Crown Estate Bill – Labour Treating Wales with Contempt

Responding to the news that the Labour has voted down amendments to devolve the Crown Estate to Wales, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused Labour of treating Wales with contempt.

Commenting after speaking in the debate, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick said:

“If Crown Estate profits were kept in Wales, it could contribute an additional £50 million to the Welsh Government’s budget. That’s more money for our public services, economic investment and infrastructure in our communities.

“At a time when public services in Wales are crumbling after 26 years of Labour rule, it is nothing short of outrageous that the Labour Government in Westminster seeks to deny Wales vital sources of income.

“The Labour Government’s refusal to devolve powers further entrenches the outrageous notion by Labour and the Conservatives that Wales is a lesser nation than Scotland.

“Instead of empowering Welsh communities to harness the benefits of their own resources, profits will continue to flow directly to London.

“This is not the vision of growth that will benefit local communities or level up left behind communities. It is a continuation of the Conservatives' failed economic model that prioritizes centralization and investment in the Southeast of England over everything else.

“The Liberal Democrats have long supported devolution and empowering local communities, and we will continue to campaign against this injustice.”

ENDS

NOTES: 

• You can see how your MP voted here
• David Chadwick’s full speech can be watched here
• The Liberal Democrats had their own amendment (NC4) calling for the devolution of the Crown Estate but agreed to support Plaid Cymru’s amendment's push for a vote to allow it more chance of progressing.