9. What discussions has the First Minister had with the UK Government following the announcement of levelling-up funds for railways in Cardiff? OQ59036

We support this development in Cardiff and are matching the UK Government's investment. However, Welsh Government was not involved in the development of the levelling-up fund and has had no role in its strategy or delivery.

Diolch yn fawr, Trefnydd. The public transport expert, Mark Barry, said recently that the £50 million contribution towards the Cardiff cross-rail is only a drop in the water of the £500 million that is needed for the cross-rail to go from Cardiff Bay to Llantrisant. It also doesn't help with the inadequacy of the service—not having four trains per hour from half of the Cardiff stations because of the lack of infrastructure. As you know, Minister, Transport for Wales delivers those services, but of course they're constrained by the infrastructure, by Network Rail. It's clear, even with my friends, my colleagues from the Welsh Conservatives, that Wales is losing out when it comes to rail infrastructure. Can the Welsh Government, please, request from the UK Government the provision of adequate funds for the completion of the cross-rail from Cardiff Bay to Llantrisant and the funding needed to increase the level of services that is needed in all stations in Cardiff? Diolch yn fawr.

You're quite right, the funding is only the first phase, really, of Cardiff’s cross-rail ambition. So, as a Government, we will continue to work with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales. You'll know that Welsh Government has repeatedly called on the UK Government to address the historic underinvestment in rail infrastructure in all parts of Wales. As a Government, we are very happy to be continuing to work with Transport for Wales. Just last Thursday, in my role as Minister for north Wales, I was very happy to launch the first of the new class 197 trains in Llandudno, again supported by £80 million of Welsh Government funding, and these trains will be rolled out right across Wales over the next 18 months.

Thank you, Trefnydd, on behalf of the First Minister.