Gething calls Starmer’s plan to replace EU fund ‘positive’

Welsh government ministers have argued they should control how the cash is spent.

Last year, Sir Keir promised the Welsh Labour conference that Wales would have control over its “economic destiny”.

He said: “The decision-making role for the Welsh government on structural funds, will be restored.”

BBC Wales was told Labour’s plans, if they win the election, would work like the EU scheme in the past.

On Friday shadow Welsh Secretary and Labour’s most senior Westminster politician, Jo Stevens, said: “It’s exactly the same as Keir Starmer said in Welsh Labour conference.

“Both the UK government and Welsh government under the old EU funding… had a role.”

She said control would not go fully to the Welsh government, adding: “It’s not a binary choice.”

Campaigning in Rhyl on Saturday, Mr Gething said he and his team had been part of the discussions.

“In the manifesto there is clarity about taking forward the pledges that have been made about former structural funds,” he said.