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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Plaid-Liberal Democrat deal on future budget talks | Plaid-Liberal Democrat deal on future budget talks |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats have agreed to co-operate with each other in future negotiations over the Welsh government's budget. | Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats have agreed to co-operate with each other in future negotiations over the Welsh government's budget. |
| Party leaders Leanne Wood and Kirsty Williams announced the deal at a joint news conference. | Party leaders Leanne Wood and Kirsty Williams announced the deal at a joint news conference. |
| They said that in future Welsh ministers would have to negotiate with one team representing both parties. | They said that in future Welsh ministers would have to negotiate with one team representing both parties. |
| They said the economy, education and health would be their priorities when talks start in the autumn. | They said the economy, education and health would be their priorities when talks start in the autumn. |
| With 30 out of the 60 seats in the assembly chamber, Labour needs support from one of the other parties to get its budgets passed. | With 30 out of the 60 seats in the assembly chamber, Labour needs support from one of the other parties to get its budgets passed. |
| Last year Plaid Cymru abstained in the vote on the 2013/14 budget in return for extra spending on apprenticeships and funding to create the new Menai Science Park. | Last year Plaid Cymru abstained in the vote on the 2013/14 budget in return for extra spending on apprenticeships and funding to create the new Menai Science Park. |
| On Tuesday the Plaid and Lib Dem leaders told journalists in Cardiff Bay that they would refuse to negotiate with the Welsh government unless both their parties were at the table. | On Tuesday the Plaid and Lib Dem leaders told journalists in Cardiff Bay that they would refuse to negotiate with the Welsh government unless both their parties were at the table. |
| Ms Wood said: "Plaid Cymru is determined to deliver the best deal for the people of Wales. | |
| "Working together with the Liberal Democrats will put us in a strong bargaining position to force the government to take action that will boost the economy, address its failures on health, and improve standards in our schools." | "Working together with the Liberal Democrats will put us in a strong bargaining position to force the government to take action that will boost the economy, address its failures on health, and improve standards in our schools." |
| Ms Williams also highlighted the economy, health and education as her priorities. | Ms Williams also highlighted the economy, health and education as her priorities. |
| "I am pleased that we are able to work with Plaid Cymru to try and secure a budget that will serve the whole of Wales," she said. | "I am pleased that we are able to work with Plaid Cymru to try and secure a budget that will serve the whole of Wales," she said. |
| "By working together we hope to get the most for the people of Wales." | "By working together we hope to get the most for the people of Wales." |
| Reacting to the announcement, a Conservative spokesman said they were concerned the other three parties in the assembly were not prioritising the health budget. | |
| "With unwanted NHS reform on-going and hospitals being downgraded, politicians must look carefully at their actions", the spokesman said. | |
| "Welsh Conservatives do not believe patients should travel further for treatment - and we remain the only party committed to protecting the health budget." |