Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:06 pm on 8 March 2023.
In their current form—exactly. So, what is the plan? We need to see a plan for north Wales. Seven years ago, Llyr Gruffydd, you know that the north Wales metro project was announced. We haven't seen that take place there at the moment. It needs to be sorted out.
The final point I'd like to raise today, outlined in point 2 of our motion, is the sheer lack of engagement by the roads review panel with the public, elected representatives, local authorities, businesses, the third sector and others during the course of the review. As expressed by the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales, Wales's small businesses play an essential role in supporting local communities, creating wealth and employment, driving innovation, and helping Wales adapt and respond to the challenges that are ahead of us. As we move towards net zero, it's crucially important to ensure that their voice is heard as well, which is not, in my view, being taken into account properly at the moment.
And we heard yesterday a contribution from Alun Davies across the other side of the benches there, who highlighted that the investment that the road building taking place in his constituency has drawn in a number of businesses and created a number of jobs in his area. It's clear that road building can have a huge positive impact on driving investment, bringing those businesses, creating those jobs, and bringing people out of poverty.
So, in closing, Llywydd, the scrapping of the road building projects that have been announced in the road review could have a dangerous impact on the people of Wales. It's a backward step in how we go about our daily lives. Instead of slowing Wales down, the Welsh Government should grip the wheel and get Wales moving again with a pro-growth, pro-business, pro-worker programme that works for drivers. I call on all Members to support our motion here today. Diolch yn fawr iawn.