Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Links: Wales and Rest of UK

Wednesday 24 May 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues about improving transport links between Wales and the rest of the UK.
  • The Welsh Government's opposition to new road development is seen as potentially harming the Welsh economy.
  • The Secretary of State questions why the Welsh Government, which receives funding for road building, does not use it for projects like the Llanymynech bypass.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alexander Stafford
Economy Transport Wales
Context

The MP raises concerns about transport infrastructure in Wales that hinder economic development, citing opposition to the M4 relief road and a longer travel time from Bangor to Cardiff compared to Manchester.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving transport links between Wales and the rest of the UK. The economy of Wales works on an east-west basis; a journey from Bangor to Cardiff takes three times longer than it does to Manchester or Rother Valley. Why has the Welsh Government banned all new road development, and how can this help the Welsh economy?

Answer from David Davies

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues about transport links. The opposition to road building by the Welsh Labour Government is holding back the economy, and I urge them to reconsider their stance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific explanation for why the Welsh Government opposes new road developments or how this policy will impact economic prosperity in Wales.

How: My Hon. Friend Raises An Excellent Point., Their Opposition To Road Building Is Going To Hold The Welsh Economy Back.

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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Transport Wales
Context

The MP questions why the Welsh Government bans new road development, expressing concern over its impact on economic growth.

Question

The economy of Wales has always worked on an east-west basis; a journey from Bangor to Cardiff takes three times longer than it does to Manchester or Rother Valley. Can the Secretary of State offer an explanation for why the Welsh Government have banned all new road development and how that might possibly help the Welsh economy?

Answer from David Davies

My hon. Friend raises an excellent point; the opposition to road building by the Welsh Labour Government is extraordinary, potentially holding back the economy, urging them to reconsider their stance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific explanation for why the Welsh Government bans new road development or how this policy will impact economic growth in Wales.

How: My Hon. Friend Raises An Excellent Point.

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Q3 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Transport Local Government
Context

The MP references a previous Budget promise for the Llanymynech bypass in North Shropshire and questions its status.

Question

When he delivered his Budget in 2020, the Prime Minister, who was then the Chancellor, promised a bypass for Llanymynech and Pant in my constituency on the road that links Oswestry and Welshpool. Will that road ever come to fruition, or is it just another broken promise?

Answer from David Davies

I did not hear all of that question, but I think it related to the Llanymynech bypass in mid-Wales. The Welsh Labour Government continues to receive Barnett consequentials for road building in England, and it is up to them whether to spend this money on new roads or projects like the airport.

Not addressed: The question about the Llanymynech bypass was not directly answered. The answerer discussed general funding allocation instead.

How: I Did Not Hear All Of That Question.

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