Welsh Conservatives today slammed the record of Labour-Plaid Ministers on the economy after new figures released from the Welsh Assembly Government showed prosperity levels in North Wales fell to just 70% of the UK average.
Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay set a target for prosperity levels in Wales to equal 90% of the UK’s by 2010, but instead of narrowing the gap, it has gradually widened under Labour.
Wales is now the poorest part of the United Kingdom, based on the most recent GVA figures, which are the internationally-recognised indicator of prosperity.
Darren Millar, Welsh Conservative candidate for Clwyd West, said, “These are shocking figures which show just how far behind the North Wales economy has fallen under Labour.
“These figures show how the North Wales economy has declined in comparison to other parts of the UK. Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay have failed to take the measures our economy needs.
“Welsh Conservatives have plans, backed by the CBI, to establish a North Wales Minister with the dedicated responsibility of driving up prosperity levels in the region and being a new voice for North Wales around the Cabinet table.”
Mark Isherwood, Welsh Conservative candidate for North Wales, said, “Welsh Conservatives have set out clear plans to get our economy back on its feet and make Wales a more prosperous nation.
“We would abolish business rates for all small businesses in North Wales to help them expand and create new jobs.
“Under Labour, many small businesses have been forced to close their doors. Wales has had the lowest prosperity levels amongst all UK nations and English regions since devolution, but under the Labour-led Assembly Government the gap has continued to widen. Labour cannot be trusted with the Welsh economy.”
