The Welsh Conservative Senedd Leader – Andrew RT Davies MS – has welcomed the UK Government’s Integrated Review, published today (March 16).
Billed as the most comprehensive review of the UK’s defence, security, development, and foreign policy since the Cold War, it sets out to define the UK’s place in the world.
Commenting, Mr Davies said:
“This is a comprehensive piece of work by the UK Government, and it’s great to see how strongly Wales features in the review – a clear benefit of being an equal partner in a strong United Kingdom. In fact, it is the strength of our Union that will drive forward foreign policy and economic success.”
The review highlights several projects in Wales that will spearhead prosperity, including the next-generation AJAX armoured fighting vehicle for the British Army being built by General Dynamics UK in South Wales.
Mr Davies continued:
“The UK Government has also provided £4.8 million to support the development of a hydrogen hub in Holyhead to pilot the creation of hydrogen from renewable energy, specifically for use as a zero-emission fuel in HGVs, and up to £30 million of funding for the Global Centre for Rail Excellence, which will create up to 120 high-skilled jobs in Port Talbot and showcase Wales as a hub for R&D investment and green rail technology.
“This review – a blueprint for the future – is great news for Wales and its economy as we recover from the trials of the past 12 months.”
The second image (copyright and courtesy of General Dynamics UK) shows AJAX live firing exercises at MoD Pendine with British Army crews as part of General Acceptance Testing.