Plaid Cymru Shadow Economy and Transport Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has said that the appointment of a new Secretary of State for Wales should lead to new efforts to secure electrification of the Valley lines.
In First Minister’s Questions at the National Assembly today, Rhun ap Iorwerth AM asked the First Minister what is his strategy for achieving the electrification project, which is currently a matter of dispute between the Welsh and UK Governments.
Plaid Cymru Shadow Economy and Transport Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth AM commented:
“Electrification is the top priority for public transport in Wales. The Welsh Government was welcoming the new Tory Secretary of State before he was even appointed, saying he was a man ‘they could do business with’. Well, they need to seek a deal on electrification, and quickly, having failed to seal the deal up to now.”
The First Minister responded by saying negotiations are with the Department for Transport rather than the Wales Office.
Plaid Cymru Shadow Economy and Transport Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said:
“A savvy First Minister would use every available opportunity to make this happen. I’m urging him to press the new Secretary of State to push his UK government colleagues into giving Wales the right deal.
“Plaid Cymru wants rail policy in Wales to be fully devolved and funded transparently and clearly. It’s the only way to get the best for rail passengers.”
