Welsh Labor leadership candidate Jeremy Miles was in North Wales on Thursday to launch his manifesto. The Education and Welsh Language Minister is running alongside Economy Minister Vaughan Gething to replace the outgoing First Minister Mark Drakeford.
Mr Miles commented on a wide range of topics, from the controversial 20mph default speed limit (which he has promised to review, but not remove), to second homes in North Wales, business rates and Wylfa.Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter, delivered to your inbox twice daily
This is what the Minister said in an interview with North Wales Live during his visit to Coleg Landrillo.
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What does the manifesto say?
JM: This is a really hopeful message for people in Wales about how we can ensure that we have decent jobs and opportunities as we transform our economy into a green and sustainable one. This is a suggestion. And the great thing is, we’ve been launching Manifest Feet. It was really great to step away from being an apprentice working on wind turbines at university and witness first-hand the opportunities they are afforded.
What does the 20mph limit review mean?
JM: What I am committed to is an early review of the implementation of the 20mph default policy, and what that means: I think 20mph is good for road safety; I think it’s good for the NHS too. But we need to work with the council on that guidance. Used to confirm that it is what you need. And you also need to provide opportunities for people to feed back and take those opinions into account.
Second homes are a big issue in North Wales, what do you think about them?
JM: As Welsh Language Minister, I have been very vocal about the bold action we have taken on second homes and the changes we have introduced around council tax and planning, as well as other changes. Because I believe it’s very important that people have the opportunity to live in their own communities. And that’s very difficult in a house that’s empty for the better part of the year. So I think there is an opportunity to implement policies like the ones we have introduced more broadly in communities where Welsh is the main language.
What is your position on devolution in Wales and more powers for the Welsh Government?
JM: When it comes to devolution, this is not a constitutional debate, the question is: what is the best combination of powers to give the people of Wales the results they need and deserve? And I think that means devolving further powers to Wales, such as the police and the justice system, so that we can deliver on this. It is also vitally important that we get a fairer funding mechanism from the Westminster Government. This means we can invest in long-term projects that can really improve the lives of people in Wales. And if I am elected leader and prime minister – I will make that case – I hope – to the new Labor government.
We have recently seen the high street struggle with pubs and restaurants closing and fewer empty spaces. Is the Welsh Government’s decision to reduce business rates discounts (from 75% to 40%) from April correct?
JM: The pressure on the Welsh Government’s budget is extraordinary as a result of the fact that it is worth £1.3 billion less, and the Conservative government in Westminster is refusing to make up the difference. As a result, ministers have to make very difficult decisions in all aspects of government work, and business rates decisions are one example. What we need is a Westminster Government that will partner with the Welsh Government to ensure we have a budget that supports public services and businesses in all parts of Wales.
The UK government has announced a nuclear roadmap, which could include Wylfa. what is your view?
JM: We have ambitious targets for Wales to respond to the climate and nature emergency, and we have renewable targets. This is a very important part of achieving those goals. Nuclear energy has a role to play in how we achieve these goals for a sustainable, green Wales in the future.
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