The Wales and Borders Rail Franchise

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:35 pm on 5 June 2018.

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Photo of Jayne Bryant Jayne Bryant Labour 1:35, 5 June 2018

This announcement is great news, particularly for many of us who campaigned for many years for the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line to stop in Newport. It's gathered a lot of local support, including from the South Wales Argus, which has long campaigned on this issue, and it's a huge boost and will link communities across the region. I welcome the announcement that £800 million will be invested in rolling stock and that the franchise has committed to commissioning 148 brand-new trains for the next five years.

Yesterday's announcement stated that over half the new trains would be built in Wales. Can you give any further detail about what discussions are taking place with CAF Rail in Newport?