I rounded up last year by saying we could look forward to 2025 with a fair degree of optimism and I can cheerfully say that I still hold that view.
In mid-January, we heard that the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, had reportedly been in communication with the UK government’s Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. Eluned Morgan said a statement, made in a letter from the Transport Secretary, that it was the first time UK ministers had admitted that the Welsh railways were underfunded. She made it clear that no new money has been announced, but the minister said talks were taking place on what she hopes would be “significant” investment on new stations. It follows a long-standing disagreement over the lack of extra funding for Wales from the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project.
Following that report, I am pleased to say that Catherine Fookes, our MP, is continuing to push the Magor & Undy Walkway case at the highest levels. She too has been in discussions with Heidi Alexander and other ministers stating the need for Magor (for those of you who use Instagram click here). At MAGOR’s quarterly meeting on 23rd January, Ted Hand announced that he had just received a letter to the MAGOR group from Catherine. She confirmed what we had picked up via social media. See the letter here. Not only was she confirming those discussions, but her main topic was concerning positive communications Ken Skates (the Welsh Government Transport and Infrastructure minister) had had between himself, Heidi Alexander and Jo Stevens (the Welsh Secretary). He details what he sees as the ‘immediate priorities‘ for rail infrastructure and includes the ‘Burns stations’. Ken Skates has always been supportive of MAGOR’s aims, so that is very encouraging. However, progress is all dependent on what comes out of the UK government’s Spring spending review. The MAGOR group is really appreciative and thanks Catherine for picking up the Magor and Undy project. We are fortunate to have again another hard-working constituency MP after Jessica Morden MP.
MAGOR has never been a ‘political’ organisation, we have always tried to build relationships and garner support from all politicians, no matter what party they are affiliated to. In this light, Ted Hand was quick to arrange a meeting with Peter Fox MS, Welsh Government’s recently appointed Shadow Transport and Infrastructure minister. Peter, along with his assistant, Oliver Morgan, met Ted, Phil Inskip and me at The Hub on 7th February. Phil, gave them both an illustrated potted history on the development of the Magor and Undy station and how the station, although being included within the Burns priorities, is not actually dependent on ‘relief line upgrading’. Also he demonstrated that, even with the current infrastructure, there is capacity to accommodate additional trains and stopping time at Magor. It could easily stand alone as a separate project.
Peter was grateful for the briefing and promised to do all he could to progress delivery for us.
All for now!
Paul
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