VALE MP Alun Cairns has marked his second anniversary as secretary of state for Wales by outlining what he has achieved in that time and by looking ahead to the future.

Mr Cairns took his seat at the cabinet table in Westminster, on March 19, 2016, and outlined his ambitions to create a nation which is “more ambitious, confident and more outward looking” than ever before.

He has overseen a number of key achievements which include the scrapping of the tolls on the Severn bridge.

These decisions, he said, will strengthen the links between communities and help to transform the joint economic prospects of South Wales and the South West of England and save the average motorist over £1,400 per year.

The £1.2-billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal is set to deliver as many as 25,000 new jobs, and £4 billion of private-sector investment across the region.

Mr Cairns oversaw the signing of the first investment of the deal in September last year which will see the establishment of a major, cutting edge facility, as an anchor in the region for high end production of compound semiconductors.

Mr Cairns said: “Over the last two years I have had the privilege of experiencing the very best of this country – connecting with every corner of Wales, its culture, its history and its people.

“In South-East Wales, we’ve removed one of the biggest economic barriers to Wales’ prosperity through the abolition of the Severn tolls, announced plans for a potential new prison in Port Talbot and are overseeing the delivery of the £1.2-billion deal for the Cardiff Capital Region.

“And the decisions we have taken to improve broadband connectivity and to increase the financial and power levers at the Welsh Government’s disposal will all have a positive impact that will be felt right across Wales.

“The goals we have achieved take us one step closer to achieving this government’s mission to build a country that works for everyone.

“But there is still work to be done. As we prepare to live through one of the most important moments in our country’s history, I will not waste a second in getting on with the job. I will provide the leadership to make sure that Wales is in the strongest possible position to prosper when we leave the European Union, to cultivate an economy that’s fit for the future.”