Bethan Jenkins has blasted the self-interested Tories and Liberal Democrats after they criticised a Welsh government announcement to help the tourism industry across Wales.
The Plaid AM for South Wales West was referring to Tory and Lib Dem criticism of a Welsh government announcement of £17.5m in tourism grants. The significant investment will be a big boost to the tourism industry which plays a significant role in the Welsh economy. Ms Jenkins expressed surprised that the opposition parties would have preferred this investment in Wales not to have gone ahead because of the UK general election.
Plaid AM Bethan Jenkins said:
“The tourism industry is vitally important for the economy, the length and breadth of Wales. This announcement of £17.5m of investment is very welcome news indeed. I am therefore astounded at the opposition parties’ criticism of the investment. It appears that the Tories and Lib Dems want all Welsh government business to grind to a halt because there’s a UK election going on. I am sure that businesses in the tourism industry will be fuming that they’re trying to block this important Welsh government aid.
“UK government business doesn’t come to a sudden halt for the Welsh Assembly or Scottish parliament elections. Likewise, Welsh government business cannot stop because there are UK elections. The Welsh government is right to get on with the job of helping Welsh businesses through tough economic times. If the Tories can’t tell the difference between Westminster and Assembly elections that’s probably because they spend so much time listening to their London masters.”
