Get Brexit Done Unleash Wales’ Potential

Welsh Conservative Party Manifesto 2019 My Guarantee

If there is a majority of Conservative MPs on December 13th, I guarantee I will get our new deal through Parliament. We will get Brexit done in January and unleash the potential of our whole country. I guarantee: • Record funding for the Welsh NHS to fund more doctors, nurses and general practice appointments. • 20,000 more police and tougher sentencing for criminals. • An Australian-style points-based system to control immigration. • Millions more invested every week in science, schools, apprenticeships and infrastructure while controlling debt. • Hundreds of millions in capital funding for Wales to invest in transport, broadband and improving our communities. • Reaching net zero by 2050 with investment in clean energy solutions and green infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. • We will not raise the rate of Income Tax, Vat or National Insurance. If Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour and Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP team up and take control on December 13th, we will have two referendums on Brexit and Scotland in 2020. Please support a majority Conservative Government so our country can move on instead of going backwards.

2 Contents

Introduction...... 2

Get Brexit Done ...... 7

We Will Focus On Your Priorities...... 11

We Will Unleash Wales’ Potential...... 27

We Will Strengthen Wales In The World...... 45

We Will Put You First...... 53

Welsh Conservative Party Manifesto 2019 Introduction FOREWORD FROM BORIS JOHNSON For the last three and a half years, this country has felt trapped, like a lion in a cage. We have all shared the same frustration – like some super-green supercar blocked in the traffic. We can see the way ahead. We know where we want to go - and we know why we are stuck.

We have been paralysed by a broken have mapped out a fantastic programme Everyone in the UK should have the peace Parliament that simply refuses to deliver for the years ahead: to unite and level up, of mind and confidence that come from Brexit. And that is why this election is so spreading opportunity across the whole world-class health care – and so this new essential. United Kingdom. One Nation Conservative Government is giving the NHS its biggest ever cash boost, Get Brexit done - and we end the division The UK has extraordinary advantages. worth £1.9 billion extra for Welsh public and deadlock that have been so bad for We lead the world in 21st-century services. our politics. technologies, from batteries to bioscience. We have many of the best universities on If this Conservative Government is Get Brexit done - and we restore earth. There are parts of this country that returned to office, we will have an confidence and certainty to businesses are more productive and more innovative infrastructure revolution for this country. and families. than anywhere else in Europe. Now is the time to invest in Northern Powerhouse Rail, and the Midlands Rail Get Brexit done - and we will see a pent- And yet there are parts of the country Hub, and so many more projects, as well as up tidal wave of investment into our that feel left behind. Talent and genius a massive programme of improvements country. are uniformly distributed throughout the for our roads and gigabit broadband for country. Opportunity is not. Now is the every home and business. Get Brexit done - and we can focus on the time to close that gap – not just because it priorities of the British people, funding the makes such obvious economic sense, but We will invest in technology and NHS and tackling the cost of living. for the sake of simple social justice. innovation. And we will invest in Britain’s people by giving them the tools and Get Brexit done - and we can release that We Conservatives believe passionately training to flourish in the economy of the lion from its cage and take this amazing that every child should have the same 21st century. country forwards. opportunity to express their talents and make the most of their lives. We are the only party that can deliver And as things stand, there is only one way this programme, because we are the only to get Brexit done - and that is to return a I want everyone to have the fundamental party that understands the balance and Conservative Government with a working security that comes from safe streets and symmetry at the heart of the UK economy. majority on December 12th. safe neighbourhoods – so we are backing our police, putting 20,000 more officers We believe in superb public services and I am very proud of the achievements of on the streets, and giving them the powers infrastructure, not just because they are this Government in its first 100 days. We to tackle crime with stop and search. good things in themselves, but because 2 they are the bedrock of a dynamic free We will run an ever stronger and more deal through in days. It is oven-ready - and market economy. dynamic economy. every single Conservative candidate at this election, all 635 of them, have pledged And there is only one way to pay for We will defend and protect our United to vote for this deal as soon as Parliament world-class health care and outstanding Kingdom - the awesome foursome that returns. infrastructure – and that is to foster make up the most successful political and encourage the millions of British partnership in history. And what is Jeremy Corbyn’s alternative? businesses, large and small, that create A new negotiation, and then a new the wealth of the nation. We are proud of our Armed Forces, and referendum - and he still cannot tell will always fund them properly. us what side he would be on: in or out, Their success is our success. It is thanks to Remain or Leave. the innovations of British battery-makers Jeremy Corbyn is prepared to break up and turbine designers that we are able to the UK - to disband the Armed Forces, It is a recipe for chaos - compounded by a cut CO2 - and achieve our goal of being and even when it comes to cold-blooded second referendum on Scotland. carbon neutral by 2050. murder on British soil, he cannot stand up for our country and do what is right. This country has had enough of dither and It is precisely because we understand the delay, of defeatism and despair. concept of aspiration, and enterprise, We will stand up for our country and our that the UK is now leading a new green values around the world. We don’t want to waste 2020 on two industrial revolution. acrimonious referendums. Above all, we Conservatives will respect The tragedy of the modern Labour Party the democratic will of the people. After We want next year to be a year of hope, of under Jeremy Corbyn is that they detest three and a half years of procrastination, prosperity and growth. the profit motive so viscerally – and would we have a great new deal that is ready to raise taxes so wantonly – that they would go - so that we will be finally out of the EU We want to move on, with our programme destroy the very basis of this country’s by January 31. of investment in education, infrastructure prosperity. and technology, to create a high-wage, We are able to deliver all the advantages high-skill, low-tax economy. If you want to understand the impact of a of leaving the EU: making our own laws, Corbyn Government on ordinary people, controlling our own borders, taking back We want to get Brexit done so that we can remember that he has voted against tax our money, and exercising all kinds of new get on with our work of making Britain the cuts worth £7,800 for people on modest freedoms. greatest place in the world to live, to go to incomes. He is already committed to school, to start a family, to own a home, to putting up corporation tax to one of the From freeports to free trade deals, from start a business – with the most ambitious highest levels in Europe. abolishing the cruel live shipment of environmental programme of any country animals to cutting VAT on tampons, we in on earth. And what will he do for an encore? Embark the UK will be able to remain close to our on a spending and borrowing spree that European friends and partners; but where Let’s get Brexit done, and take this country would cost every taxpayer £2,400, as well we choose, we will be able to do things forward. as confiscating 10 per cent of the value differently and better. of our most prominent businesses and Boris Johnson putting those assets in the hands of John With a new Parliament and a sensible Prime Minister McDonnell. What madness. majority Government, we can get that 3 FOREWORD FROM PAUL DAVIES Wales always benefits from a Conservative UK Government. Since 2010, we have seen unemployment fall to record lows, our economy has grown and the Welsh Government receives more money each year than ever before.

Under the Conservatives, for every £1 Our plan for the NHS and education in continue to celebrate and champion spent on devolved services such as Wales will reverse the poor performance efforts to increase the number of Welsh schools, hospitals, and council services in we’ve seen under successive Welsh speakers in every corner of the nation. England, Wales receives £1.20 to spend on Labour Governments and make our public We will continue to protect and invest services here. Hundreds of millions more services the envy of the world. in Welsh institutions such as S4C, our is also being invested in growth deals National Library and Museum, the Urdd across the country helping communities We would build more homes, transform and the National Eisteddfod. across Wales to thrive. social care, and invest in infrastructure such as roads, rail and broadband, to This is our Wales, our future; we will In Wales, many policy areas are the make Wales a modern connected nation. change Wales for the better. responsibility of the Welsh Labour And our commitments to veterans and Government. Where this is the case our the armed forces would ensure that our Paul Davies manifesto sets out the action which heroes, and their families, are afforded the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the would be taken by a Welsh Conservative honour they deserve. National Assembly for Wales Government to deliver positive change for the people of Wales. Welsh Conservatives are proud of our Welsh language and culture and will

4 5 6 Get Brexit Done When the new Government entered Downing Street, the Prime Minister made a simple promise: to get Brexit done. Many said it would be impossible. But he swiftly negotiated a great new deal - despite Parliament’s best efforts to block his progress. And then, when he put it to MPs, they insisted on yet more delay. We must move on. No more renegotiations. No more referendums. Every week is costing us. Investment is waiting to come into the country. Families and businesses cannot make vital decisions. The public services cannot get the attention they deserve.

Our priority as Conservatives is to get Our deal is the only one on the table. It We will negotiate a trade agreement next Brexit done - so that we can unleash is signed, sealed and ready. It puts the year – one that will strengthen our Union – the potential of this great country. So whole country on a path to a new free and we will not extend the implementation that we can push past the obstacles trade agreement with the EU. This will be period beyond December 2020. In parallel, that other parties have put in our a new relationship based on free trade we will legislate to ensure high standards of country’s way. So that we can deliver and friendly cooperation, not on the EU’s workers’ rights, environmental protection on the people’s decision in 2016 and treaties or EU law. There will be no political and consumer rights. use our new post-Brexit freedoms to alignment with the EU. We will keep the UK transform the UK for the better by out of the single market, out of any form The only way to deliver Brexit is with a focusing on your priorities. of customs union, and end the role of the Conservative majority in Parliament. A European Court of Justice. vote for any other party or candidate is a If we elect a majority of Conservative MPs vote for Jeremy Corbyn – and a vote for to Parliament, we will start putting our This future relationship will be one that more chaos. deal through Parliament before Christmas allows us to: and we will leave the European Union in  Take back control of our laws. Above all, it is the only way that we can get January.  Take back control of our money. on with the task of transforming Wales and the whole United Kingdom for the  Control our own trade policy. Boris Johnson’s new deal takes the whole better.  country out of the EU as one United Introduce an Australian-style points- based immigration system. Kingdom. It takes us out of the customs union, allowing us to set our own tariffs  Raise standards in areas like workers’ and do our own trade deals. It allows us to rights, animal welfare, agriculture and the environment. pass our own laws and ensures that it is  our courts that enforce them. Ensure we are in full control of our fishing waters.

7 Mohamed Ali Candidate for Cardiff North Youth Engagement Worker

8 Unleash Wales’ Potential For the past nine years, the Conservatives have been cleaning up Labour’s mess. Because of the tough decisions that our party made and our success in bringing down the deficit, the economy has continued to grow and the public finances have been restored. Thanks to Conservative policies, employment is at a near-record high.

