Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Social Justice – in the Senedd at 1:36 pm on 1 March 2023.
Thank you, Minister, for that response. As you will know, almost all major road building and upgrade projects across north Wales have been scrapped with this roads review, which is quite staggering for my residents in north Wales. Communities and residents that I represent have been let down again by this Labour Welsh Government. Minister, private road transport is the only practical option for many of my residents in north Wales because of the rurality and the lack of public transport options. Eighty-five per cent of people rely on a car or motorbike to go about their daily lives, including going to work, tackling poverty, which I know you're passionate about as much as I am. And the Confederation of British Industry Wales have outlined that, when supporting our environment, we need to ensure that the solutions don't damage the economy, because these decisions need to both protect our environment and promote prosperity and tackle poverty, which this roads review is not going to achieve. So, in light of this, Minister, what is your response to the legitimate concerns from my residents that this roads review will hold back the people of north Wales even further, whilst having a negative impact on promoting prosperity and tackling poverty?