Jobs are under threat in his constituency because of government policies, James Evans told the First Minister today.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said at the Senedd that many of them, and their employees, feel under attack.

Mr Evans told First Minister, Eluned Morgan: “With the rise of national insurance to 15 per cent, the lowering of the earning threshold, the highest business rates in the United Kingdom and the proposed visitor levy by this Government adding further pressure, do you not accept that these policies being driven here in Cardiff and in Westminster by the Labour Party risk pushing small businesses to the wall, resulting in closures and job losses for many people across the country?

“I've been inundated during recess with people very concerned about the future of their jobs.

“I'd be very interested to hear what further work you're doing to stand up to the UK Government and stand up for Welsh businesses.”

Ms Morgan said the Welsh Government is very pro-business.

She told Mr Evans: “We know that that's where jobs come from. We’re keen in particular to see small businesses thrive, and £335 million worth of support is no small amount of money.

“But one of the biggest threats at the moment, frankly, in relation to small businesses, is the threat from US tariffs. The impact on Wales will be significant.

“There is something I've already discussed with Keir Starmer because the export balance in Wales is mostly about goods, whereas in England, it's more about services.

“The impacts on us from these tariffs are likely to be greater than they are in England.”