In Wales, we’ve helped tens of ground, with the performance of our This means that debt will be lower at thousands of people into work, halving Welsh NHS and education system falling the end of the Parliament – rather than the unemployment rate in the process. behind those in other parts of the UK. spiralling out of control under Labour. We’ve doubled the personal allowance And we will use this investment prudently to £12,500, meaning that every worker Across Britain we will help people and strategically to level up every part of gets to keep more of what they earn. and families throughout their lives by the United Kingdom, while strengthening We’ve raised the National Living Wage - bringing down the cost of living and the ties that bind it together. and will raise it still further. making sure that work always pays. We will also prioritise the environment The strength of the UK’s balance sheet We will keep costs down for small in the next Budget, investing in the - the hard work done by all of us in this businesses - rather than hiking their infrastructure, science and research that country - means that we are now in a taxes and crushing Britain’s prosperity. will deliver economic growth, not just position to invest properly in our future. through the 2020s, but for decades to We will not borrow to fund day-to-day come. A Conservative UK Government will give spending, but will invest thoughtfully the public services the resources they and responsibly in infrastructure right Above all, we will listen to the people need; we need to see that same level across our country in order to increase who have felt left behind by the last few of ambition and vision from the Welsh productivity and wages. Our fiscal rules decades of economic growth and want to Government. mean that public sector net investment have more control of their future. will not average more than 3 per cent of For the past 20 years, public services GDP, and that if debt interest reaches 6 We will get Brexit done, so we can change in Wales have been run by the Welsh per cent of revenue, we will reassess our Britain for the better. Labour Government in Cardiff, but plans to keep debt under control. they have been running them into the 9 Amanda Jenner Candidate for Ceredigion Qualified Teacher

10 We Will Focus On Your Priorities

In his first months, the Prime Minister has shown how he intends to make life better for everyone in Wales. Supporting our police. Delivering record funding for Welsh public services. We have listened to you, and we have acted. Acted to ensure that we deliver world-class public services so that you can have the help and support you need throughout your life. And we want to take that agenda further. But none of it will happen without a Conservative majority Government.

We as Conservatives believe passionately England, the Welsh Labour Government, Strengthen the in the NHS. Because we believe that supported by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal NHS and social everyone deserves the chance to live free Democrats, cut funding for our health of sickness and disease - and to know service. care that if they do fall ill, our brilliant doctors and nurses will be there for them. A Conservative UK Government will The NHS represents the best of this secure the future of the health service in country. It is there for us when our Under Labour in Wales over the past England. It is important that the Welsh children are born, when our friends 20 years, the performance of the NHS Government does the same for our NHS and families fall sick, when our loved has fallen behind other parts of the in Wales. ones succumb to old age and ill health. UK and been beset by scandals. The Welsh Labour Government has failed Within the first three months of our It is precious to all of us - especially to improve failing health boards and new term, we will enshrine in law our because it is free at the point of use and patients have suffered as a result. fully funded, long-term NHS plan in there for you on the basis of need, not England. This will be the longest, largest your ability to pay. While the Conservatives took the cash settlement in NHS history and decision to protect health spending in provides the Welsh Government with 11 record funding to provide increases for  Build new Rapid Diagnostic Centres:  Address the democratic deficit the health service year on year . This Establish new diagnostic centres and invest in Patient Watchdogs: money can be used to support frontline in North, Mid and South Wales to The system of Welsh Ministerial services so that you and your family speed up access to diagnostic tests appointments to health boards will get appointments more quickly and and reduce the need for repeat come to an end with the introduction of experience improved care. appointments and visits to hospitals. elected health commissioners. We will protect the independence and capacity Under the Conservatives, for every £1  Extend access to new treatments: of Wales’ Community Health Councils. spent on the NHS in England, Wales Reduce unnecessary bureaucracy receives £1.20 to spend on the health so that doctors can use the most  Ensure that the Welsh NHS learns service here. By the end of the next advanced, life-saving treatments from mistakes: There will be a duty Parliament we will make available tens for cancer, rare diseases, and other on all NHS staff to disclose and record of millions extra each and every week conditions such as arthritis. when things go wrong, including for the NHS here in Wales. This will providing details to senior managers increase the total funding available for  Transform mental health: Treat and reporting them to the healthcare the Welsh NHS by £1.9 billion between mental health with the same urgency inspectorate. 2018 and 2023. as physical health and legislate to provide extra support for people with  Eradicate poor NHS leadership: A Welsh Conservative Government learning disabilities and autism. There will be a Welsh NHS Leadership would use this funding to deliver a new Council which all senior managers and NHS Improvement and Accountability  Improve emergency care: executives will be required to register Plan. Review ambulance response with. Those found responsible for times and emergency department serious NHS failings will be deemed Our NHS Improvement performance to ensure that patients incompetent, removed from the get rapid access to emergency care register and prevented from working in and Accountability Plan when they need it. the Welsh health service. Our new funding will:  Prioritise public health and  Improve NHS safety: There will be  Recruit more doctors, nurses and prevention: Overhaul NHS screening a radical overhaul of the healthcare other health professionals: and use new technology to prevent ill inspectorate to make it entirely Increase workforce capacity to health. Develop a long-term strategy independent of Welsh Government and improve access to appointments for lifestyle-related conditions such as give it new powers to intervene quickly and treatment, and address the obesity and addictions. We will have a when problems are identified. recruitment crisis caused by years national vaccination reminder system of poor workforce planning by Welsh for every GP practice. Labour.

12 Improving social care But we also want to save millions of worst education system in the United people, and their families, from suffering Kingdom and we are the only UK It is a basic, compassionate the agony of a slow decline due to nation in the bottom half of the global Conservative belief that we should dementia. We will make finding a cure rankings. care for those in need - helping those one of our Government’s biggest who cannot help themselves. collective priorities - one of the ‘grand Under the Conservatives, for every challenges’ that will define our future £1 spent on schools in England, Wales Thanks to decades of economic growth along with the impact of climate receives £1.20 to spend on schools here. and scientific innovation, people are change or artificial intelligence. This However, funding in Wales has fallen living longer, healthier lives. But this, will include doubling research funding behind with teaching union NASUWT alongside the rise of dementia and other into dementia, doubling funding for estimating that pupils in Wales receive chronic conditions, means that the the National Dementia Institute, and an average of £645 per year less than pressures on the elderly care system speeding up trials for new treatments. their counterparts in England. are ever-increasing. There has also been significant growth in the number of We will also extend the entitlement to In his first months in office, Boris working-age people with disabilities who leave for unpaid carers, the majority Johnson announced an extra £14 billion need care at a younger age. of whom are women, and ensure their in funding for schools in England. This pension is protected. will result in a substantial increase in We need to have a system to give every funding to the Welsh Government. person the dignity and security that Invest in our In addition the Welsh Government they deserve. This is a significant and will receive an extra £35 million in complex challenge and in order to lay schools new funding to support children with the foundations, we must plan for the Talent is evenly spread across Wales. additional educational needs and the infrastructure, workforce growth and Opportunity is not. As Conservatives, implementation of an Autism Act for healthcare integration that is required we believe absolutely in equality of Wales. for a care system fit for the 21st century. opportunity - the idea that every child, in every part of the country, should A Welsh Conservative Government A Welsh Conservative Government have a fair chance. It is not only the would use this new money to eliminate would appoint a Chief Social Care most important thing we can do to the pupil funding gap between England Officer for Wales and support those who unleash the UK’s economic potential, care for their loved ones by providing but at the heart of creating a fair and a guarantee for respite for those with just society. caring responsibilities and practical extra support for the silent army of young Under Labour in Wales over the past carers across Wales by reducing the 20 years our education system has barriers stopping them from accessing suffered. The OECD’s international education, training and employment. PISA league table ranks Wales as the

13 Dr James Davies Candidate for the Vale of Clwyd GP Vulnerable children

Wales has the highest rate of looked after children in the UK. Children who end up in care often end up struggling as adults, too often denied the love and stability most of us take for granted.

A Welsh Conservative Government would prioritise stable, loving placements for those children - adoption where possible or foster parents recruited by the local authority. We would review the care system to make sure that all care placements and settings are providing children and young adults with the support they need.

We would also provide a Looked Good discipline, high standards, an After Pupil Premium to support enriching experience: children in care to realise their full potential and set targets for looked after children accessing further Welsh Conservatives would allow schools inspections. We would help teachers and higher education. to decide how they use the additional tackle bullying, including homophobic money we provide. In addition we would: bullying.

 Back teachers on discipline.  Protect parental rights. We would train teachers in managing Respect parents’ views with regards to behaviour and would back teachers to sex education lessons. use exclusions, where appropriate. Estyn would have more funding and time to  Make sure pupils are taught the basics. inspect school safety and behaviour We would introduce checks on reading policies. We would pilot no-notice and maths in primary schools.

14 and Wales to give every child the We want more young people to have of EU funding (which was, of course, only opportunity to thrive. the choice of accessing technical a small part of the billions of pounds we qualifications and apprenticeships. were contributing), and to replace the EU A Welsh Conservative Government would programme with one that is fairer and Invest in the people introduce: better tailored to our economy. And we of Wales will ensure that £500 million of the UK  More funding for highly skilled Shared Prosperity Fund is used to give The 2020s will see a transformation apprenticeships in Wales, including disadvantaged people across the United in jobs. Automation and computing degree apprenticeships. We expect Kingdom the skills they need to make a will change how businesses function. this to increase numbers by tens of success of life. Our plan to deliver clean energy and thousands for large and small employers a carbon-neutral future means new alike - and we will make sure the system Universities kinds of jobs in new industries. And our works for all employers. departure from the European Union Wales is home to world-class means we can tailor our regulations  Apprenticeships for all big new universities which make an important to ensure that we are first in line infrastructure projects – including new contribution to our economy. To to develop and benefit from the hospitals, new schools, roads and flood protect and enhance their reputation technologies of the future. defences. we will explore ways to tackle the problem of grade inflation and This requires a dramatic rebooting of We would also put £20 million into low-quality courses and improve our training system - to support public Further Education, upgrade our FE the application and offer system services, existing businesses and the colleges and develop a STEM focused for undergraduate students. Our businesses of the future. But above all, Institute of Technology in North Wales approach will be underpinned by a to ensure that Welsh workers have the which connects high quality teaching to commitment to fairness, quality of skills they need to flourish - and that business and industry. learning and teaching, and access. every citizen of this country has the opportunity to express their talents to We would create an adult learning A Welsh Conservative Government the fullest. allowance to use on a degree, technical would review student support with an training, or specific courses. This could aim of reducing the burden of tuition Technical education and also be linked to employer support fee debt for students from Wales through the apprenticeship levy. while protecting the income of Welsh life-long learning universities through direct grants and University provides a wonderful Leaving the EU also means that we can an increase in funding for research. experience and education, but more take back control of the money that was than two thirds of young people do not being channelled via its Structural Funds. We would also strengthen academic attend university and their education We have already announced a UK Shared freedom and free speech in universities and experience is equally important. Prosperity Fund, to ensure that no part and continue to focus on raising of the UK loses out from the withdrawal standards.

