Plaid Cymru MP Ann Davies has tabled three amendments to the UK Government's Railways Bill, advocating for the devolution of rail powers to Wales and the rectification of historic underfunding. The bill reaches its report stage in the House of Commons on Wednesday, June 10.
Long-Standing Call for Devolution
Plaid Cymru has consistently argued for rail infrastructure to be devolved to Wales, mirroring arrangements in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The party's transport spokesperson, Ann Davies, emphasized that the recent revelation that HS2 could exceed £100 billion makes the case for greater control over Wales' transport system more compelling than ever.
UK Government's Investment Plans
In February, the UK Government announced investment plans worth £14 billion for Welsh rail. However, Plaid Cymru notes that these schemes were not funded, and the cash would need to be allocated in future spending reviews. Ms Davies submitted a written question to the Department for Transport seeking guarantees on this funding. The response indicated only a commitment of £445 million over 10 years, with no further funding assurances.
Details of the Amendments
Ms Davies' amendments call for:
- Devolution of rail powers and associated funding to Wales.
- Addressing historic underfunding of Welsh rail.
- A strategy to improve railway enhancement investment in rural areas of Wales.
Political Pressure and Urgency
Wales' transport minister, Mark Hooper, recently wrote to UK Government counterpart Heidi Alexander, requesting talks on better rail funding for Wales. Ms Davies stated: "The current state of Wales' rail network is simply unacceptable and reflects decades of underinvestment and structural unfairness." She criticized both successive UK governments and the previous Labour Welsh Government for failing to act with urgency.
"Plaid Cymru has long argued that Welsh rail should be in Welsh hands," she added, highlighting that projects like HS2, Northern Powerhouse rail, and the Oxford-Cambridge line are England-only but partly funded by Welsh taxpayers. With HS2 costs now exceeding £100 billion, she stressed the need for a fair funding settlement and greater control. "Our communities cannot afford to lose out on further investment. The case has been made, the mandate has been given, and there is simply no time to waste in delivering the fair rail settlement that Wales deserves."
