David Chadwick: “We cannot support a Railways Bill that fails Wales”

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, has stated that the Welsh Lib Dems will not support the UK Government’s Railways Bill ahead of its Second Reading on Tuesday, warning that the legislation “entrenches the neglect Wales has faced for decades”.

The party argues that the Bill hands even greater control over Welsh railways to Whitehall while denying Wales the powers already held by Scotland. The Bill provides no new investment guarantees for Wales, no power for Welsh Ministers to direct Great British Railways, and no mechanism to correct historic underfunding.

Research released this week by the Welsh Liberal Democrats shows that Wales is set to lose another £1 billion as Northern Powerhouse Rail is designated an “England and Wales” project, bringing total lost rail funds through UK Government accounting decisions to around £6 billion.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for full devolution of rail powers to Wales, including control over infrastructure, strategy and funding, to bring Wales in line with Scotland.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said:

“This Bill fails Wales. It centralises power in Whitehall, ignores decades of underinvestment, and leaves rural communities like mine at the back of the queue yet again.”

“Scotland gets real control over its railways, Wales gets nothing. Not a single new power. Not a single guarantee of fair investment.”

“Wales deserves equality, not second-class status. That’s why we won’t support this Bill in its current form.”

ENDS