1. Will the First Minister provide an update on train services across north Wales? OAQ54704

Yes. The Welsh Government continues to work with Transport for Wales to improve train services around north Wales, for the north-east Wales metro, whilst investing in station improvements and the building of at least five new stations in north Wales.

Last week, there was confirmation that the situation with the Transport for Wales Pacers still hasn't been resolved, and if no agreement is reached, then there is a risk that some of them may have to be withdrawn from our railways, and that will, obviously, mean that services will decline for the people of Wales. So, can I just give your Government a word of warning? Don't think that you can downgrade services in north Wales by withdrawing trains from the tracks, and through running fewer services, in order for the more densely populated areas to have those trains, and to fill the gaps in losing these Pacers. The service provided across north Wales at the moment, and, indeed, from Cardiff to north Wales, is a joke.

Well, I'm happy to confirm again that we're waiting a decision that's due at the end of November about the ability to continue with our current stock, because this Government certainly does not want to see a diminution in services because of the issues about the stock. This is in the hands of the UK Government, and the Minister for Economy and Transport has made clear his willingness and his desire to have this decision reached promptly. But I am happy to confirm to the Member that, far from disinvesting in north Wales, they are part of the national programme of investment, and, more than that, there will be new services from the middle of December onwards, between Machynlleth and Pwllheli, between Llandudno Junction and Llandudno, and also between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog. This is a Government that is committed to continue to invest in every part of Wales. We finally take control of the franchise.

In the March 2016 budget, the UK Government announced it was opening the door to a growth deal for north Wales, and that would embrace the Growth Track 360 document from the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, with ambitious proposals for rail infrastructure across the region. The Welsh Government says it's developing a high-quality and integrated transport system across north Wales. At the beginning of this month, the two Governments—UK and Welsh Governments—together with the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, signed the heads of terms and agreed seven programmes that will form the basis of the north Wales growth deal from next year, including strategic transport. What provision thus far has therefore been agreed for those programmes to prioritise rail, not just in the north-east and cross-border, although critical, but across the region, to Gwynedd and Anglesey too?

Well, the transport Minister set out previously the investment that we're making not only in the north Wales growth deal, but in particular in the north-east Wales metro as well. And we are pleased to be working together with partners, not just the UK Government—of course, we part-fund the north Wales growth deal—but working together with the North Wales Economic Ambition Board. I think this Government has a track record to be proud of in terms of wanting to promote north Wales for its economic activity and, indeed, investing in transport infrastructure.

You boast here that the service is a proper service, but you only have to look at your own Twitter feed today to realise just how many complaints there are from Welsh football supporters, who have found that there is no room for them on trains from north Wales to travel down to see the game this evening. So, where is the management and the forecasting for these services, knowing quite well that there would be thousands of people travelling from north Wales? Once again, you're failing.

No, look, we are continuing to invest in a programme of investment in railway services across Wales, and in particular in north Wales too. We have been clear about the need to do that over a period of time, and the significant investment that is coming not only in new facilities at stations, but in new services, new capacities and, indeed, a range of measures to make sure that fares are cheaper for young people, in particular, to travel on the rail service—. We have a track record to be proud of. There is more to be done, and I'm proud to work alongside the Minister for Economy and Transport Minister to do just that.