LABOUR PLANS PUNISH NEW WELSH BUSINESSES

A Labour MP has been criticised by Plaid Cymru for backing changes in National Insurance that will disadvantage new Welsh businesses.

Delyn MP David Hanson backed his party's amendments to change the existing system, which currently gives new companies in Wales concessions on National Insurance contributions.

Plaid Cymru Assembly candidate for Delyn, Carrie Harper, said: "This is yet another example of London-based Labour not putting the needs of Wales first. Our wellbeing is just not a priority for this party at a time when workers in this part of Wales are losing their jobs and we need to encourage new enterprises."

 "The National Insurance Contributions Bill, which is going through the House of Commons, accepts that new enterprises outside the south east of England need additional help. Although much more needs to be done, we cannot afford to let Labour stand in the way of developing new businesses in Wales."

Jonathon Edwards, Plaid Cymru's economy spokesperson at Westminster, slammed the same old "anti -Welsh Labour party". He stated: "This is a continuation of the flawed policies of the Labour Party, which saw massive growth in the south-east of England at the expense of other parts of the UK.

“Under Labour, there were 10 jobs created in London and the south-east for every single job created in the north and midlands of England. Wales was left even further behind. The UK Government should also support the Welsh Government’s Economic Renewal Plan, launched by Ieuan Wyn Jones last year, by providing the funding for next generation broadband and give Welsh business an international advantage over their competitors."