First Minister Eluned Morgan has made it clear: Wales deserves more rail funding from the UK Government, and she won’t be silent about it! During a spirited First Minister’s Questions session, Morgan emphasised her stance. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth criticised the current funding as “paltry” and compared it to Scotland’s ability to secure more capital.
Despite an additional £435m compared to earlier Tory allocations, Morgan argues it’s still insufficient. The Welsh rail infrastructure has long suffered from underfunding, highlighted by the controversial HS2 classification as an England and Wales project, even though no track extends into Wales. This classification reportedly cost Wales around £845m in missed funding opportunities between 2016 and 2030.
While the UK Government did announce £445m for Welsh rail last June, details on spending remain vague. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that £78m is earmarked for Cardiff Central, but more information is anticipated following discussions with the Wales Rail Board.
Morgan promises a continued push for fairer funding, highlighting the need for substantial investment to address longstanding rail infrastructure issues in Wales. The debate continues, but one thing’s certain: Wales deserves its fair share! What do you think about the current rail funding situation in Wales? Let’s talk in the comments! 🚆💬