Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:37 pm on 26 May 2021.
Thank you, First Minister. The Burns commission has laid out exciting and deliverable improvements to the transport system in and around Newport—a public transport system that Newport deserves, made possible by forward-thinking and strategic investment by the Welsh Government. With the delivery unit in place, the focus and pace must be kept up, ensuring we see tangible results in Newport. However, key parts of this plan involve the upgrading of rail network infrastructure, an area where the UK Government has responsibility. Over the last few years, Wales has only received 2 per cent of Network Rail's enhancement budgets, despite having around 10 per cent of the UK rail network. The UK Government talks a good game on investment, but seldom delivers. Will the First Minister continue to encourage them to put their money where their mouth is, and deliver the rail investment that Wales both needs and deserves?