15 they are taxed. And we have made  We promise not to raise the rates of Support working sure the state pension keeps pace with income tax, National Insurance or families earnings. VAT. This is a tax guarantee that will protect the incomes of hard-working Since 2010, the Conservatives have In our first months, we announced an families across the next Parliament. helped more than 1,000 people on increase in the National Living Wage average into work every day. to two thirds of average earnings,  We not only want to freeze taxes, currently forecast at £10.50 an hour, but to cut them too. We will raise That is an extraordinary figure. And it has and widened its reach to everyone over the National Insurance threshold only been possible because of the strong 21. That means an average pay rise of to £9,500 next year – representing economy we have helped to create; our £4,000 per year for four million people a tax cut for 31 million workers. support for business; and our welfare by 2024. Our ultimate ambition is to ensure reforms, which have encouraged more that the first £12,500 you earn is people into the work. To help young people get a foot on completely free of tax – which would the employment ladder, we abolished put almost £500 per year in people’s Whoever you are, we want to make employers’ National Insurance pockets. it easier for you to get a good and Contributions for under-21s and rewarding job - and to be able to apprentices under 25.  Raising a family should be the most combine a rewarding career with raising fulfilling experience of your life. But a family or caring for elderly or disabled Creating millions more jobs is one of the for too many parents, the costs of relatives, rather than being forced to Conservatives’ proudest achievements. childcare are a heavy burden. We prioritise between them. We want to A Labour Government that makes it want to give parents the freedom, make sure that you get to keep more of harder for businesses to grow and to hire – support and choice to look after the money you earn, and that we keep that allows people to sink into dependency their children in the way that works your bills low. And we want to make rather than encouraging them to work and best for them. A Welsh Conservative sure that those who can’t work, or have earn – could undo all of this progress. Government would fund more high entered retirement, get the level of quality childcare before and after support they need. A majority Conservative Government school and during the holidays so will deliver a major package of measures that working parents do not have to We have focused, over the past decade, designed to ensure that it always pays to choose between their careers and on making sure that work always pays work, while doing everything we can to their children. - particularly for those most in need of protect and support those who cannot – support. We have raised the minimum and to address the cost of living pressures  For many families, energy costs are wage significantly and introduced and that we all face. a major source of financial pressure. consistently raised the National Living We will keep our existing energy Wage. We have doubled the personal cap and introduce new measures allowance to £12,500, so that everyone to lower bills. We will also give the gets to earn a decent amount before Competition and Markets Authority

16 Matthew Evans Candidate for Newport West Community Champion enhanced powers to tackle consumer rip-offs and bad business practices.

 On entering government in 2010, the Conservatives acted decisively to protect the UK’s pensioners. The ‘triple lock’ we introduced has meant that those who have worked hard and put in for decades can be confident that the state will be there to support them when they need it. We will keep the triple lock, the winter fuel payment, and other pensioner benefits, ensuring that older people have the security and dignity they deserve. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe they should be funded by the BBC. A Welsh Conservative Government would also maintain the older person’s bus pass.

 A number of workers, disproportionately women, who earn between £10,000 and £12,500 have been missing out on pension benefits because of a loophole affecting people with net pay pension schemes. We will conduct a comprehensive review to look at how to fix this issue.

 We will use our freedom from the EU to improve the UK’s tax regime - not least by abolishing the tampon tax.

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 We as Conservatives believe that with no limits to their potential – everyone who can work, should which is one of the reasons we are Make Wales safer work - and that it should always making it a priority to put more Our first duty as a Government is to pay them to do so. But we also money in the pockets of low-paid keep our country safe. One of Boris believe that those who truly can’t workers. A Welsh Conservative Johnson’s first promises as Prime work must be given the help they Government would maintain free Minister was to start recruiting need. That is why we will continue school meals. 20,000 new police officers, with the roll-out of Universal Credit, more than 300 new officers already which combines multiple benefits  We will also extend the entitlement being recruited by the four Welsh into one while building a clearer to leave for unpaid carers, the police forces. These new officers will pathway from welfare into work. We majority of whom are women, and take violent criminals off the streets have already acted to increase work ensure their pension is protected. and protect us and our country. allowances, a move worth £630 to working families with children,  As part of our efforts to support The Conservatives will always back the and those with disabilities, and the most vulnerable, we will take brave men and women of our police we will do more to make sure that measures to empower and support and security services, which is why Universal Credit works for the most disabled people. In particular we will empower the police, backing vulnerable. We will also end the we will reduce the number of the increased use of stop and search benefit freeze, while making sure it reassessments a disabled person as long as it is fair and proportionate. pays to work more hours. must go through when a significant And we will provide them with the change in condition is unlikely - equipment they need.  At the same time, we will make because you should not have to sure those who cheat the system provide repeated proof of your We need a fair justice system - one that by committing benefit fraud are disability. We will publish a National stands for the law-abiding majority, not punished. There is no excuse for Strategy for Disabled People before the criminal minority, and that gives exploiting others who have worked the end of 2020. This will look at the a second chance to those who have hard and paid in. benefits system, but also improving served their time and wish to make a opportunities and support and fresh start.  To help those looking after family access for disabled people in terms members, especially women, we of housing, education, transport and will support the main carer in any jobs. We will reduce the disability Our plan to cut crime household receiving the Universal employment gap.  We will back our police by equipping Credit payment. And we will continue officers with the powers and tools our efforts through the tax and they need to keep themselves and benefits system to reduce poverty, all of us safe, including tasers and including child poverty. Children body cameras. We will put the Police should grow up in an environment Covenant into law to ensure they have the support they need.

19  Police will be empowered by a new court order to target known knife carriers, making it easier for officers to stop and search those convicted of knife crime. Anyone charged with knife possession will appear before magistrates within days not weeks. Those who use a knife as a weapon should go to prison.

 We will introduce tougher sentencing for the worst offenders and end automatic halfway release Rob Roberts from prison for serious crimes. For Candidate for Delyn child murderers, there will be life Self employed imprisonment without parole.

 We will use our new freedoms after Brexit to prevent more foreign In order to successfully keep our streets safe, we need to turn people away from national offenders entering our crime and end the cycle of reoffending: country. We will cut the number of foreign nationals in our prisons, Youth offending Addiction Rehabilitation and increase penalties to stop them Young people are less likely to Drug addiction fuels We will create a prisoner returning. get into trouble in a well- crime, violence and family education service focused disciplined school, which is breakdown - and new on work-based training  We will back all those who put their why we will back teachers to dangerous substances are and skills. We will improve lives on the line to keep us safe enforce discipline. A Welsh driving an increase in deaths employment opportunities – police and prison officers and Conservative Government from drug abuse. We will for ex-offenders, including a emergency service workers. We will would invest in youth tackle drug related crime job coach in each prison. This pass the Police Protection Bill and services for young people. and a Welsh Conservative approach is proven to reduce consult on doubling the maximum If they endanger others, we Government would invest in reoffending. We are improving sentence for assaulting workers in will put young people in new improving drug and substance prison security to protect emergency services such as police alternative provision schools. misuse services to improve staff, stop drug smuggling and If they are offenders, we are treatment and help break reduce violence. officers, firefighters and paramedics. trialling Secure Schools. New the cycle of crime linked to laws will require schools, police, addiction.  We will strengthen the councils and health authorities accountability of elected Police and to work together through Crime Commissioners and expand Serious Violence Units to prevent serious crime. 20 their role. People must have an  We will add 10,000 more prison  Welsh Conservatives will continue accountable local leader delivering on places, with £2.75 billion already to oppose Labour, Plaid Cymru and their crime and justice priorities, who committed to refurbishing and Liberal Democrat plans to extend they can vote out. creating modern prisons. voting rights for prisoners. The UK Government will maintain the ban  We will expand electronic tagging  We will conduct a root-and-branch on prisoners voting in England and for criminals serving time outside review of the parole system to Wales. jail, including the use of sobriety improve accountability and public tags for those whose offending is safety, giving victims the right to Supporting all victims fuelled by alcohol. attend hearings for the first time, and we will establish a Royal Commission of crime  We will toughen community on the criminal justice process. Delivering justice does not just mean sentences, for example by tightening treating defendants fairly, but doing curfews and making those convicted  We will combat extremism and do right by victims. So we will pass do more hours of community payback all we can to ensure that extremists and implement a Victims’ Law that to clean up our parks and streets. never receive public money. guarantees victims’ rights and the level of support they can expect.  We will embrace new technologies  We will keep our country safe from and crack down on online crimes. terrorism. We will invest in the  We will support all victims of We will create a new national cyber police and security services and domestic abuse and pass the crime force and empower the police give them the powers they need to Domestic Abuse Bill. We will increase to safely use new technologies like combat new threats. In the wake of support for refuges and community biometrics and artificial intelligence, the terrible events in Manchester in support for victims of rape and along with the use of DNA, within a 2017, we will improve the safety and sexual abuse. We will pilot integrated strict legal framework. We will also security of public venues. domestic abuse courts that address create a world-class National Crime criminal and family matters in parallel. Laboratory.  We will tackle unauthorised traveller camps. We will give the  We will continue to fight crime  We will counter the growing threat police new powers to arrest and against women and girls, including of serious and organised crime. We seize the property and vehicles of rape, Female Genital Mutilation and will strengthen the National Crime trespassers who set up unauthorised forced marriage. Our support for the Agency so it can tackle the threats encampments, in order to protect main carer receiving Universal Credit we face, from fraud, county lines our communities. We will make will help give greater independence gangs and child sexual abuse to illicit intentional trespass a criminal to individuals, most often women, finance, modern slavery and people- offence, and a Welsh Conservative trapped with coercive partners. trafficking. Government would also give councils greater powers within the planning  We will protect people from system. physical attack or harassment whether for their sex, sexual 21 orientation, ethnicity, religion or Fix our immigration Attracting the best and disability, and expand funding for brightest and protect places of worship. We system will vigorously combat harassment We want the UK to be a magnet for and violence against all religious The vote to leave the EU was, among the best and brightest, with special groups, and against LGBT people. other things, a vote to take back immigration routes for those who We will ensure that those who control of our borders. will make the biggest contribution. work in countering extremism We will create bespoke visa schemes are protected from threats and That is why a majority Conservative for new migrants who will fill intimidation. We will ban public Government will get Brexit done, shortages in our public services, bodies from imposing their and then introduce a firmer and build the companies and innovations own direct or indirect boycotts, fairer Australian-style points-based of the future and benefit Britain for disinvestment or sanctions campaigns immigration system, so that we can years to come. These include: against foreign countries. These decide who comes to this country on undermine community cohesion. the basis of the skills they have and  The NHS Visa. Qualified doctors, the contribution they can make – not nurses and allied health  We will legislate to make the UK where they come from. Migrants will professionals with a job offer from the safest place in the world to be contribute to the NHS – and pay in the NHS, who have been trained online – protecting children from before they can receive benefits. to a recognised standard, and who online abuse and harms, protecting have good working English, will be the most vulnerable from accessing Our new system gives us real control offered fast-track entry, reduced harmful content, and ensuring there over who is coming in and out. It visa fees and dedicated support to is no safe space for terrorists to allows us to attract the best and come to the UK with their families. hide online – but at the same time brightest from all over the world. defending freedom of expression and  Actively recruiting leaders in their in particular recognising and defending Only by establishing immigration field to come to the UK. The small the invaluable role of a free press. Also, controls and ending freedom of number of the best technology and given how the online world is moving, movement will we be able to attract science graduates from the top the Gambling Act is increasingly the high-skilled workers we need universities in the world and those becoming an analogue law in a digital to contribute to our economy, our who win top scientific prizes will be age. We will review it, with a particular communities and our public services. offered fast-track entry to the UK – focus on tackling issues around loot There will be fewer lower-skilled these people can do more than any boxes and credit card misuse. migrants and overall numbers will come others to drive scientific progress down. And we will ensure that the British and help our NHS and our economy. people are always in control.

