Crown Estate: Devolution

12 Mar

Question

The session focused on the discussion concerning the devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales, exploring its implications for economic and environmental benefits linked to innovations like floating offshore wind (FLOW). The conversation examined existing commitments, achievements, and future opportunities offered by energy projects facilitated by devolution.

The discussion was initiated by Stephen Gethins, emphasizing the benefits Scotland has experienced from the devolution of the Crown Estate, like achieving renewable energy targets and job creation. He advocated for similar developments in Wales to harness potential economic and environmental benefits.

5,000 jobs

Potential employment opportunities in Wales from offshore wind development.

Jo Stevens countered with concerns about potential mismanagement and market risks linked to devolving the Crown Estate. She argued for maintaining a unified approach to leverage substantial investment opportunities and job creations in Wales through offshore projects. The focus remained on collaboration between UK and Welsh Governments to foster economic growth and environmental progress in the Celtic Sea.

£1.4 billion

Expected investment boost to the UK economy, primarily benefiting Wales.

Tonia Antoniazzi reiterated the importance of prioritizing immediate economic opportunities over structural changes, underscoring the risks of reduced investment confidence and market instability.

The division here reflects differing approaches to economic strategy, devolopent, and energy policies, with SNP advocating for more localized control versus a centralized approach favored by government representatives.

100% of Scotland’s electricity

Achieved renewable energy target facilitated by the SNP through devolution of the Crown Estate.

Outcome

The outcome of the session leaned towards continuing with the present centralized management of the Crown Estate, to prioritize economic growth and job creation in the Welsh economy. Arguments on market stability and maximizing investment potential outweighed calls for devolution.

Key Contributions

Stephen GethinsSpeaker

SNP (Scottish National Party)

Queried recent discussions about devolving the Crown Estate to Wales.

Jo StevensRespondent

Labour

Acknowledged discussions with Welsh Government focused on maximizing benefits from FLOW in Celtic Sea.

Tonia AntoniazziSpeaker

Labour

Stressed the need to focus on creating jobs and economic growth through existing Crown Estate management.

Original Transcript

Stephen Gethins

Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

SNP

Question

UIN: 903059

2. What recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on devolving the Crown Estate.

The Secretary of State for Wales

Jo Stevens

I recently met the Deputy First Minister to discuss a wide range of issues, including the Crown Estate.

The UK and Welsh Governments are focused on taking maximum advantage of the opportunities that floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea presents for Wales, which could create over 5,000 jobs and £1.4 billion of investment to the UK economy in the coming years.

Stephen Gethins

In the 2011 Scottish National party manifesto, we committed to have the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s electricity generated from renewables. The SNP met that target and then some, thanks to the devolution of the Crown Estate and to working with industry.

It is now delivering jobs and clean, green energy to Scotland and throughout the UK. Why should Wales not have the same opportunity?

Jo Stevens

11:41

I will not take any lectures on the Crown Estate from the hon. Member, whose party’s mismanagement of the Scottish seabed resulted in Scottish assets being sold off on the cheap.

We are focused on doing whatever it takes to secure more than 5,000 jobs in Wales and the billions of pounds of investment that the Crown Estate can unlock for Wales.

Tonia Antoniazzi

Gower

Lab

Does the Secretary of State agree that the Government’s priorities should be ensuring that the Crown Estate can unlock thousands of new well-paid jobs in Wales that will come with floating offshore wind, rather than being distracted by calls to devolve the organisation in the middle of this national mission, which would risk the investment, jobs and lower energy bills that Wales desperately needs?

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