Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer ducks question on HS2 funding during Llandudno visit
The Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mel Stride, avoided answering a direct question on HS2 funding during a visit to Llandudno on Thursday, instead blaming Welsh Government spending – despite the UK Government funding the scheme.
The Local Democracy Reporting service asked the Conservative MP why High Speed 2 is still classed as an “England and Wales” project – even though the train service’s route doesn’t include Wales.
In the construction phase, HS2 is a major high-speed rail project designed to reduce travel times and increase passenger capacity, connecting London and the Midlands with a high-speed track.
But critics argue, because the HS2 doesn’t serve Wales directly, it should be treated as an English-only project, freeing up additional funding for Wales as dictated by the Barnett formula.
Plaid Cymru even estimated the loss to be in the region of £4 billion.
But the UK Government has claimed HS2 funding forms part of a wider UK-wide investment approach, with the scheme being progressed under both Tory and Labour leaderships during its many different stages.
When visiting Llandudno, Mel Stride was asked about the controversial HS2 funding and blamed the Labour Welsh Government.
“For too long the Welsh Labour Government has wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ cash on wholly trivial schemes.
“If Labour has been able to splash £120 million on creating more politicians, tens of millions on a 20mph default speed limit, millions on ‘embassies’ all over the world, then they certainly have the money, but it is about priorities. If the people of Wales want real change, the only way that can happen is by voting Welsh Conservative in May.”
He added: “The last UK Conservative Government also ensured that for every £1 spent on a devolved area in England £1.20 was sent to the Welsh Government.”
The MP was also asked about the rise of Reform UK in Wales ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections.
He said: “Every vote for the Welsh Conservatives is a vote for a strong team with a credible plan to get Wales working. Under the new electoral system, every vote for the Welsh Conservatives will help elect a Welsh Conservative, no matter where you live in Wales.
“Reform’s promises are never backed up with a credible plan. If you want real change for our schools, hospitals, and local economies, you must vote Welsh Conservative.”
On Llandudno’s economy, Mr Stride added: “Hospitality is a key pillar of the Welsh economy, and especially so in beautiful places like Llandudno. History shows us that imposing more taxes does not lead to growth. The Welsh Labour Government’s tourism tax will destroy confidence and jobs. If the Welsh Conservatives are elected, we will scrap the disastrous tourism tax.”
A spokesman for Reform Wales said: “The Conservatives are finished in Wales.”
The Welsh Government was contacted for a comment but declined to comment due to the pre-election period.
By Richard Evans – BBC Local Democracy Reporter
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
