Lord Murphy of Torfaen

Baroness Hodge will share her findings with the government in the Autumn of 2025, and the government will publish the conclusions of the review along with the government’s response in 2026.

The Welsh Government has provided funding to Torfaen County Borough Council for the upgrade of Pontypool and New Inn railway station. Questions relating to the progress of these works should be addressed to Transport for Wales who are responsible for the operation of the station.

The Wales Rail Board meets regularly and facilitates the UK and Welsh governments to discuss matters of mutual interest. The Board discusses performance of the Great Western Main Line and plans to manage rail services during construction of the new station at Old Oak Common. I continue to work with HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and train operators to minimise disruption to passengers on the Great Western Main Line, both during the construction of the station and its operation.

The new station at Old Oak Common will create an interchange between HS2 and national rail services. I continue to work with HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and all train operators to minimise disruption to passengers on the Great Western Main Line, both during the construction of the station and during its operation.

The operation of the Common Travel Area arrangements for British Citizens travelling to Ireland from the UK, is a matter for the Irish Government.

When travelling from Ireland to the UK, an Irish citizen is not required to present their passport, but may be asked to show a document that confirms their identity and nationality.

My colleagues, the Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP and the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Wales Dame Nia Griffith MP, meet with Welsh Government colleagues frequently on a range of issues including culture. Our two governments are working in close partnership to deliver for the people of Wales.

In October, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Wales Dame Nia Griffith MP and DCMS Minister Sir Chris Bryant MP met with Welsh Government Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant MS to discuss the Welsh National Opera and to recognise the value of its work, not just for the people of Wales but also for the people of England.

Minister Bryant then held a series of meetings with Welsh National Opera and Arts Council England to understand the issue in more detail. This series of meetings was able to reassure everyone that all partners wanted to see a positive long-term future for Welsh National Opera.

My colleague, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Wales Dame Nia Griffith MP, looks forward to meeting with you at the end of this month to discuss this further.