7. Will the Minister make a statement on the likely improvement in journey times between Newport and other destinations between south Wales and London following electrification? OAQ(5)0061(EI)

This is a matter for which the UK Government is responsible, but I understand from them that the reduction in journey times from London to Cardiff, once the work is completed, will be approximately 17 minutes.

Does he agree with me that, even with delays and now the postponement of the Filton Bank work into Bristol, electrification offers huge opportunities for Newport as a business hub, and does he also recognise that, combined with both the western rail link and expansion at Heathrow, we will be ideally placed to benefit as we jump to the front of the queue for a trade deal with the United States?

Well, I would agree that electrification of the main line will undoubtedly benefit Newport. It will also benefit Cardiff, but I would also expect it to be extended in a timely fashion to Swansea, and I do hope that, in the autumn statement, there will be positive news in that regard. I’d urge the UK Government—because I’m conscious that there are now a number of delays and problems associated with some of the projects that it’s responsible for—I would urge the UK Government to consider passing responsibility and fair funding for rail infrastructure to Welsh Government to deliver so that it can become more responsive in terms of what passengers and communities require.