22 Sajid Javid Priti Patel Candidate for Bromsgrove Candidate for Witham Chancellor of the Exchequer Home Secretary

Our Australian-  We will not allow serious criminals  We will treat EU and non-EU citizens into the country. If people abuse our equally. Regardless of whether they style points-based hospitality, we will remove them as are from Europe or another part of quickly as possible. the world, we welcome people who system meet our criteria. We will prioritise people who:  We will keep track of who is coming in  Have a good grasp of English and and out of our country.  We want EU citizens who came to live /or Welsh languages in the UK before Brexit to stay – and  We will overhaul the current we have committed absolutely to  Have been law-abiding citizens in guaranteeing their existing rights and their own countries immigration system, and make it more fair and compassionate – ensuring that they feel a welcomed  Have good education and what happened to the Windrush and valued part of our country and qualifications generation was horrific and we will community after Brexit. That is why ensure it never happens again. We we introduced the EU Settlement Most people coming into the country are committed to the Windrush Scheme. will need a clear job offer. In addition: compensation scheme.

23 Sadie Vidal Candidate for Ogmore Medical Communications Officer  Our student visa will help universities attract talented young people and allow those students to stay on to apply for work here after they graduate.

 Our start-up visa, alongside our new rules for those of exceptional talent, will ensure that we can attract the entrepreneurs of the future who want to start great businesses here in the UK.

Integration and openness We want our party, and our Government, to represent modern Britain – a diverse and tolerant country with confidence in its own identity and values. We believe the enduring beliefs that unite us are far more important than our differences.

Our society has been enriched by immigration and we will always recognise the contribution of those who have helped build our public services, businesses, culture and communities.

We will ensure no matter where in the world you or your family come from, your rights will be respected and you will be treated with fairness and dignity.

We will tackle prejudice, racism and discrimination and address the complex reasons why some groups do

24 less well at school, earn less at work, Contributing to our  A Welsh Conservative Government or are more likely to be victims of country would change the planning system crime. We will act to improve the lives in Wales to ensure that new GP and of all and reject the politics of division. It is a basic point of principle – and school places will be built first with Our priority is to focus on practical natural justice – that you should not new housing developments, and we solutions that make a real difference be able to take out before you have put will invest in technical skills and work to people’s lives. in. Of course we should help those in incentives so Welsh workers take up genuine need – especially those who as many jobs as possible.  We will boost English and Welsh have fled from persecution. But at the language teaching to empower same time, it is both right and fair that, This is a package of measures that is existing migrants and help promote as in other countries, people making fair, firm and compassionate - that integration into society. the UK their home should pay into the brings the immigration system, after tax system for a reasonable period of so many years, into line with the British  We will improve the quality time before they can access welfare. people’s own sense of what is right. But of evidence and data within Our new immigration system will mean: we cannot do any of it unless we have a Government about the types of strong Conservative Government that barriers different groups face,  People coming into the country from can get Brexit done. ensuring that fairness is at the the EU will only be able to access heart of everything we do. unemployment, housing, and child benefit after five years, in the way  We will continue to grant asylum non-EEA migrants currently do. and support to refugees fleeing persecution, with the ultimate aim  We will no longer allow people to of helping them to return home if it claim child benefit for children is safe to do so. living overseas.

 We will champion freedom of  We will require new arrivals to expression and tolerance, both in contribute to the funding of the the UK and overseas. NHS and will increase the health surcharge to ensure it covers the  We will ensure that the historic full cost of use. We will also enforce contribution of migrant groups is charges on those who come to our recognised. We will maintain our country and use our health services support for a memorial recognising without contributing, doubling the the contribution of the Windrush budget for our health tourism Generation in a prominent site in enforcement unit. We will continue London. to offer free emergency care to anyone who needs it.

25 26 We Will Unleash Wales’ Potential

Getting Brexit done allows us to focus on making this the best possible place to live and work - to use our post-Brexit freedoms to build prosperity and strengthen and level up every part of the country. Because it is not just Wales’ potential that we want to unleash, it is that of the Welsh and British people.

Our plan means making sure people Investing in people, restoring the fabric We stand for the people working every have access to world-class public of our towns and cities, building the hour they can, those taking a risk on services, that they feel safe on the homes we need, supporting our great a new idea, those challenging existing streets, that working families get to science and industry, strengthening markets. Their success is our success. keep more of their own money,and that the great Union between the United we help with cost of living pressures. Kingdom’s four nations - that is how we And we stand for those who give their will unleash our country’s full potential. time to help others - the charities, But it also means making sure that community groups and volunteers who we share prosperity across the UK, We are the only party that can deliver already do so much to make our country addressing the longstanding economic this programme, because we are a better place. challenges in parts of the country. We the only party that understands will invest responsibly and prudently the symmetry at the heart of the We believe, in other words, that Britain in the infrastructure that can make a UK economy. That the only way to is a great country - the greatest place difference, and ensure communities fund world-class public services on earth. But together, we can make it in every corner of the United Kingdom and outstanding infrastructure is greater still. are pleasant, safe and prosperous. to encourage the millions of British And we will invest far more in helping businesses that create the wealth of workers train and retrain for the jobs and the nation - especially small businesses, industries of the future. family firms and the self-employed.

27 A new deal for communities

Our funding will help to support Programme to support the communities which are safe to walk in development of local libraries and and a pleasure to be in. Where there museums. We will also work with are things to do, places to shop, eat, local universities to do more for the Restore our experience, where transport is easy and education, health and prosperity of people feel well connected, and where a their local area. communities community’s future is in the hands of the people who live there.  Community ownership. People are rightly proud of where they We would establish a Community come from and their local areas. But We are delivering growth deals for Ownership Fund to encourage local too many communities across Wales every region in Wales, providing £790 takeovers of civic organisations or feel let down. Violent crime and anti- million in extra funding to support community assets that are under social behaviour are ignored amid a economic growth and create well paid threat - local football clubs, but backdrop of boarded-up shops and employment opportunities for people in also pubs or post offices. We would pubs on our high streets. In addition, every corner of the country. set up a fan-led review of football our rural communities need a new governance, which will include deal outside the EU that supports A Welsh Conservative Government’s consideration of the Owners and their way of life. priorities would include: Directors Test, and will work with fans and clubs towards introducing We as Conservatives want to give you  Regenerating towns. A Seaside Town safe standing. And we will help freedom - low taxes, opportunity, the Fund and a Market Town Fund would communities that want to create chance to realise your dreams. But we be established to help seaside and ‘pocket parks’ and regenerate derelict also want to give you the security of market towns to improve their local areas. safe and pleasant streets and of taking economy. How that money is spent pride and comfort from the community would be up to the community, but  Giving people a future. As well as our around you. it could pay for free wifi, support for investment in schools and technical local businesses, and better transport education, we would put in £25 million Launching a transport links. into supporting youth clubs and services. revolution  Safer streets, safer towns. A key part of our plan to level up the A new Safer Streets Fund will invest  Community spirit. Through our UK’s cities and regions is to connect in preventative measures like new Cultural Investment Fund, we would them. CCTV or community wardens. Police support activities, traditions and will also have more power to break up events that bring communities We will consult on the earliest date travellers’ camps and make arrests together and promote the Welsh by which we can phase out the sale where appropriate. language and culture. We would of new conventional petrol and diesel support regional newspapers by cars. We will end the complicated  New civic infrastructure. We extending the business rates relief and franchising model and create a would invest in a Cultural Capital explore other ways to support them. 28 simpler, more effective rail system,  Improve cross border and intra- We know how difficult it will be, so we with greater control for local leaders. Wales transport links. have announced a raft of legislative changes to accelerate progress. As in France, we will require that a  Give every Welsh local authority minimum service operates during extra funding to improve and and £5 billion of new UK-wide public transport strikes. Rail workers deserve extend bus services, making them funding to connect premises which a fair deal, but it is not fair to let the more frequent, with more electric are not commercially viable. trade unions undermine the livelihoods vehicles which are better-integrated of others. with other modes of transport. Local government is the bedrock of our democracy. We are proud that Parliament has voted in principle to  Invest up to £50 million in completing Conservative councils have led the support a third runway at Heathrow. a fast-charging network to ensure way in helping keep council taxes But it is a private sector project. It is that everyone in Wales is always within low, providing value for money and for Heathrow to demonstrate that 30 miles of an EV charging station. supporting local communities. A it can meet its air quality and noise Welsh Conservative Government obligations, that it can be financed  Make extra investment in strategic would maintain this commitment to and built and that the business case and local roads. local government by ensuring services is realistic. The scheme will receive no are properly funded and would guard new public money.  Increase funding for walking and against excessive council tax rises cycling routes, creating a new cycling without local consent by legislating A Welsh Conservative Government infrastructure fund and new design for a local referendum on any inflation would: standards which must be followed to busting rises. receive any money. We would support  Develop proposals to upgrade the commuter cycling routes, connecting We are committed to devolution and A55 as the main road transport artery more people to jobs, and promote guarantee that Wales will not lose for North Wales and improve capacity cycling for healthier living. any powers or funding as a result and resilience on the road. of our exit from the EU. A Welsh Connecting the UK is not just about Conservative Government would  Progress the dualling of the A40 to transport. We are Europe’s technology also seek to devolve powers from Fishguard by 2025. capital, producing start-ups and success Cardiff to Welsh regions and explore stories at a dazzling pace. But not the establishment of new, directly  Work with the UK Government everyone can share the benefits. We elected, regional mayoralties in North, to deliver a Pant/Llanymynech intend to bring full fibre and gigabit- Mid and West, and South Wales, bypass. capable broadband to every home and whose leaders will stand up for their business by 2025 across the whole of respective regions and deliver the  Ensure the delivery of an M4 relief Wales. growth deals in their areas. road.

