'We could not carry on with the same old failed policies'

MP for Wrexham

Last week, we had the first budget from a UK Labour Government in 15 years, and the first ever budget from a female chancellor.

The UK Labour Government was elected on a manifesto of change in July and the budget is the start of that change to fix the foundations of our economy, begin to fix our public services, make work pay and ensure that everyone is better off.

We could not carry on with the same old failed policies that defined the past 14 years of the Conservative government, which left the people of Wrexham facing a huge cost of living crisis and our vital public services facing breaking point.

I was delighted to hear from the Chancellor that the National Minimum Wage will rise by 6.7%, meaning an increase of £1,400 for workers on the lowest wages, meaning more money in the pockets of nearly 2500 people here in Wrexham, at a time when bills, mortgages and rents are at a high.

The Chancellor announced the biggest real terms settlement for Wales since devolution with a £21billion settlement announced for 2025/2026 including £1.7billion of consequentials. This clearly shows that two Labour governments working together will deliver real change for Wrexham and across Wales.

The Labour manifesto promised that working people will not see tax rises in their pay slips with no rises in National Insurance, no rise in basic, higher or additional income tax and no rise in VAT, and this has been delivered.

The Long-Term Plan for Towns will be retained, which is fantastic news for Wrexham as one of the 75 places that is set to gain from the programme. I look forward to seeing further news in the coming months.

After a difficult 5 years, it is fantastic to see investment into Wrexham in recent weeks with announcements from Kellenova, Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Lager. The future is looking bright.

This weekend sees the annual Remembrance Sunday service when we as a country pay tribute to the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is always a solemn and humbling experience, and this weekend will be no different. We will also commemorate their memory in Parliament with a two-minute silence in the chamber of the House of Commons on the 11th November.

I also be planting a tribute on behalf of the people of Wrexham in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance in New Palace Yard. The Garden was opened by the Speaker of the House of Commons, and I am honoured to plant the Remembrance Tribute in memory of the people who fought for their country.

Lest We Forget.