Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, has spoken out in the House of Commons against the lack of progress on dualling of the A40 through Pembrokeshire.
During the annual Welsh Affairs debate to celebrate St. David’s Day, Stephen said he was "sick and tired" of ministers from the Assembly and London coming down to Pembrokeshire for photo opportunities but then refusing to follow through with badly needed investment in local transport infrastructure.
Stephen started his speech by paying tribute to Hermon soldier Lance Sergeant Dave Greenhalgh, who list his life in Afghanistan last month. He praised all of the Welsh soldiers who are currently out in Afghanistan for being “outstanding" role models and saluted all those who have lost their lives in the conflict.
Stephen then went on to highlight how young people will be the biggest victims of the current economic recession, as future generations will be burdened by the enormous level of national debt and the debt interest payments.
He argued that prospects for sixth formers throughout Wales are worsening due to university funding cuts which will reduce the intake of applicants this year and make it even more difficult for Welsh pupils to gain a place at university.
Stephen countered the Secretary of State for Wales' claims that all of Wales had benefitted from increasing public spending by pointing out that NHS dentistry had been "decimated" in many parts of Wales in the last ten years; that the network of rural post offices had been cut drastically and that tax offices had been closed down throughout Wales, including in Haverfordwest.
He concluded his speech by outlining the continued need for improved infrastructure investment in Wales and specifically in Pembrokeshire, emphasising that the strategic energy facilities at Milford Haven and the two ferry ports in the county make it imperative for the A40 to be improved.
He described how numerous current and prospective investors from outside Wales had expressed concerns to him about the quality of the road connections to the county.
He argued that, although ministers were keen to have their photos taken at the new LNG sites, they were not prepared to back it up by investment in the infrastructure that supports all businesses across the Pembrokeshire economy.
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