After years of campaigning, I am pleased to share that less than one year into the new Labour government, today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has announced a historic £445 million boost to rail funding in Wales which will allow the Welsh Labour Government to put forward detailed plans for five new stations in South Wales: Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Llanwern, and Magor and Undy.
The funding will be released over the next ten years.
For Newport East, this means new stations in Somerton and Llanwern, which will mean less congestion on our roads and better-connected communities across South Wales and over the border in England, making travel for work and leisure easier and quicker.
Again we see the benefits for the people of Newport when they have two Labour governments committed to working together to deliver for them.
Alongside the South East Wales rail improvements, plans will also be put forward for improvements along the Wrexham to Liverpool line, meaning more services can run.
The two Governments working in lockstep to deliver for working people across Wales is a dividend from having both Labour Governments in Cardiff Bay and London cooperating closely on the needs of working people.
The UK Treasury acknowledged that the sticking plaster approach of the last fourteen years has led to underinvestment in Wales, limiting its huge untapped potential.
Along with First Minister Eluned Morgan, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, and Welsh Transport Secretary Ken Skates, I have banged the drum for Welsh rail infrastructure for many years – and I’m glad that this the UK Government has listened to what Wales needs to thrive and has prioritised bringing forward a transport package that has the potential to be truly transformative.
Here’s what others have said about today’s news:
Transport Secretary Ken Skates MS said:
“Last week I said that I, as well as Eluned Morgan, and Jo Stevens, felt confident we could do no more to convince the UK Government of the case for improvements to rail infrastructure in North and South Wales.
“Today the UK Treasury shows they have listened. After 14 years of Conservative governments who refused to listen, we now have two governments working together to address this crucial issue that impacts so many people across Wales.”
John Griffiths, MS for Newport East, said:
“I have heard from constituents again and again that new train stations are needed along the M4 corridor. And after the UK Chancellor announced a major boost in rail infrastructure spending across Wales, I welcome the news that the Welsh Labour Government, working with the UK Government, will now put forward detailed plans for not one, but two new stations in Newport East, and another one in Magor and Undy.”
Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, and Jayne Bryant, MS for Newport West, said:
“It is fantastic news that, after the UK Labour Government’s Spending Review, which will see £445 million for rail come to Wales, the two Labour Governments will work together to put forward detailed plans for a new railway station in Newport West.
“In the first year of this partnership, we have been able to boost the wages of the lowest paid workers and bring more good jobs to our city by setting up an Investment Zone. With a renewed focus on public transport infrastructure in Wales, we are delighted communities in Newport West will reap the rewards of the investment.”