29 Helping people buy and rent  The biggest problem that young people face in getting on the housing  Reintroduce a Right to Buy on a Deliver the ladder is the deposit. There are more reformed basis, mandating 100 per than three million people, many of cent of receipts to be invested in new housing people them with good jobs and secure social housing and protecting any new prospects, who would have been build social homes from sale for at need homeowners before the economic least 10 years. Home ownership is one of the crisis in 2008 but have been locked most fundamental Conservative out of the mortgage market. We will  Reform leasehold tenures including values. People are happier, more encourage a new market in long-term implementing a ban on the sale of secure and more rooted in their fixed rate mortgages which slash the new leasehold homes, restricting communities when they own their cost of deposits, opening up a secure ground rents to a peppercorn, own home - and know that they can path to home ownership for first- providing necessary mechanisms of pass it on to future generations. time buyers in all parts of the United redress for tenants. Kingdom. For Wales to unleash its potential,  Scrap Wales’ Land Transaction Tax young people need the security of A Welsh Conservative Government (Stamp Duty) for all first time buyers knowing that home ownership is would: up to the value of £250,000. within their reach - that they too can have a tangible stake in society,  Bring in a New Deal for Renters  Launch an ambitious programme can be rooted in their communities including abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions to build 100,000 new homes over a and have a place to raise a family. and only requiring one ‘lifetime’ decade, including 40,000 new social deposit which moves with the tenant. homes. A Welsh Conservative Government would seek to rebalance the  Offer more homes to local families,  Extend Help to Buy to properties in housing market towards more enabling councils to use developers’ need of renovation, helping to bring home ownership while also ensuring contributions to discount homes by them back into use. fairness for the new generation of a third for local people who cannot renters. otherwise afford to buy in their area.

A Welsh Conservative Government would also prioritise ending rough

30 sleeping and homelessness to Places we want to live in ensure that everyone has a safe and supported home to call their own. The Welsh Government is failing to  Provide funding for a Smart Homes build the homes that people need, with initiative to support micro and The centre of a Welsh Conservative fewer than 6,000 new homes built neighbourhood energy schemes. approach will be Housing First, in the last year. As well as ensuring enabling people to have housing 100,000 new homes are built, a Welsh  Support the creation of new kinds immediately, whatever their needs, Conservative Government would of homes that have no energy bills and then giving them wrap around ensure that our communities are areas and which support our environmental support and treatment. we want to live in: targets. We will also expect all new streets to be lined with trees. Housing First will be the focus of a  Require local authorities to submit Welsh Conservative Government’s plans to utilise derelict and  Encourage innovative design and plan to tackle homelessness in undeveloped land that can be technology to make housing more Wales, which includes: developed into urban green spaces. affordable, accessible, and suitable for disabled people and an ageing  Legislating to make Housing a  Create a Technology Infrastructure population. basic human right in Wales. Fund to establish complete wifi coverage in town and city centres  Devolve more planning  Committing to end rough sleeping across all of Wales. responsibilities to local in Wales by 2026. communities, giving them a greater  Introduce an ‘Urban Litter say and redressing the balance  Immediately bring 150 empty Prevention Grant’ which trials between local need and central social housing properties back cutting-edge litter prevention such targets. into use specifically for military as river traps, litter cameras and night veterans who are at risk of time economy pollution.  Amend planning rules so that the homelessness. infrastructure - roads, schools, GP  Double the length of cycle and surgeries - comes before people  Introducing statutory housing and walking routes in urban residential move into new homes. homelessness awareness classes areas by 2040, prioritising local into all secondary schools in Wales. cycling networks around community  Establish Blue Belt zones in areas of anchors. flood risk to prevent inappropriate  Appointing a Homelessness Tsar, development. ideally someone with experience of  Deliver 10,000 electric charging homelessness. points by 2030.

31 Make Wales the and successful new companies Driving down costs than anywhere on the continent - and supporting small best place to especially in the technology sector. In areas such as technology, financial businesses start and grow a services, law and the creative business industries we lead the world - and will We understand the challenge of continue to do so after Brexit. increasing running costs, especially for We want Wales to be the best smaller firms, and are committed to country in the world to start and Of the nearly six million businesses in reducing them. run a business - a place where the UK and 259,200 in Wales, the vast entrepreneurs know they can build majority are micro, small and medium But we also want to tackle the other on their ideas and find success. sized. They are the backbone of the everyday obstacles that they face. economy and Britain is immeasurably Not only because businesses are good stronger for their contribution.  We will commit to real reductions for society - creating the jobs that put in the burden of business rates bread on the table, and generating the However, here in Wales we are on individual firms. A Welsh tax revenue that funds our vital public hampered by a Welsh Labour Conservative Government would services. Government with the least review business rates with a competitive business rates particular focus on how to support But because we believe that we environment in the UK and the small businesses. As a first step should do everything we can to highest high street vacancy rate. we would further lift the burden of support those who want to start their business rates for retail businesses own company, strike out on their own, Once we get Brexit done, we can use and exclude grassroots music and have an idea that grows into a our new freedoms to ensure that the venues, small cinemas, and pubs. world-leading business. Our mission UK’s businesses can unleash their as Conservatives is to give everyone, enormous potential - that they can  We will increase the Employment across the country, the opportunity to invest, hire, export and grow, rather Allowance for small businesses – a fulfil their potential. than being crushed by Jeremy Corbyn tax cut for half a million small firms. and John McDonnell’s inexorable We have many strengths. We are a hostility towards aspiration and  We will support start-ups and highly competitive economy with a entrepreneurship. small businesses via government strong education system and well- procurement, and commit to respected regulatory framework. We paying them on time. We will also have more world-class universities clamp down on late payment than anywhere in Europe. more broadly and strengthen the powers of the Small Business We are a magnet for talent, and Commissioner to support small we are home to more innovative businesses that are exploited by

32 Charlotte Lang Candidate for Aberavon Public Relations Director their larger partners.

 We will expand start-up loans, which have particularly high take-up from women and BAME entrepreneurs. The British Business Bank has supported 90,000 smaller businesses with over £7 billion in investment or loans, and will continue to grow.

 We will help SMEs to become exporters, so that they can seize the opportunities that will become available once we get Brexit done.

Good regulation is essential to successful businesses: we will strive to achieve the right regulatory balance between supporting excellent business practice and protecting workers, consumers and the environment. Through our Red Tape Challenge, we will ensure that regulation is sensible and proportionate, and that we always consider the needs of small businesses when devising new rules, using our new freedom after Brexit to ensure that British rules work for British companies.

Backing entrepreneurs and innovation Every day, people risk their savings and their future by becoming

33 entrepreneurs. They invent the new and Enterprise Investment Scheme, impact we hoped, so we will review and goods and services that improve which we will continue in the next reform Entrepreneurs’ Relief. A Welsh our lives. From decarbonisation to Parliament. And by cutting corporation Conservative Government would expanding the frontier of artificial tax from 28 per cent to 19 per cent, we also increase funding for the Welsh intelligence, they are tackling some of have encouraged more businesses to Development Bank to invest in growth the great challenges of our time. We invest and grow in the UK. sectors. want to be a nation of start-ups, and of successful scale-ups. We have more Some measures have worked, but need Of course, supporting enterprise is not ‘unicorns’ - new billion-dollar tech to go further - as with R&D tax credits. just about championing businesses - companies - than any other nation in We will increase the tax credit rate to more people than ever are moving into Europe. 13 per cent and review the definition of self-employment, especially women. We R&D so that important investments in will therefore launch a review to explore We are proud of the work we have cloud computing and data, which boost how we can better support the self- done to support entrepreneurship productivity and innovation, are also employed. That includes improving their and want to see more entrepreneurs - incentivised. access to finance and credit (not least including women and those from BAME mortgages), making the tax system easier backgrounds. Some of our work has been We also have to recognise that some to navigate, and examining how better spectacularly successful - such as the measures haven’t had exactly the broadband can boost home-working. Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme

