PLAID CYMRU Shadow Minister for Transport Rhun ap Iorwerth has challenged the UK Government’s Department for Transport not to remove services from the Wales and Borders Franchise when they devolve it to the next Welsh Government.
Mr ap Iorwerth said that the rumoured removal of services between Wales and England from Welsh control would leave rail services a “hollow shell”.
Leading an Assembly debate, he called on all parties in the National Assembly, along with the Welsh Government, to unite and defend Wales’ right to procure rail services which go to destinations in England.
He warned that removing services which generate revenue would lead to an increase in subsidy being needed and would be fundamentally against the interests of Welsh rail passengers.
Plaid Cymru Shadow Transport Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth AM commented: “Plaid Cymru completely rejects the idea that you can take out services which go to England from Welsh control. Links between Wales and England by rail are hugely important to Plaid Cymru and we want to protect them. Taking those services away from Welsh influence would leave the Welsh rail franchise a hollow shell.
“The UK Government’s Department for Transport does not apply any such restriction to Scotland. Scottish Ministers are allowed to procure services which go into England. Wales has a very different geography to Scotland but we should be given the same right. Plaid Cymru will continue to keep the pressure up on this issue and looks forward to rail powers being granted to Wales. But we will make sure any deal with disadvantages Wales is exposed and rejected.”
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