Welsh Government begins talks on rail devolution and funding

The Welsh Government says it has begun negotiations with the UK Government on rail devolution, stronger influence over rail decisions and a funding settlement for Wales.

It says its immediate work includes accelerating committed improvements, including the new Burns stations, and engaging with the Railways Bill. The government says this is intended to improve connectivity and reduce pressure on the M4.

The release says Wales accounts for around 10% of the British rail network by track length and has received 1.5% of total UK rail investment over the past 15 years. Those figures are the Welsh Government’s stated assessment.

Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper said: “Decisions over rail investment should be made here in Wales, not Westminster.”

The announcement sets out a negotiating position and policy ambition, not an agreement on full devolution or a confirmed funding settlement.