Wales has been “short-changed” when it comes to funding for railways, the First Minister said, as she pledged to beat a path to the Chancellor’s door.
Eluned Morgan said she had discussed consequential funding for the HS2 project with Rachel Reeves during the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.
The HS2 project has caused tensions in Wales since it was first announced due to its lack of inclusion of Welsh territory despite being designated an England and Wales project.
Plaid Cymru has called for Wales to receive £4 billion in consequential funding, in line with the proportional funding that both Scotland and Northern Ireland received as a result of the project.
Ms Morgan told the PA news agency: “Well it’s definitely an issue that we haven’t given up on, an issue that I raised with the Chancellor.
“I think it is important for there to be recognition that when it comes to rail infrastructure we do feel that Wales has been short-changed, and it’ll be interesting to see how that conversation develops.
“But already the UK Government has made massive commitments to better infrastructure, rail developments in particular, in North Wales. So again, that’s UK Labour helping out directly, in a way that didn’t happen under the Tories.”
Asked whether the Chancellor was receptive to boosting funding for rail infrastructure in Wales, Ms Morgan replied: “I think we’re all in talking and listening mode at the moment.
“She’s got some tough decisions to make, she has to balance the books at a time where she has been left with a £22 billion black hole.
“So there’s lots of people beating a path to her door, and I as First Minister will do that as well.”
A Westminster Government spokesperson said: “The new government is committed to resetting relationships with the devolved governments and will work closely with them on rail in Wales.
“The UK Government is responsible for heavy rail infrastructure across England and Wales, improving transport connectivity and services for people. That means the UK Government spends money on this in Wales rather than funding the Welsh Government to do so.”
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