Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Network Improvements

Wednesday 22 April 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister announced a 14 billion funding commitment to improve Welsh rail network.
  • The investment will create 12,000 jobs and boost the economy by upgrading rail infrastructure.
  • Minister defended the 14 billion commitment, stating it benefits all parts of Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Barros-Curtis Lab Cardiff West
Transport Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about steps being taken to improve the Welsh rail network.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to improve the rail network in Wales?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

The Prime Minister has announced a generational funding commitment to Welsh rail, with a pipeline of projects valued at £14 £14 billion. This plan will transform connectivity in Wales, building on the initial investment of at least £445 million secured through the spending review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for specific steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues to improve rail network in Wales but only received a general commitment and figure without details on actions or timeline.

How: Under Review, Not Specified

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Q2 Alex Barros-Curtis Lab Cardiff West
Transport Wales
Context

The MP points out the UK Labour Government's £14 billion commitment to Welsh rail infrastructure, questioning Plaid Cymru's stance on tearing up this plan.

Question

The UK Labour Government's generational commitment to a £14 billion pipeline of rail projects in every part of Wales is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when two Labour Governments work together. The investment from the spending review has resulted in upgrades at Cardiff West junction, which is set to double city line services, benefiting stations in my constituency. Incredibly, Plaid has promised to tear up this much-needed plan and start again. Will the Minister update the House on the impact of Labour's rail investment in Wales on my constituents and the people of Wales?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

The UK and Welsh Labour Governments' £14 billion plan for rail brings 12,000 jobs, boosts the economy, makes journeys faster and more frequent. The plan contains 43 projects for every corner of Wales, including Burns stations in the south-east, electrification to Holyhead, the Swansea metro and the Marches line.

Answered
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Q3 Ann Davies PC Caerfyrddin
Transport Wales
Context

The MP questions why Wales is not receiving fair High Speed 2 funding, citing a previous statement by the Secretary of State that HS2 no longer exists.

Question

Labour's Senedd manifesto makes no mention of the billions of High Speed 2 funding owed to Wales. Welsh Labour has given up on the argument, as the Secretary of State did after she took office. Her words were, “HS2 no longer exists.” Will the Minister please explain why Wales is not having fair funding for rail?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

I talked about a £14 billion commitment across Wales. I am sure that she does not agree with her party's plan to rip up the £14 billion commitment to rail, robbing Wales and our communities of a generation of rail investment.

Not addressed: The question on HS2 funding was directly avoided by focusing on the overall rail investment in Wales without addressing specific questions about fair funding for Wales.

How: Change Subject

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