34 Building a fairer businesses who do pay their fair share to invest and set up a business, we will should know that we will not permit take further action to redesign the tax taxation system evasion to go unchecked. So we will system so that it boosts growth, wages Conservatives believe in a corporate set out a new anti-tax avoidance and and investment and limits arbitrary tax tax system which rewards evasion law. This will: advantages for the wealthiest in society. entrepreneurship and punishes evasion. We will always be whole-  Double the maximum prison term We are also strengthening the UK’s heartedly on the side of business, to 14 years for individuals convicted corporate governance regime, and while making sure everyone pays of the most egregious examples of will reform insolvency rules and the their fair share of tax. Already, the tax fraud. audit regime so that customers and top 1 per cent of income taxpayers suppliers – and UK taxpayers – are pay over 29 per cent of income tax  Create a single, beefed-up Anti- better protected when firms like – higher than at any time under the Tax Evasion unit in HMRC that Thomas Cook go into administration. last Labour Government. covers all duties and taxes, from We will also carefully study the results individual errors to deliberate non- of the ongoing investigation into its We will continue to build on this compliance – which is put on a collapse. We will improve incentives to tackle tax evasion and reduce legislative footing. to attack the problem of excessive opportunities for aggressive tax executive pay and rewards for failure. avoidance.  Consolidate existing anti-evasion and avoidance measures and We will reintroduce legislation that Since 2010, we have introduced more powers. protects pension pots from being than 100 anti-avoidance measures plundered by reckless bosses, helps and secured more than £200 billion  Introduce a new package of savers be better informed with pension which would otherwise have gone anti-evasion measures, including dashboards, and creates a new style unpaid – £24 billion in the last year measures to end tax abuse in of pension scheme which is more alone. We have led the international the construction sector, crack sustainable for workers and employers. fight against aggressive tax avoidance down on illicit tobacco packaging and offshore tax havens, rewriting and further measures to avoid Fairness in the global rules to ensure tax is paid profit-shifting by multinational where profit is made. This has companies to avoid paying taxes. workplace included committing 100 jurisdictions As well as making Wales the best place to ending bank secrecy. Major multinational companies should to start a business, and the best place pay their fair share of tax. As part of to learn and develop your skills, we But we can go further still. The our approach, we will implement the want to make it the best place in the gap between the amount of tax Digital Services Tax. world to work. that should be paid and is actually collected stands at £35 billion – still While always backing entrepreneurs The increase in employment that too high. Hard-working families and that choose to make the UK the place the Conservative Government has

35 Tomos Davies Candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd overseen since 2010 is proof that We will therefore build on our existing Public Relations there is no contradiction between high employment law with new measures Consultant employment and high standards – that protect everyone, especially between dynamic growth and protecting those in low paid work: employees from unfair policies and discriminatory treatment. Over the last  We will create a single enforcement year, for example, unemployment has body and crack down on any continued to fall, even as average real employer abusing employment law, wages have increased. whether by taking workers’ tips or refusing them sick pay. We have raised the personal income tax allowance, increased the minimum  We will ensure that workers wage and introduced and consistently have the right to request a more raised the National Living Wage to predictable contract and other ensure that people get to keep more reasonable protections. of what they earn and that work always pays. And we have aimed to We also want to look at more radical ways strike the right balance between the to support working families in the UK. Our flexibility that the economy needs lifestyles have been transformed over  We will encourage flexible working and the security that employees the last four decades – many families and consult on making it the default deserve, introducing new protections today have two working parents who are unless employers have good reasons for workers while preserving the juggling work and other responsibilities. not to. dynamism and job creation that drive They have to stretch themselves daily our shared prosperity. to care for children, elderly relatives  We have reformed redundancy law and those with disabilities. For women, so companies cannot discriminate Once we have got Brexit done, we will who still tend to be the main carers in against women immediately after go further. Because people cannot households, this can have a big impact on returning from maternity leave. fulfil their potential if they do not have their careers and limit their participation jobs that treat them with dignity and in the workplace.  We will legislate to allow parents to respect, and if they are not in control take extended leave for neonatal of their lives and their futures. But while the modern workplace is care, to support those new adapting as a result, we can do more as mothers and fathers who need it As Conservatives we will always a Government to make things easier, during the most vulnerable and prioritise the principle of fairness in learning from sensible approaches stressful days of their lives. And we the workplace, whether it is in the job adopted in other countries. We will will look at ways to make it easier application process, ensuring equal therefore introduce a raft of measures for fathers to take paternity leave. pay for equal work, or people’s working that balance the needs of employees conditions. and employers:

36 more Nobel laureates than have been produced by any country in the world bar the United States. More, indeed, than France, Japan and China – combined.

That spirit of discovery is still alive in this country today. But we have not always turned our genius for innovation into jobs and companies here in Britain. EU regulations have been another barrier to innovation.

We need to use science and research to unite and level up our country, giving people opportunity and hope.

 We will extend the entitlement the state does everything it can to Once we have got Brexit done, we to leave for unpaid carers, the help you help yourself - by upgrading will turn our attention to the great majority of whom are women, your skills, or by being able to balance challenges of the future such as clean to a week. work and family life. It is one in which a energy and advanced energy storage; a deep commitment to entrepreneurship cure for dementia; and solving antibiotic Over the last nine years, we have and business is matched by a desire to resistance. To do this we will make an extended the offer of free childcare ensure that the jobs that are created unprecedented investment in science hours to more working parents. We are highly skilled, well-paid and fulfilling. so we can strengthen research and build know that people value this support, the foundations for the new industries of but wish it could be more flexible. tomorrow. A Welsh Conservative Government Unleash would fund more high quality childcare innovation We commit to the fastest ever increase before and after school and during the in domestic public R&D spending, holidays so that working parents do not The UK has a proud record of including in basic science research to have to choose between their careers innovation and discovery. We are the meet our target of 2.4 per cent of GDP and their children. country that gave the world penicillin, being spent on R&D across the economy. the World Wide Web, the theories of Some of this new spending will go Our vision for the labour market, in gravity and evolution, that unravelled to a new agency for high-risk, high- other words, is not one where the state the structure of DNA. The University payoff research, at arm’s length from does everything for you. It is one where of Cambridge alone has played host to government. We will continue to support

37 our outstanding science sector as we leave the EU.

Unlike Corbyn’s Labour, we will not spend blindly and wastefully.

 We will focus our efforts on areas where the UK can generate a commanding lead in the industries of the future – life sciences, clean energy, space, design, computing, robotics and artificial intelligence.

 In particular, we will make the UK the leading global hub for life sciences after Brexit.

 We will use our £1 billion Ayrton Fund to develop affordable and accessible clean energy that will improve lives and help us to lead the world in tackling climate change.

 We will use our increased R&D funding from Government to attract and kickstart private investment.

 We will support international collaboration and exchange and ensure UK teams can recruit the skills and talent they need from abroad.

 We will reform the science funding Sara Jones system to cut the time wasted by Candidate for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney scientists filling in forms. Farm Owner  We will unlock long-term capital in pension funds to invest in and commercialise our scientific discoveries, creating a vibrant We will invest in world-class This Government is committed to science-based economy post-Brexit. computing and health data systems levelling up all parts of the United that can aid research, such as the Kingdom – and getting Brexit done will  We will continue to collaborate ground-breaking genetic sequencing enable us to give new support to people internationally and with the EU carried out at the UK Biobank, in rural and coastal communities, and on scientific research, including Genomics England and the new for our farming and fishing industries. Horizon. Accelerating the Detection of Disease project, which has the potential to We intend to make their lives much easier. These unprecedented increases to transform diagnosis and treatment. the science budget will be used to  We want to roll out gigabit broadband drive forward the development of We will use UK Government across the country by 2025, with technologies of critical importance procurement to support new ideas £5 billion in funding already promised, to the UK, by investing in clusters and new companies. and provide greater mobile coverage around world-leading universities and across the country. spreading knowledge. Alongside investing in science, we will maintain our support for the arts and  We will use our additional police But it isn’t just about laboratory work. culture, taking pride in the world- resources to tackle rural crime. The UK is at its best when it allies beating strengths of the UK’s creative its extraordinary design and artistic industries and its unparalleled cultural  For areas - such as some coastal abilities with science and technology. heritage. The Welsh Government will and market towns - which have The Festival of Great Britain and receive an extra £15 million which historically been poorly served Northern Ireland in 2022 – a national a Welsh Conservative Government in terms of education and public celebration which coincides with the would spend on heritage, culture services (among much else), a Welsh Birmingham Commonwealth Games and creative projects which enable Conservative Government would – will encourage our leading arts and regeneration and increased tourism. establish a seaside and market towns cultural organisations, universities, fund to raise standards and support research institutes and businesses regeneration. It would also invest to come together to inspire the next Support rural in the bus network to improve generation in British innovation and infrequent or non-existent services in creativity. life and coastal the countryside, including with more on-demand services. A Welsh Conservative Government communities would host a Festival of Wales in Even as the UK forges ahead in the Just as in the wider economy we can Wrexham in 2024 to showcase Welsh future, we must not forget those combine strong employment growth talent to the world and help to sell communities that have not shared with high employment standards, so our talent overseas through the fully in the growth generated by our we believe that Welsh farmers and appointment of Welsh Trade Envoys in economy. fishermen should be able to profit cities around the globe. by producing food and fish that

