Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:25 pm on 23 March 2021.
Last week, we adopted more challenging carbon emission reduction targets for Wales, and it was backed by all Members, which was fantastic. So, I was disappointed—not to say it's contradictory—that the Welsh Conservatives still plan to fritter £2 billion on a redundant relief road instead of the modern public transport network proposed by the Burns report and endorsed by your Welsh Government. I think the Burns report is a really excellent way forward for delivering clean air as well as our obligations on reducing carbon emissions, not just for my constituents but for the whole of south-east Wales.
But, as you know, First Minister, the spine of this integrated metro scheme, proposed by Burns, is better use of the four main lines between Cardiff and Newport and beyond. So, what discussions have been had with the UK Government, in light of the interim report from Peter Hendy, about taking forward this transformative plan, given that they remain responsible for the mainline rail infrastructure?