Starmer reiterates pledge to build Deeside Industrial Park station
With Senedd elections weeks away, the Prime Minister will today endorse Transport for Wales’ plan for the future of rail in the country, which could cost £14bn to turn into reality.
As part of the strategy, seven new stations are to be built, including one at Deeside Industrial Park.
The other six stations to receive government funding are Magor and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, and Cardiff Parkway – all in South Wales.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves had already promised the seven stations at June’s Spending Review, committing close to £500bn.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will head to South Wales today to reiterate the promise and endorse the wider rail investment plan, which includes plans to free up capacity on the Wrexham – Liverpool line by removing freight trains serving Padeswood Cement Works from the main line.
In addition to the new stations, the government said it will invest around £30m in safety and service improvements on the North Wales Coast Main Line.
“For too long, Wales has been let down by a UK government unwilling to do the hard yards and build the future they deserve,” Starmer said.
“This government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future.
“This isn’t tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term – and change communities will feel. This is putting Wales on the front foot and getting Britain building again.”
Endorsing, promising, it’s all hot air. Transfer the pledged £14 billion in the Transport for Wales bank account right now! Only then will I believe that the Labour government are serious about investing into Wales rail transport and infrastructure. Money now for true reality! Not promises for years and decades down the line!
By Anonymous
How can you believe a man who will say anything simply if it’s convenient at the time. What’s more reflective of what you can expect is what he and his government perpetually try and get away with.
By John
When I see rail re-instated from Bangor to Afon Wen and Aberystwyth to Swansea so that North Wales is linked to south Wales without having to go via England then I will believe this bunch of lying toe rags. Destroyed rural economy. Farm prices down, My RPA reduced from £3600 to £72! And they expect us to believe that this lot are dedicated to an expanding economy. Not in any world I inhabit!
By Old and Cynical
For the “borderlands line” to make any sense it needs to be properly integrated into the Merseyrail network and have direct services to central Liverpool. For services to end at Bidston, as they currently do, makes no sense whatsoever. And if this means electrification +/- batteries, then so be it.
By Anonymous
Not related to Wales but if those involved can’t get a new station up and running at Cheadle what hope is there for any of this?
By Anonymous
Labour have been in power for only 18 months yet they seem to be getting blamed for the 14 years of under funding and mismanagement by the last tory government. In some people’s minds they clearly can’t win.
By Anonymous
John could possibly do with suggesting his alternative, with supporting information. Because based on his reasoning, Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform (at the very least) also fail his test. PNW isn’t really the place for a political discussion, but if you’re going to do it, at least make an effort.
By Green Belt Ben
Another empty word salad, our illustrious Prime Minister has repeated a pledge to build a new station at a major industrial park, but most I am sure many remain sceptical after his numerous previous policy reversals. With an election approaching, is this another promise that is timed for political effect rather than backed by firm planning.
Much of the project’s cost appears to be back loaded, meaning the financial burden would fall on the next government. If they proceed with it, they inherit the expense; if they cancel, they take the blame. This pattern reflects his strategy of how long term infrastructure promises can be used to secure short term political advantage while shifting responsibility to successors.
And not content with all the spending defined above, we have been committed to raise our defence spending, this guy has no credibility at all.
By Steve5839
Steve 5839, a project of this scale would obviously straddle at least two parliament terms just because of the the project management timescales involved. If Reform get in they would cancel it they have already said they would cancel the Northern Powerhouse Rail to give tax cuts to their wealthy friends, this project would also be on their hit list.
By Anonymous