News
Plaid Cymru calls for HS2 funding as disruption sparks debate
PLAID Cymru representatives have condemned the UK Government over the HS2 rail project, branding it the “Great Welsh Train Robbery”, while calls for a fairer funding settlement for Wales intensify. However, the UK Government insists that Wales benefits indirectly from the high-speed rail project, while the Welsh Labour Government faces questions about its role in addressing the issue.
Ann Davies, Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin and the party’s Westminster transport spokesperson, criticised the lack of funding for Wales as well as the expected disruption to Welsh rail passengers caused by the construction of Old Oak Common station.
Plaid Cymru’s frustration
Speaking in Westminster on Tuesday (Dec 17), Ms Davies said: “It is well documented that Wales is being robbed of £4 billion in consequential funding from HS2.”
She highlighted the disruption that will affect journeys on the Carmarthen-London route, with some trains expected to be diverted from London Paddington to Euston for up to seven years.
“Welsh passengers will be robbed of their time as trains could be diverted due to the construction of Old Oak Common. It is no wonder that HS2 is being referred to as the Great Welsh Train Robbery.”
Cefin Campbell MS, Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, echoed her concerns:“Wales deserves better connectivity and transport links that serve her people. The Government must stop sidelining Wales and deliver the funding owed.”
UK Government’s response
The UK Government maintains that HS2, classified as an “England and Wales” project, provides indirect benefits to Wales. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said:
“We are committed to improving services for rail passengers in Wales, investing a record-breaking £2bn in Welsh railways from April 2019 to March 2024. HS2 will deliver economic benefits to all parts of the UK, including Wales, by improving connectivity and reducing congestion.”
The Government argues that the improved rail capacity HS2 provides in England will create opportunities for better services across the wider network, indirectly benefitting Welsh passengers.
Questions for Welsh Labour
Plaid Cymru also criticised the Welsh Labour Government for failing to take a stronger stance. Ann Davies questioned whether the First Minister has made adequate representations to the UK Government about the disruption:
“Can the Minister set out what meetings he has had with the Welsh First Minister regarding the near decade of disruption facing Welsh passengers?”
However, the Welsh Government has consistently called for fairer funding. A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said:
“We continue to press the UK Government for a fair funding settlement that reflects the impact of HS2 on Wales and ensures investment in rail infrastructure.”
Funding disparity
Ann Davies MP also highlighted what she described as historical underinvestment in Wales:
“Despite having 5% of the UK population and 11% of track miles, Wales has received only 1-2% of rail enhancement funding in recent years. Electrification in Wales stands at just 7%, compared to 44% in England and 33% in Scotland.”
Transport experts have supported these concerns. Professor Mark Barry, an advisor to the Welsh Government, said:
“As it is now, we’re supporting a massive scheme in England with no benefit to Wales—and getting no funding. That’s outrageous.”
As disruption looms for Welsh passengers, commuters have expressed concern over overcrowded stations and longer journeys. Passengers travelling to London face diversions, with the situation expected to last up to seven years while construction at Old Oak Common continues.
Plaid Cymru has renewed its call for the UK Government to release the £4 billion it claims is owed to Wales, urging investment in better connectivity and infrastructure.
Cefin Campbell MS added: “The Government must alter its course, deliver the £4 billion Wales is owed, and ensure effective measures are in place to protect Welsh passengers from disruption.”
With the debate showing no signs of slowing, Welsh passengers and politicians alike will be watching closely to see whether funding and disruption concerns are addressed in the coming months.
News
Land Rover swallowed by tide at popular Welsh beach
A LAND ROVER Discovery has been lost to the sea at Abersoch after becoming stranded on the resort’s Main Beach.
The vehicle, worth tens of thousands of pounds, was spotted by early morning dog walkers on the sand at the Gwynedd coastal village before being completely covered by the incoming tide at around 10:00am.
Stranded on sand
Images circulating on social media showed the 4×4 marooned on the beach, with some locals initially questioning whether the pictures were genuine.
However, witnesses later confirmed the incident, with one RIB owner reporting: “People are paddleboarding over its roof!”
It is believed the vehicle may have become stuck while being used to recover a boat trailer or jet ski.
‘Not the first’
Locals said the incident was a familiar sight at the popular seaside resort, where vehicles have previously become trapped by soft sand and fast-moving tides.
One man wrote: “Not the first and it won’t be the last.”
Another joked: “The tide comes in. Who knew?”
Others described it as the start of the “silly season”, when coastal mishaps increase as visitor numbers rise.
Expensive mistake
New Land Rover Discovery models can cost around £80,000, while Discovery Sport models start from about £55,000.
Commenters suggested the vehicle’s off-road reputation may have given the driver false confidence.
One wrote: “It probably gave him a sense of security that it can go anywhere — we all know it can’t.”
Recovery expected
As the tide began to recede, boat owners reported the outline of the vehicle starting to reappear beneath the water.
Recovery was expected to require a beach tractor, but seawater damage means the Land Rover is likely to be written off.
One local said: “Very sad to see that something went wrong. You see many cars go into the sea to retrieve boat trailers, and you know that car will be rotten very soon afterwards.
“There’s a reason why old tractors are used.”
Despite the flood of “can’t park there” jokes and “Chelsea tractor” comments online, many said they felt sorry for the owner, who now faces what one person called a “very expensive weekend.”
Community
Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood
A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.
Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.
He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”
The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.
A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.
The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.
Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.
Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].
Caption:
Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.
News
Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven
WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.
This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.
Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Labour Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.
Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.
It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.
“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”
Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.
“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.
“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”
The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.
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