39 A post-Brexit deal for  Review the Welsh Labour are the envy of the world - both for farming Government’s designation of Wales as their quality and the world-leading a nitrate vulnerable zone. standards to which they were Once we have got Brexit done, we produced. will free our Welsh farmers from the  Use our exit from the EU to encourage bureaucratic Common Agricultural the public sector in Wales to ‘Buy We want people, both at home Policy and move to a new system. To Welsh’ to support our farmers and and abroad, to be queuing up to support this transition, we will guarantee reduce environmental costs. buy Welsh. And one of the great the current annual budget to farmers in opportunities of Brexit is the chance every year of the next Parliament. A post-Brexit deal for to lead the world in the quality fisheries of our food, agriculture and land We will increase the annual quota for the management - driven by science-led, Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme  Upon leaving the EU, we will leave the evidence-based policy. we are piloting from 2,500 to 10,000. Common Fisheries Policy, becoming an independent coastal state and And we want those same farmers and A Welsh Conservative Government taking back control of our waters in fishermen to act as the stewards of would: December 2020. the natural world, preserving the UK’s countryside and oceans as they have  Work with Welsh farmers, food  We will increase funding for fisheries for generations. producers and environmental experts, across the UK’s nations throughout and other stakeholders, to devise a the Parliament and support Stewards of our new agri-environment system for the regeneration of our coastal Wales. communities. environment A Welsh Conservative Government  Promote our high quality produce and  A Welsh Conservative Government would work to protect and enhance seek to develop an industry-led Welsh would introduce a new fishing environmental protection across Food and Drink Strategy. strategy which would be based on the Wales and ensure that we are not left principle of ‘maximum sustainable behind, having been the first country  Develop a new, holistic approach for yield’, and would legally require the to declare a climate emergency. the eradication of bovine TB. Welsh Government to maintain fish sustainability for every stock. We would:  Ensure the strength of the Welsh  Deliver a Clean Air Act for Wales. brand is maintained and enhanced as  Ban single use plastics. we leave the EU.  Introduce a drink containers deposit scheme.  Scrap Natural Resources Wales and replace it with a new and independent environmental watchdog with greater powers and more resources. 40  Impose a moratorium on approvals of the UK can move on together. Freeports: We will aim to ensure for new large-scale incinerators in This will allow us to strengthen the that our new freeports benefit the Wales. Union, by making it our mission as a people in each of the four nations. We  Promote the planting of trees in Government to work for the whole of believe that there are many places urban areas. the United Kingdom, delivering for all across the United Kingdom that have  Introduce tougher penalties for fly- of its people wherever they live. the opportunity to be successful tipping, dog fouling and littering. innovative hubs for global trade. Investing across A Conservative UK Government Investing in Wales will introduce extended producer the Union responsibility, so that producers pay UK Shared Prosperity Fund: The UK In the 2016 referendum, Wales voted the full costs of dealing with the waste Shared Prosperity Fund will be used to to Leave – yet the Welsh Labour they produce, and boost domestic bind together the whole of the United Government and Plaid Cymru are recycling. We will ban the export of Kingdom, tackling inequality and intent on overturning that decision plastic waste to non-OECD countries, deprivation in each of our four nations. by holding another referendum on consulting with industry, NGOs and It will replace the overly bureaucratic our membership of the EU. local councils on the date by which EU Structural Funds – and not only this should be achieved. be better targeted at the UK’s specific Only the Welsh Conservatives can needs, Wales will receive at least the end the current uncertainty by  We will make no changes to the same level of financial support as it delivering on the democratic decision Hunting Act. currently receives from the EU. of the Welsh people to Leave – getting Brexit done so we can unleash Wales’s Strengthening the Union: Conservatives potential as part of the United Strengthen have a proud history of upholding Kingdom. our Union and strengthening the devolution settlements in Wales, Scotland and We are ambitious for the Welsh The United Kingdom is the most Northern Ireland. We want to ensure that economy and for our Union. We successful political and economic the institutions of the UK Government will ensure that Wales gets a fair union in history. Together, with England, are working effectively torealise the deal, with major investments in Scotland, and Northern Ireland, Wales benefits of our four nations working infrastructure and industry to deliver is safer, stronger and more prosperous. together as one United Kingdom. We will real opportunity across the nation. For over 300 years, our people have consider carefully the recommendations built this great country together and of Lord Dunlop’s Independent Review After Brexit, we will continue to be we believe our best days lie ahead. into UK Government Union capability a champion for Welsh exports and when it is published, as we look at how Wales’s presence on the global stage By getting Brexit done, we will deliver we work to strengthen our Union going as part of a strong United Kingdom. certainty so that all four nations forward.

41  Marches Growth Deal: Too often those plans out of timidity. This infrastructure is focused on road is a vital economic lifeline and Protect our national connectivity within its cancellation shows that Wales is democracy England and within Wales, rather continually being held back by the than across the communities Labour Welsh Government. We will As Conservatives, we stand for which live and work near the also deliver on our commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Our border. We will work with the Welsh fund the building of the West Wales independent courts and legal system Government and councils on both Parkway Station outside of Swansea. are respected throughout the world. sides of the border to negotiate a transformative Marches Growth  Automotive industry: The We are committed to devolution and Deal, focusing on cross-border automotive industry in Wales guarantee that Wales will not lose any infrastructure which supports the sustains tens of thousands of jobs powers as a result of our exit from local and cross-border economy. and we believe that it has a bright the EU. Indeed, Brexit will mean that This will be modelled on the future ahead. In September, we more powers flow to the devolved successful collaboration between worked to bring INEOS Automotive parliaments, with decisions taken closer governments and councils through to Bridgend, which will create 500 to the people they affect. the Borderlands Growth Deal in new jobs. We will continue to back Northern England and the South of Welsh car manufacturing, as the One of the strengths of the UK’s Scotland – building on the work of industry transitions to building constitution is its ability to evolve – as the Western Gateway partnership electric vehicles in the coming times have changed, so have Parliament, we have already announced. decades. government and the judiciary.

 Transport: To support our Union,  Supporting steel: A Conservative Today, that need is greater than ever. The we will, working with the Welsh UK Government would work with failure of Parliament to deliver Brexit Government, upgrade the A55 the Welsh Government to maintain – the way so many MPs have devoted as the main road transport artery a competitive steel industry fit for themselves to thwarting the democratic for North Wales – improving its the 21st century. decision of the British people in the capacity and resilience to build 2016 referendum – has opened up a connections between Wales and the  Welsh language: Conservatives destabilising and potentially extremely rest of the United Kingdom. A Welsh are proud of Welsh language and damaging rift between politicians and Conservative Government would culture. We will support Welsh people. If the Brexit chaos continues, deliver an M4 relief road which has institutions such as S4C, the with a second referendum and a second been mothballed by the Labour National Library and Museum, the Scottish referendum too, they will lose administration. We gave financial Urdd and the National Eisteddfod. faith even further. support to the Welsh Government to We will support the ambition for build the relief road, yet the Labour one million people in Wales to be It is only by getting Brexit done that we administration decided to abandon able to speak Welsh by 2050. can start the necessary task of restoring public trust in government and politics:

42  We will ensure we have updated and  Welsh Conservatives will continue After Brexit we also need to look equal Parliamentary boundaries, to oppose Labour, Plaid Cymru and at the broader aspects of our making sure that every vote counts the Liberal Democrat plans to extend constitution: the relationship between same – a cornerstone of democracy. voting rights for prisoners. The UK the Government, Parliament and the Government will maintain the ban on courts; the functioning of the Royal  We will get rid of the Fixed Term prisoners voting in England and Wales. Prerogative; the role of the House Parliaments Act – it has led to of Lords; and access to justice for paralysis at a time the country  We will champion freedom of ordinary people. The ability of our needed decisive action. expression and tolerance, both in the security services to defend us against UK and overseas. terrorism and organised crime is  We will continue to support the First critical. We will update the Human Past the Post system of voting for UK  To support free speech, we will Rights Act and administrative law to elections. repeal section 40 of the Crime ensure that there is a proper balance and Courts Act 2014, which seeks between the rights of individuals, our  We will protect the integrity of to coerce the press. We will not vital national security and effective our democracy, by introducing proceed with the second stage of government. We will ensure that identification to vote at polling the Leveson Inquiry. judicial review is available to protect stations, stopping postal vote the rights of the individuals against an harvesting and measures to prevent  We will ensure redundancy payments overbearing state, while ensuring that any foreign interference in elections. can be clawed back when high-paid it is not abused to conduct politics by public servants move between jobs. another means or to create needless  We will make it easier for British delays. In our first year we will set expats to vote in Parliamentary  We will improve the use of data, data up a Constitution, Democracy & elections, and get rid of the arbitrary science and evidence in the process Rights Commission that will examine 15-year limit on their voting rights. of government. these issues in depth, and come up with proposals to restore trust  We will maintain the voting age at 18 Once we get Brexit done, Britain will take in our institutions and in how our for UK elections – the age at which back control of its laws. As we end the democracy operates. one gains full citizenship rights. supremacy of European law, we will be free to craft legislation and regulations  We will ensure that no one is put off that maintain high standards but which from engaging in politics or standing work best for the UK. We want a balance in an election by threats, harassment of rights, rules and entitlements that or abuse, whether in person or online. benefits all the people and all the parts of our United Kingdom.

43 44 We Will Strengthen Wales In The World As Conservatives, we are immensely proud of the UK’s history and its standing in the world, especially the long history of the people of Wales’ dedication and continued sacrifice to our Armed Forces. Unlike those currently leading the Labour Party, we view our country as a force for good. The strength of the Armed Forces, our alliances with like-minded democracies and our willingness to act are all reasons for the UK to hold its head high. So too is our work in promoting international development and fighting climate change - both issues on which the Conservative Party and Conservative Governments have driven the agenda forward.

And in an uncertain world, in which Commonwealth; Five Eyes; the G20; the new partnerships across the world. We the threat of terrorism, rogue states G7; and the World Trade Organisation. will work with our cultural institutions like and malign non-state actors is ever- We will open new markets and support the BBC and British Council to expand present, it is vital that Britain stands free trade and global growth. our influence and project our values. And up and is counted. unlike Jeremy Corbyn, we will stand up We will build on our fantastic track to foreign countries that threaten the Getting Brexit done will allow us to do record of delivering major international stability of Europe, or commit state- more on the international stage. We sporting events – including supporting sanctioned murder on British soil. will continue to be an outward-looking the upcoming Commonwealth country that is a champion of collective Games, UEFA European Women’s A Welsh Conservative Government would security, the rule of law, human rights, Championships and Rugby League sell Wales to the world with a new export free trade, anti-corruption efforts and a World Cup – and we would back a strategy for Wales and a network of rules-based international system. potential UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 Trade Envoys around the globe, working FIFA World Cup. within British Embassies to maximise After Brexit, we will bolster the alliances commercial opportunities for Welsh and institutions that help project our As we extend our diplomatic network, businesses. influence and keep us safe: the UN and we will reinvigorate relationships with the UN Security Council; NATO; the Europe and seek to strengthen old and 45 Supporting our veterans and investing in the men and women of today’s Armed Forces

A Conservative Government understands  We have established a new Office for  Introduce a Service Pupil Premium the sacrifices made by Armed Forces Veterans’ Affairs and we will introduce for the children of those serving in the personnel, veterans and their families. a Veterans’ Railcard. armed forces.

