Devolved Public Services: Funding

Lord Brennan of Canton Excerpts

Monday 1st June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

Of course, the Government are always open to having constructive dialogue with the Welsh Government about new projects—and, indeed, to considering any requests from the Welsh Government. The noble Lord’s question ignores the fact that the UK Government recently agreed a £14 billion plan for the future of Welsh rail, which is far more than the Welsh Government would have received had HS2 or any heavy rail project been developed. I should point out that work is already under way, with nearly half a billion pounds having been secured in the year’s spending review, which will deliver new stations for the Welsh railway network and faster journeys and better services for passengers, connecting people to jobs and unlocking 12,000 jobs in Wales. However, we will of course continue to discuss future capital projects with Welsh Government.

[Lord Brennan of Canton (Lab)]

My Lords, as a former chief adviser to the previous First Minister, I encourage Ministers to take a positive attitude towards the new Government in Wales, even if it is not of the colour I would have wanted, and to continue those talks. While endorsing everything the Minister has said about the efforts made for greater rail investment under this Labour Government following the 2024 general election, I am unclear just what the new First Minister of Wales is asking for in relation to the M4 relief road. When interviewed recently at this year’s Eisteddfod, he said, “Something must be done”, but I was not sure whether he was actually asking for the M4 relief road to be built. Through the Prime Minister, will the Minister find out from the First Minister of Wales what exactly he means by that?

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

I agree with my noble friend that we have cause to meet requests from the Welsh Government—we need to receive them properly, understand them and have clarity about what they want. We will continue to work constructively with this Welsh Government, as we worked constructively with the previous Welsh Government, but we need to understand what exactly they wish to see happen, rather than just saying, as my noble friend pointed out, that something needs to be done.