What assesment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the impact of electrification between London and Cardiff on the Welsh economy?
We know that improving cross-border links are very important to the economies on both sides of the Wales-England border. This was recognised by the UK Government when it took its decision to electrify the Great Western mainline. The Welsh Government made the case for extending electrification beyond Cardiff through to Swansea and this case was accepted by the UK Government.
The electrification of the Great Western mainline will support the Welsh economy by improving links between South Wales’ communities and London, and enhancing connectivity into the rest of the UK and Europe. This is much needed following the UK Government’s historic lack of investment in Wales’ rail infrastructure to increase GVA per head in Wales above the current circa 70% of the UK average. The Welsh Government is very disappointed that the UK Government is no longer prepared to invest in electrification between Cardiff and Swansea to extend the benefits further west.