Public service leaders in North Wales have met with the Under Secretary of State for Wales, David Jones to discuss opportunities for promoting the interests of North Wales in Westminster.
At a recent meeting of the North Wales Regional Leadership Board the Minister offered his support on issues important to the region such as securing a prison for North Wales and supporting the development of Wylfa B on Anglesey.
UK Minister David Jones, Under Secretary of State for Wales said:
“The Wales Office is the friend and facilitator of Wales in Westminster and Whitehall. This role is important as key policy areas such as policing and justice are not devolved to Wales. Meeting with the North Wales Regional Leadership Board was an opportunity to offer my support on the issues most important to the region. I have offered to lead a delegation to make the case for a prison in North Wales and have accepted an invitation to meet the Energy Island Project Board to discuss how to secure investment in electricity generation facilities on Anglesey.”
Cllr Dyfed Edwards, Leader of Gwynedd Council welcomed the Minister’s support, saying:
“A prison for North Wales is long overdue. It will generate much needed jobs in North Wales and meet the government’s aspirations to improve rehabilitation services by bringing prisoners closer to their families. Welsh prisoners will have access to the Welsh language.”
Cllr Aled Roberts, Leader of Wrexham Council added:
“I am very pleased with the outcome of the first meeting of the North Wales Regional Leadership Board. Local Authorities, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board all participated in the meeting and are equally committed to promoting the interests of the people of North Wales. ”
“The Minister has offered to help us to deliver some big aspirations such as a prison for North Wales and Energy Island. We have a similar and ongoing dialogue with WAG Ministers and look forward to working very closely with them to take forward our aspirations for North Wales.”
