Theresa May challenged over 'commitment' to Wales

'I can give that commitment that you are asking for, of this government to Wales' - Prime Minister Theresa May

Prime minister's questions had an undeniably Welsh feel with Theresa May leading tributes to the people of Aberfan 50 years after the disaster of October 21, 1966.

Mrs May, who is 60, recalled watching television reports of the disaster, which was also in the recall of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Questioned by the local MP, Gerald Jones, she signalled her support for a minute's silence to be held at 9:15am on Friday.

Those exchanges are covered in greater depth here.

Among those remembering the disaster was the Conservative former Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan, who grew up in south Wales.

'Investment'

Mrs Gillan then challenged the prime minister to "step up to the plate" and commit to funding for Wales after Britain leaves the EU.

Amid fears Wales will lose out once EU grants are no longer available, the Chesham and Amersham MP asked Mrs May to maintain investment that was "so vital to the long-term social and economic development of the Valleys communities and the rest of Wales".

In reply, during prime minister's questions, Mrs May said she could give the commitment - and would work with the Welsh Government. She also said the Wales Bill, currently before Parliament, would mean a "historic transfer of powers" from Westminster to Wales.

Mrs Gillan had asked: "Can the prime minister, in her own words, step up to the plate and reconfirm her commitment to Wales and to ensuring that her government works with the Welsh Government, particularly after leaving the EU, to maintain the levels of investment that are so vital to the long-term social and economic development of the Valleys communities and the rest of Wales?"

'Historic'

Mrs May said: "I can give that commitment that you are asking for of this government to Wales and to working with the Welsh Government. I'm clear that this government is going to deliver a country that works for everyone, that is every part of the United Kingdom. And of course the Wales Bill will transfer a historic transfer of powers to the Welsh Assembly. It'll allow the Welsh Government to focus on the job of transforming the Welsh economy and of course we're talking to the Welsh Government about how we're going to go forward in relation to the negotiations for leaving the EU."

Earlier, Wales Office Minister Guto Bebb confirmed that the UK government will step in to pay for the South Wales metro if time runs out to secure European funding.

Mr Bebb said it was his understanding that the Treasury would underwrite the £110m of European Union funding earmarked for the project.

He told MPs: "The situation is very clear. The proposals for the South Wales metro are part of the Cardiff City Deal. They're a significant investment which includes a contribution from the European funds of around £110m.

"My understanding from Treasury is that if necessary, that element of the contribution will be underwritten by the Treasury if that is required. But the proposals, if they move forward in a timely manner, the European elements will be funded from the European Union."

New Shadow Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens also highlighted transport during her Commons debut in the role, demanding assurances about funding to expand Cardiff Central station.

Guto Bebb told her the drive for such projects had to come from the "bottom-up" and it was time to get away from the idea that Westminster knows best.