Tories accuse Welsh Labour of silence over rail funding ‘shortchange'
Conservatives demand fair share from £6.6bn Oxford-Cambridge line as HS2 dispute continues
THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have accused the Labour-run Welsh Government of failing to stand up for Wales over rail infrastructure funding, criticising what they call a 'deafening silence' on the long-running HS2 consequentials dispute and a lack of action over a newly announced £6.6 billion rail project in England.
The Oxford-Cambridge rail corridor project, confirmed by Westminster as part of wider infrastructure investment plans, will not deliver any direct funding for Wales, reigniting debate over how major transport schemes in England are classified for funding purposes.
Although transport is devolved, UK Government does not provide Barnett formula consequential funding to Wales for rail projects it deems to benefit England and Wales jointly—despite HS2 not passing through Welsh territory.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, said the current system is 'clearly unfair' and accused Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay of failing to push back.
'We've not heard a peep from the Welsh Labour Government on HS2 consequentials since the election,' he said. 'Now, with this rail project highlighting further unfairness in funding, it is clear that the Welsh Labour Government has no sway with their counterparts in Westminster.'
Mr Rowlands added: 'We were promised two governments working in partnership to deliver what is best for Wales. Instead, we've had broken promise after broken promise, leaving Wales shortchanged on critical infrastructure investment.'
The Conservatives reiterated their call for Wales to receive its fair share of HS2-linked funding, and argued that any new funding arising from major projects in England should be distributed transparently and fairly.
'To ensure transparency and effective use of resources, this funding must be allocated directly to Network Rail to deliver for the needs of people in Wales,' Mr Rowlands said.
The Welsh Government has previously argued that HS2 should be classed as an 'England-only' project for the purposes of funding allocation, potentially unlocking billions in additional investment for Wales. However, no change in classification has been agreed.
The Herald has approached the Welsh Government for comment.
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