'This development is welcome news for Welsh jobs and transport'
The United Kingdom Government's spending review included an additional £445 million rail plan for Wales.
This plan will encompass the construction of new railway stations at the following locations: Newport West, Somerton, Llanwern, Magor & Undy and Cardiff East.
This development is welcome news for Welsh jobs and transport. The railway line and service connecting Ebbw Vale to Newport and Cardiff has been recognised as crucial rail infrastructure for Southeast Wales. This expansion will further enhance this infrastructure, providing more individuals with the opportunity to utilise rail services.
In addition to rectifying the inadequacy of HS2 consequential funding, this investment will significantly enhance transport options in Southeast Wales. This is particularly pertinent given the congestion experienced on the M4 and escalating demands on the local transport infrastructure because of much-needed housing.
This significant development has the potential to influence employment opportunities and provide increased avenues for skill acquisition. This is imperative for Gwent communities.
It was critically important news that the United Kingdom Government announced it was restoring winter fuel allowance payments to more than nine million pensioners across Wales and England.
The payment worth £300 will be restored. Anyone with an income of under £35,000 a year will receive it automatically. Those with an income of above the £35,000 threshold will also receive the payment, but it will then be reclaimed from them in tax. The right thing to do.
Rachel Reeves has announced that the United Kingdom Government will deliver to Wales £118 million over the next three financial years to keep coal tips safe across Wales.
This is a particular issue for post-industrial communities throughout Islwyn. Coal tips remediated (as coal mining ended) face maintenance issues impacted by climate change. The Welsh Government has previously stated £600 million is needed to remediate and remove Wales's coal tips. Currently, Wales has around £221 million allocated to this endeavour, and it is a challenge that will take decades to address.
My position though, remains clear. Whilst we aim to remediate and remove historic Welsh coal tips, this can NOT be achieved at the expense of Islwyn communities. I stand with the people of Cwmfelinfach in expressing my strong opposition to the removal of coal at Mynydd Y Grug in Bedwas. No private company should seek to make a financial gain at the detriment of the public usage of the much-loved and valued Sirhowy County Park.
Finally, I was delighted to see a famous son of Islwyn recognised. Rugby legend John Dawes, a son of Abercarn, is among 288 people who have been added to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. John Dawes died in 2021, but his name will live forever, and his inclusion in this prestige publication acknowledges his impact within the history of the United Kingdom.
Rhianon Passmore, Member of the Senedd for Islwyn.
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