Labour’s Lack of Ambition on a North-South Rail Link in Wales “Shocking”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have hit out at Welsh Labour’s “lack of ambition” on building a north-south rail link in Wales, stating that a restored rail line would help boost the economy and push more people away from cars towards public transport.

The Welsh Liberal Democrat’s comments come following an interview by Labour First Minister Mark Drakeford with Qatari news agency Al Jazeera where he appeared to pour cold water on the idea, stating:

·       “easy routes between north and south have never been possible”

·       “It’s just that all our land is hilly up and down – and easy routes between north and south have never been possible.

·       “So, we manage. We have an effective train service, you can drive – it’s not the most straightforward of routes.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated not only is the current rail system not working effectively, but the First Minister has shown a lack of ambition for Wales.

Reopening the Aberystwyth – Carmarthen Rail Line has long been a Welsh Liberal Democrat policy. The line originally closed as a result of the Beeching Cuts in February 1965. The predicted costs of reopening the line are £620 million. 

The Welsh Liberal Democrats argue this could be met by the Conservatives in Westminster giving Wales the £5 billion it is owed in consequential funds from HS2. The amount would more than cover the reopening of the line.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Mid & West Wales Senedd Member Jane Dodds said:

“It is really disappointing to hear Labour and the First Minister pour cold water on the prospects of a North-South rail link in Wales.

“We are in a climate emergency we need now more than ever to encourage people to get out of their cars and into public transport. It is all well and good for Labour to ban new road building but we need to ensure we have good public transport links for people to use instead.

“The average journey time by train currently between Cardiff Queen Street and Aberystwyth is 6 hours and 23 minutes while by car it is just 2.5 hours.

“The re-opening of the line should be a priority for the Welsh Government, if they can waste £210 million of taxpayers’ money on Cardiff Airport they can afford to prioritise sustainable transport.

“I will continue to push for better investment in Mid and West Wales.”

Former Ceredigion MP Mark Williams, who has previously campaigned on the issue added:

“Ceredigion has a massive problem with depopulation. Too many young people leave our County to seek out opportunities elsewhere. Making Ceredigion better connected to South Wales could play a key role in keeping young people and skilled workers in the area.

“It could also help build up our local economy, especially in towns and villages along the line.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for the much-needed investment in West Wales even if the Welsh Government show indifference.”