The Economic Potential of Newport

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:03 pm on 9 March 2021.

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Photo of Nick Ramsay Nick Ramsay Conservative 2:03, 9 March 2021

Can I concur completely with the sentiments just expressed in terms of the need of providing a sustainable steel industry across Wales?

Can I widen this out into the fortunes of the wider Newport economy and south-east Wales economy—the Monmouthshire economy, I should say—both of which are dependent on a modern sustainable transport infrastructure? I wonder if you could update us on the development of the south Wales metro, where we are with that, and, specifically, whether the potential for a metro hub at the Celtic Manor, which I have raised before with the economy Minister—the economy and transport Minister—has been discussed with relevant stakeholders. A hub at that point within the metro system would provide the missing link between Newport railway station and towns in my constituency, such as Monmouth, which, after 6 o'clock, are very much cut off from the Newport transport infrastructure. So, I wonder if you could update us on the development of the metro.