revitalized, giving Wales a strong voice in Cabinet once more.
When I took office in July, I was shocked to find that the previous government’s promised £80 million for Port Talbot was part of unfunded commitments. I fought hard for that money, and soon after, I announced millions in new support for workers and businesses.
Labour’s first Budget confirmed that £80 million in full. In just four months, we’ve launched three funds totaling over £40 million, with more on the way.
After years of stalemate, the UK Government stepped up with £25 million for the Welsh Government to manage coal tips. This cooperation shows how our two governments can work together for the benefit of former coal mining communities.
We’ve also addressed the long-standing injustice faced by over 100,000 former mineworkers, who will now receive billions owed to them, increasing their annual pensions by a third.
Support for Port Talbot steelworkers, funding for coal tips, and justice for Welsh mineworkers—these are things that wouldn’t have happened without a representative for Wales in Cabinet.
But we’re just getting started. We’ll push even harder in 2025 as we implement our Plan for Change.
Wales can look forward to seeing more police on the streets. I recently opened a new base for Gwent Police in Abergavenny to better serve the community.
We’re investing in 13,000 more neighborhood officers, PCSOs, and special constables across Wales and England. These officers will help restore the visible policing our communities deserve.
We’re also excited about plans for our rail network. Wales hasn’t received the investment it needs, and I’m determined to change that in the coming year.
In August, I joined Welsh Transport Secretary Ken Skates to announce a 50% increase in trains on the North Wales mainline. That’s a real change people will notice.
We can’t change the past mismanagement of the HS2 project, but we’ll work with the Welsh Government to ensure that passenger services are transformed for generations.
There’s a bright future for Wales in 2025 and beyond. With Eluned and me working together, Wales’s voice is strong again. We’re ready to raise our hopes and ambitions as we lead our nation into a decade of renewal.