Ruth Jones

I will carry on, because I am conscious that there are others who want to speak. Labour’s investment-led approach stands in stark contrast to that of the minority Plaid Government, who propose to close a number of the M4 junctions across Newport. That will improve traffic flow by just 3% but will have a massive impact on air and noise pollution for those living in my constituency. I welcome the Chancellor’s announcement today that tax-free mileage rates will now permanently be set at 55p a mile for the first 10,000 miles, which will go a long way to helping those who drive as part of their work, especially those providing domiciliary care. We need the Welsh Government to show the same ambition in making sure that when we push funding and powers from Westminster, it is not just hoarded in Cardiff Bay but is brought even closer to our communities. In my home city of Newport, we have a bold, ambitious Labour council led by Councillor Dimitri Batrouni that is ensuring that Newport is one of the fastest-growing areas of the UK. Think of what we could achieve by giving more powers and funding directly to local areas. This Budget marks another major step forward in delivering breathing space today and fresh hope for the future, and I support it.