That is why we will introduce new  We will offer aguaranteed job  Bring 150 empty social housing legislation to tackle the vexatious legal interview for veterans for any properties back into use specifically claims that undermine our Armed reserved public sector role they apply for military veterans at the risk of Forces and further incorporate the for. homelessness. Armed Forces Covenant into law. A Welsh Conservative Government  Place a duty on local authorities We will continue to acknowledge would: to ensure the maintenance of war and commemorate the invaluable memorials. contribution of diaspora communities  Appoint an Armed Forces in previous armed conflicts. We also Commissioner for Wales, accountable recognise the contribution in the to the National Assembly for Wales present day of so many from beyond to champion the needs of the Armed these shores, such as the Gurkhas. Forces community and ensure that Wales upholds the Armed Forces In addition, we will bring in a range of Covenant. measures to support former and current Service personnel.  Establish an Armed Forces Card to provide:  We will reduce National Insurance - free bus travel contributions for employers if they - priority access to NHS treatment employ ex-Service personnel. and home adaptations for service related injuries or illness  We will offer wraparound childcare - free access to leisure centres and for Forces families. CADW heritage sites

46 Put our national  We will support the UK’s world-  We will further develop an security first class defence industry by investing independent Magnitsky-style in ambitious global programmes, sanctions regime to tackle human The security of our nation comes first. including building the new Type 31 rights abusers head on. We will protect the British people at frigates in British shipyards such home and abroad, and also ensure as Rosyth and a new generation of  We will stand up for the rights and that the democratic rights of people armoured vehicles, made in Britain. opportunities of women and girls to be educated and safe. in Gibraltar, the Falklands and all our The people of Wales make a significant overseas territories are protected. contribution to the armed forces and Welsh military bases are critical assets  We will continue our campaigns to  We will continue to exceed the in our defence infrastructure. Welsh promote international media freedom NATO target of spending 2 per cent Conservative MPs will continue to and to eradicate human trafficking of GDP on defence and increase fight for a significant Armed Forces and the scourge of modern slavery. the budget by at least 0.5 per cent footprint in Wales and to ensure that it above inflation every year of the new is proportionate to the defence estate  We will support marginalised Parliament. elsewhere in the UK. communities in the developing world, hosting the UK government’s  We will modernise the equipment Promote our first ever international LGBT and improve the capability of our conference. We will seek to protect world-class Armed Forces and values those persecuted for their faith intelligence agencies. and implement the Truro Review From helping to end the slave trade to recommendations. tackling modern slavery, the UK has  We will invest in training and long been a beacon of freedom and  equipping our Armed Forces, human rights – and will continue to be We will proudly maintain our and constantly champion their so. We are proud of our peace-building commitment to spend 0.7 per cent exemplary contribution to our and humanitarian efforts around of GNI on development, and do security and our country. the world, particularly in war-torn or more to help countries receiving aid divided societies, and of our record in become self-sufficient.  We will maintain our Trident nuclear helping to reduce global poverty. We deterrent, which guarantees our will continue to support international  Building on this Government’s security. initiatives to achieve reconciliation, existing efforts, we willend the stability and justice across the world, preventable deaths of mothers, and in current or former conflict zones  We will adapt to new threats, new-born babies and children such as Cyprus, Sri Lanka and the investing more in cybersecurity by 2030, and lead the way in Middle East, where we maintain our and setting up the UK’s first Space support for a two-state solution. eradicating Ebola and malaria. Command. Once we leave the EU, we will champion  We will support the construction  We will stand against terrorism and these values even more strongly. of the planned UK Holocaust extremism around the world. Memorial. 47 Animal Welfare  A Welsh Conservative Government would replace the Wales for Africa High standards of animal welfare are In addition to action taken by a programme with a Wales for the one of the hallmarks of a civilised Conservative UK Government, a World programme and treble its society. We have a long tradition of Welsh Conservative Government funding to promote the delivery of protecting animals in this country, often would: the millennium development goals many years before others follow. Under in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and a Conservative UK Government, that  Introduce Lucy’s Law to ban the South America. will continue. third party sale of cats and dogs and compulsory CCTV in Welsh  We will not make changes to the slaughterhouses, as is already the Hunting Act. case in England. Fight climate

 We will bring in new laws on animal  Review pet breeding standards and change and sentience. registration requirements to ensure protect the adequate protection for animals.  We will end excessively long environment journeys for slaughter and  Promote honest labelling to fattening. enhance consumer choice, Today, the climate emergency means including distinguishing between that the challenges we face stretch far  We will continue with the ivory stunned and non-stunned beyond our borders. ban and extend it to cover other slaughter methods. ivory-bearing species, and ban Thanks to the efforts of successive imports from trophy hunting of  Increase the percentage of public Governments, the UK has cut carbon endangered animals. procurement of higher welfare emissions by more than any similar Welsh produce. developed country. We are now the world’s leader in offshore wind – a  Ban keeping primates as pets. fantastic success story of Government and the private sector working hand in hand to cut costs and deliver ever more electricity at plummeting costs.

Unlike Jeremy Corbyn, we believe that free markets, innovation and prosperity can protect the planet.

48 Yet we recognise that there is far more andIn gigafactory;our trade and talks, clean energy. we around the Welsh coast and stimulate that needs to be done. will follow the following interest in developing commercially In the next decade, we will work with viable tidal lagoons in North, South and  We will lead the global fight against theprinciples: market to deliver two million new West Wales, particularly where they can climate change by delivering on our high quality jobs in clean growth. We deliver flood defence and marine leisure world-leading target of Net Zero have ambitious targets: benefits. greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as advised by the independent  Our world-leading offshore wind We would help lower energy bills by Committee on Climate Change. industry will reach 40GW by 2030, investing in the energy efficiency of We have doubled International and we will enable new floating wind homes, schools and hospitals and we Climate Finance. And we will use farms. will support clean transport to ensure our position hosting the UN Climate clean air. Change Summit in Glasgow in 2020  We will invest £800 million to build the to ask our global partners to match first fully deployed carbon capture Welsh Conservatives have been clear our ambition. storage cluster by the mid-2020s. that there should be a moratorium on approvals of any new large-scale  We will set up new international  We will invest £500 million to help incinerators until a national plan has partnerships to tackle deforestation energy-intensive industries move been developed to deal with such and protect vital landscapes and to low-carbon techniques. applications. wildlife corridors. We will establish a new £500 million Blue Planet Fund to  We will support gas for hydrogen Wales is facing more frequent risk help protect our oceans from plastic production and nuclear energy, of flooding from rising sea levels and pollution, warming sea temperatures including fusion, as important parts heavier rainfall. A Welsh Conservative and overfishing, and extend the of the energy system, alongside Government would: Blue Belt programme to preserve increasing our commitment to the maritime environment. We will renewables. • Establish a National Flood Agency continue to lead diplomatic efforts to coordinate flood risk management to protect 30 per cent of the world’s  We will support clean transport to and the response to flooding events. oceans by 2030. ensure clean air, as well as setting strict new laws on air quality. We will • Designate Blue Belts in areas of Our first UK Budget will prioritise consult on the earliest date by which flood risk to prevent inappropriate the environment: investing in R&D; we can phase out the sale of new development. decarbonisation schemes; new flood conventional petrol and diesel cars. defences, which will receive £4 billion • Invest in flood defence in new funding over the coming A Welsh Conservative Government improvements via a Welsh Flood years; electric vehicle infrastructure would fund further research to scope Defence Fund. including a national plug-in network opportunities to harness tidal energy

49 Increase trade and prosperity

For the first time in nearly half a century, the UK will have its own independent trade policy once we leave the EU.

Free trade has been proven time and again to be the best way to increase exports, cut prices for consumers, increase investment and create jobs right here in the UK. We believe we can use this historic opportunity to connect the UK to the world’s fastest- growing nations, create new export opportunities and enrich ourselves and our trading partners.

As part of the EU, we were forced into accepting trade deals that put their priorities first. Now, we will be able to tailor our trade deals to the needs of British firms and the British economy.

Our trade deals will not only be free but fair – in particular towards the developing nations whose economies could be transformed by access to the UK’s markets and expertise. We can, for example, include provisions in our new free trade agreements that promote the fair treatment of workers Dominic Raab and advance women’s empowerment. Candidate for Esher and Walton Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Our goals for British trade are A Welsh Conservative Government In our trade talks, we accordingly ambitious. We aim to have would work with the UK Government to will follow the following 80 per cent of UK trade covered by bring a major sporting tournament to free trade agreements within the next Wales. principles: three years, starting with the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. We would also sell Wales to the world  We will seek to provide security These will be negotiated in parallel with a new export strategy for Wales and to the British people in a world with our EU deal. a network of Trade Envoys around the of heightened trade tensions and globe, working within British Embassies tariffs. We will also forge stronger links with to maximise commercial opportunities the Commonwealth, which boasts for Welsh businesses.  We will seek to gain market some of the world’s most dynamic access for British businesses and economies such as India, with which we lower the cost of trade for them. already share deep historical and cultural connections. We will use export finance  We will drive a hard bargain with to increase our businesses’ access to all of our trading partners – and, emerging markets and engage diaspora as with all negotiations, we will be communities in the UK with this agenda. prepared to walk away if that is in the national interest. The UK is a world leader in many areas such as architecture, engineering,  We will defend British industries accountancy, information technology, from dumping and other anti- digital services, law and the creative competitive practices from arts. Just as we led the way in opening overseas. up trade in manufactured goods in the last two centuries, we should  In all of our trade negotiations, we open up trade in services, in which the will not compromise on our high majority of us work and where most environmental protection, animal new jobs will be created. welfare and food standards.

We will create ten freeports around the  The NHS is not on the table. The UK, including in Wales, benefiting some price the NHS pays for drugs is of our most deprived communities, and not on the table. The services redouble our efforts topromote Welsh the NHS provides are not on the business and exports. We will dismantle table. barriers to trade and retake our seat at the World Trade Organisation.

51 52 We Will Put You First Getting Brexit done. Investing in our public services and infrastructure. Supporting workers and families. Strengthening the Union. Unleashing Britain’s potential.

The future is there for us to grasp. We will build a Britain in which Not a future in which we endlessly everyone has the opportunity to make refight the battles of Brexit and the the most of their talents. We will ensure Scottish independence referendum, that work will always pay. We will create or in which Jeremy Corbyn and John a fair society, in which everyone always McDonnell – propped up by Nicola contributes their fair share. Sturgeon – lead a Government which rejects everything that has made the Given the Parliamentary arithmetic, a UK great. vote for any other party or candidate is a vote for Jeremy Corbyn – and a vote The Conservatives offer a future in for chaos and delay. which we get Brexit done, and then move on to focus on our priorities – We need to end the paralysis so we which are also your priorities. can do our job in the way you deserve. That is why we ask you to vote for a Because more important than any one Conservative majority Government on commitment in this manifesto is the December 12th. spirit in which we make them. Our job is to serve you, the people. To deliver on So that together, led by Boris Johnson, the instruction you gave us in 2016 – to we can get Brexit done, and move on to get Brexit done. But then to move on to unleash the full potential of this great making the UK an even better country country. – to investing in the NHS, our schools, our people and our towns.

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