Don’t “slam door” on Tory Government – Gillan tells Labour

Labour must not slam foor in the face of the Tories: Cheryl Gillan

Shadow Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan has challenged the three Welsh Labour leadership contenders to say how they would improve relations between the UK and Assembly governments.

Mrs Gillan said the three candidates needed to demonstrate a mature attitude towards co-operation between Cardiff and London. She warned the three hopefuls not to “slam the door” in the face of any future Conservative government at Westminster, claiming Wales would suffer as a result.

In her Manchester party conference speech earlier this month she said if appointed Secretary of State in a Conservative administration she would operate an “open door” policy in dealing with the Assembly Government.

And in a speech to the Bow Group last night she said “continuity, commitment and connections” are needed to make devolution deliver for Wales.

Mrs Gillan said:

“In the interests of positive outcomes for Wales the candidates should explain how they are going to make devolution work better within the United Kingdom through constructive engagement with Whitehall and Westminster.

“The three Labour leadership candidates need to demonstrate that they put the interests of Welsh voters first.

“The people of Wales expect politicians to get on and deliver policies that make a real difference to their lives.

“I would be happy to hear from all three Labour candidates as to how they see this relationship working – and I hope they are willing to listen to Conservative plans too.

“The public would like to see devolution work better. We must tackle the current problems facing Wales together, and deliver real change for our country.”