Cross-border Rail Links 2026-09-02
2026-09-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the connectivity benefits of improving rail links between Wales, Shropshire, and London.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to improve cross-border rail links between Wales, Shropshire and London. The MP notes that the £14 billion investment in rail in Wales will transform connectivity across Wales and between Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom.
I recognise the connectivity benefits of transport. The overall cross-border connectivity that has been announced relates to the £14 billion that we are going to invest in rail in Wales, with £455 million secured at the spending review. This plan will transform connectivity across Wales, and between Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
The steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues to specifically improve cross-border rail links were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the connectivity benefits of the WSMR's proposal for an open-access application to the Office of Rail and Road.
The MP congratulates the Secretary of State on his appointment and asks him to throw his support behind the WSMR's open-access application to the Office of Rail and Road. The new revised application would include Wellington in the MP's constituency and give a £3 million economic boost to that market town. The MP asks the Secretary of State to work with Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road and the Transport Secretary to get the new timetable and route delivered.
I know about and welcome the right hon. Gentleman's strong connections to Wales. I recognise the connectivity benefits that WSMR's proposal could deliver, particularly for passengers in Wales and the west midlands. I am pleased that the Secretary of State for Transport has provided conditional support for the application, subject to the Office of Rail and Road and Network Rail being satisfied that services can be accommodated without compromising network performance or affecting the rights of other operators. I will certainly join him in making the case for that compelling project.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not commit to working with specific departments to deliver the new timetable and route.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the Cardiff Parkway station project, which is set to unlock around 6,000 new jobs.
The MP welcomes the Secretary of State to his new role and asks whether the new minority Plaid Government in Wales have confirmed whether they will honour the agreement on the Cardiff Parkway station project.
I thank my right hon. Friend and pay tribute to her as the first female Labour Secretary of State for Wales. Wales is better off as a result of her work on rail, nuclear, steel and more. I recognise the central importance of the Cardiff Parkway project, which could unlock up to 6,000 jobs. I will do all that I can, working with the Welsh Government and private investors, to progress the delivery of that important project at pace.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not confirm if the new minority Plaid Government in Wales have confirmed the agreement.
Response accuracy