Marches leaders take rural growth case to the Senedd
Regional leaders and industry partners took a united message to the Senedd: investing in solutions to flooding, drought and wildfire risk can help secure the long-term future of rural communities while driving economic growth and food security
Councillors Jake Berriman, leader Powys County Council, Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader Monmouthshire County Council, Alex Wagner, deputy leader Shropshire Council, and Jonathan Lester, leader of Herefordshire Council
Representatives from Powys, Monmouthshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire, the Marches Forward Partnership, were joined by organisations including NFU Cymru, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and SP Energy Networks to demonstrate how the region can play a leading role in strengthening food security, water resilience, energy security and economic growth.
Against a backdrop of increasingly frequent flooding, extended dry periods and the growing risk of wildfires, speakers highlighted the need for new approaches.
The MFP is making the case that tackling climate and environmental challenges can also drive economic growth, help create jobs, attract investment and develop new skills while supporting rural communities and businesses.
Abi Reader, President of NFU Cymru and a keynote speaker, said:-
“Working together across sectors will be essential if we are to build a more resilient future.
“All too often we often debate the cost of action. What is talked about less frequently is the cost of inaction and that is what is being addressed here.”
Event sponsor Elwyn Vaughan, MS for Gwynedd Maldwyn, told delegates:-
“There is a line running between the two countries, but what strikes me is the interdependence of those communities, people are living one side and working the other.”
The event also showcased growing support from influential organisations and sector leaders, including NFU Cymru, reflecting a shared belief that the Marches are central to building long-term resilience and prosperity, not peripheral to it.
Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said:-
“The Marches should not be defined by its challenges, but by its opportunities. We have the land, the businesses, the skills, the natural assets and the cross-border partnerships in place.
“When leaders from sectors as diverse as food production, utilities and energy are all making the same case, it shows there is a genuine opportunity to turn resilience into growth and growth into opportunity for our communities.”
Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said:-
“Across our region we are already demonstrating what can happen when public, private and academic partners work towards a shared vision. Today’s event showed there is growing momentum behind that vision and we want national support to help it succeed.”
The event, which was also attended by Jonathan Lester, leader of Herefordshire Council and Alex Wagner, deputy-leader of Shropshire Council, highlighted how established partnerships are already developing practical solutions in areas including flood resilience, environmental investment, rural innovation and sustainable growth and asked for £2.5m from Welsh Government to support that aim.
Following the Senedd event, partners will continue the conversation in Westminster on 19 October, where they will present a united case for greater investment in rural innovation, resilience and economic growth and a request for £2.5m from the UK Government.
