VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Railways: Wales

Asked by David ChadwickLiberal DemocratDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 18 November 2025UIN 89358

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, will the Government will make it its policy fully devolve heavy rail policy to Wales.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The Department for Transport and the Welsh Government have been working collaboratively on the approach to rail reform in Wales, building on recent progress with devolution of the Core Valley Lines and the announcement at the Spending Review that at least £445m will be made available to enhance the railway in Wales.

As announced on 5 November, a joint Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be published in Spring 2026 and will be supported by a partnership agreement between Great British Railways and Transport for Wales. This will ensure we are working towards jointly agreed shared objectives for Wales and Borders rail services and UK services serving destinations in the Wales and Borders geography.

This Memorandum of Understanding will set out the intended working arrangements between the two governments for the management of rail infrastructure in Wales.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim