The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, is set to lobby the chancellor over what she perceives as a lack of funding for railways in Wales. During the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Morgan discussed consequential funding for the HS2 project with Rachel Reeves and mentioned that the Chancellor was receptive and in “listening mode.” The HS2 project has caused tensions in Wales as it was designated an England and Wales project despite not including any Welsh territory. Plaid Cymru has called for Wales to receive £4 billion in consequential funding to align with funding for Scotland and Northern Ireland resulting from the project.
Morgan highlighted the imbalance in rail infrastructure funding for Wales, stating that the UK government has made significant commitments to rail developments in North Wales. She expressed the importance of recognising the shortfall in funding for Wales and mentioned ongoing discussions with the Chancellor to address the issue. With tough decisions to be made due to a £22 billion deficit, Morgan acknowledged the challenges in securing additional funding for Wales’ rail infrastructure.
Plaid Cymru’s leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, has urged the First Minister to request a new funding model to replace the Barnett formula. Morgan stressed the need for a fair funding system and the potential benefits of the Welsh Government being able to borrow money. Looking ahead to the 2026 Senedd elections, Morgan expressed the Labour Party’s commitment to listening to the people’s concerns and focusing on their priorities to win and retain the trust of the Welsh electorate.
Reflecting on Labour’s accomplishments in Wales, Morgan highlighted initiatives such as free medicines, hospital car parking, and bus passes for the over-60s that have positively impacted citizens’ lives. Discussing plans to increase Welsh language speakers by 2050, she emphasised the importance of encouraging everyone to try speaking Welsh without judgment on language proficiency.
In response, a Westminster Government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to working closely with devolved governments on rail matters in Wales. The UK Government’s responsibility for heavy rail infrastructure across England and Wales was emphasised, underscoring the government’s focus on improving transport connectivity and services in Wales directly rather than funding the Welsh Government for these developments.