Lib Dems Slam Labour’s Defence of Rail Funding Injustice as “Desperate”
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have sharply criticised the Labour Government following comments from Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport Ken Skates, who appeared to defend the UK Government’s position on rail funding for Wales.
The row was sparked by information uncovered by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, revealing that the new multi-billion-pound Oxford-Cambridge East-West rail line is set to be designated as an “England and Wales” project.
This classification could deprive Wales of an additional £360 million in consequential rail funding for its own network.
In response, Ken Skates claimed the UK Labour Government “acknowledges that it shortchanges Wales” and pointed to an “ambitious pipeline of improvements” for Welsh rail. However, the Welsh Liberal Democrats dismissed his defence as “desperate,” noting that no major rail projects are currently planned for Wales.
The Lib Dems have argued that the current evidence shows that any new funding from the UK Government in the spending review is likely to be minor, and not make up for the large shortfalls caused by the use of the “England and Wales” classification over recent years.
The party also referenced a Freedom of Information request they submitted, which revealed that neither North nor South Wales electrification is being actively considered by Labour.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds stated that the UK Labour Government could immediately reclassify HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, and East-West Rail as “England-only” projects—freeing up funds for Wales. She also highlighted that the government could easily bring forward legislation to devolve rail powers fully to the Welsh Government if it had the political will to do so.
The Liberal Democrats argue that the controversy highlights a broader failure of Welsh Labour MPs to stand up for their constituents and of the Welsh Government to exert meaningful influence over Westminster.
They further noted that there is a clear precedent for such designations: the Elizabeth Line in London (formerly Crossrail 1) was labelled an “England-only” project, which resulted in consequential funding being allocated to Wales under the current Barnett formula rules.
Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said:
"The defence we have seen from the Welsh Labour Government on this issue is pathetic. Meanwhile, it doesn't even look like the UK Government can be bothered to issue a response to address the outrage.
"Until the general election, Labour agreed with us that the situation over Welsh rail funding was a massive scandal, now that they are in power, they seem intent on keeping the same rotten system in place.
"It isn't good enough. If they really wanted to, they could change this system tomorrow. They could redesignate the projects and they could fully devolve rail to Wales. It's a political choice not to do so.
"The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for Wales to have its fair share of infrastructure investment so we can not only improve public transport for people who rely on it, but also drive economic growth and investment in Wales.
ENDS