Sir Robert Buckland rejects criticism of his appointment as Welsh Secretary

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//= do_shortcode(‘[in-content-square]’)?> Robert Buckland. Jeff Overs/BBC/PA

The Welsh Secretary has defended himself against criticism that the role should be filled by an MP representing a Welsh constituency.

South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland also said he wants a business-like relationship with the Welsh government but opposes plans for the expansion of the Senedd and for more powers to be handed to Wales.

Mr Buckland, who was born and brought up in Llanelli, replaced Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart as Welsh Secretary in July, following his resignation after calling for Boris Johnson to step down as Prime Minister.

He told the Local Democracy Reporter service he doesnt see representing an English constituency as an issue.

If I was an MP for a Welsh constituency then Id still only be directly accountable to the voters in that constituency.

As a United Kingdom MP and a minister in a unionist government Im answerable to everyone in the UK.

If the people of Wales want to get rid of me as the Secretary of State for Wales, then they need to vote for different parties at elections and help get a different government elected.

Proud

But in cabinet Im proud to speak up for Wales and make sure it gets its share of funding and what it needs.

I want to have a business-like relationship with the Welsh government. My job is much more of a convenor role, bringing different agencies including the Welsh Government together, he added.

But I dont think now is the time for it to be trying to get more powers.

And its talking about expanding the number of members of the Senedd and lowering the voting age. I think that should be only through a referendum.

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