Railway Infrastructure in Wales

Welsh Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 4 Dec 2020 Closed: 15 Nov 2021 Parliament page
We will look at where responsibility lies for the management of rail infrastructure in Wales, how funding is allocated to rail infrastructure projects across the UK and the share of investment Wales has received since 1994. We will also look at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the rail … Read more
14 Recommendations
5 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
1 Letter
4 Events
Activity timeline 7 events
22 Sep
2021
Report published
14 Jul
2021
Report published
11 Mar
2021
Oral evidence
25 Feb
2021
Oral evidence
11 Feb
2021
Oral evidence
9 Feb
2021
Correspondence
21 Jan
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
11 Mar 2021
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Oral evidence
Chris Heaton-Harris · Department for Transport David T C Davies · Wales Office
25 Feb 2021
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James Hooker · Welsh Government Ken Skates MS · Welsh Government Simon Jones · Welsh Government Sir Peter Hendy · Union Connectivity Review and Chair of Network Rail
11 Feb 2021
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Bill Kelly · Network Rail James Price · Transport for Wales Mark Hopwood · Great Western Railway Richard Scott · The West Coast Partnership Sarah Kelley · CrossCountry
21 Jan 2021
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Julian Glover · Department for Transport Professor Mark Barry · Cardiff University Professor Stuart Cole · University of South Wales
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - Railway Infrastructure in Wales HC 438 14 Jul 2021 19 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
Clear
5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Railway Infrastruct…
The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes...
The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes a strong case for electrification as the main mechanism for decarbonising rail travel. The Government’s analysis and commitment to technological upgrades is welcome and the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees in part, reaffirming its commitment to a net zero rail network by 2050 and an ambitious electrification programme guided by Network Rail’s Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy (TDNS).
Wales Office
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8 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Railway Infrastruct…
A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach...
A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach to Wales’s infrastructure needs was required in order to unlock investment. We therefore recommend that the UK Government should establish a Wales Rail Board, consisting … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees in part, proposing to establish a senior-level Board with director-level representation from relevant bodies, with Terms of Reference under discussion for an initial meeting this calendar year.
Wales Office
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10 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Railway Infrastruct…
Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships...
Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships with Transport for Wales (TfW) and sharpen its focus on Wales and borders services. However, Network Rail should be alive to concerns that its regional … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation and states that while Network Rail operates at arm’s length, DfT will work with Network Rail and ORR to ensure its regional structure remains flexible and can prioritise operations for local requirements in Wales.
Wales Office
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16 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Railway Infrastruct…
The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail...
The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail passengers if it is accompanied by enhancements to the North Wales mainline, including the upgrades at Chester and Crewe stations which will be required for … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation and is developing an Outline Business Case with Network Rail for journey time improvements on the North Wales Coast Main Line, aiming to increase line speeds and improve journey times, with work expected to conclude in February 2022. This addresses part of the recommendation for an upgrade, but not explicitly the 'full strategic case for electrification'.
Wales Office
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19 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Railway Infrastruct…
We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment...
We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment which, in the long term, would only further cement the car as the transport mode of choice in Wales. Instead this should be an opportunity … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees in part, recognizing the benefits of the proposed Wales Rail Board and proposing to establish a senior-level Board with the specified remit. However, it notes that rail enhancement budgets were redirected due to COVID-19 and difficult circumstances persist.
Wales Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 19 of 14 classified
Accepted 8
Accepted in Part 5
Acknowledged 1
Deferred 1
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 3
Total 14 recs + 5 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
9 Feb 2021 To committee Letter from James Price, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales, re Future of Rail update, 8 February 21
Parliament page