Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Paragraph: 36
A number of potential infrastructure upgrades suggested by witnesses to our inquiry are cross-border in...
Conclusion
A number of potential infrastructure upgrades suggested by witnesses to our inquiry are cross-border in nature, reflecting the relatively short distance between key urban areas such as Cardiff and Bristol in South Wales and Wrexham and Merseyside in the North East. The cross-border rail connections between England and Wales, and the level of socio-economic integration between border communities in Wales and England, is unique within the UK and enhancing these connections should be central to the Union Connectivity Review.
Paragraph Reference:
36
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The UK Government notes these recommendations. The interim report of Sir Peter Hendy’s independent Union Connectivity Review (UCR) was published in March 2021. From the work undertaken to that point, some of the key concerns raised relating to Wales included: • Faster and higher capacity connections for passengers from HS2 to Scotland and North Wales, and consequently better freight capacity too; • Improved rail connectivity between the north coast of Wales and England; • Rail improvements in south-east Wales, building on ideas from Lord Burns’ Commission. In response to the UCR’s interim report, the UK Government made available £20m for a new Union Connectivity Development Fund so that development work could be started on some of the most promising union connectivity schemes emerging from the Review. Positive engagement continues between the UK Government and the Welsh Government on rail feasibility proposals under the Union Connectivity Development Fund. The UK Government has received two proposals from Transport for Wales to the fund, which are currently being reviewed. The UK Government looks forward to publication of the final UCR report, which we expect in Autumn 2021 and will consider funding for Union connectivity schemes as part of the forthcoming Spending Review.