Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed strong disapproval over the UK Government’s decision to classify the High-Speed 2 (HS2) rail project as an “England and Wales” initiative, arguing that this classification unfairly denies Wales significant funding that could enhance its rail infrastructure.
The HS2 project, a high-speed rail line intended to connect London with Birmingham and further to Manchester and Leeds, has been designated as benefiting both England and Wales. However, no portion of the rail line extends into Wales. This classification means that, unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland, Wales does not receive additional funding through the Barnett formula, which allocates funds to devolved governments based on UK Government spending in England.
MPs, including those from Plaid Cymru and the Labour Party, have criticized this decision, stating that it results in Wales missing out on substantial financial resources. They argue that if HS2 were reclassified as an “England-only” project, Wales could receive up to £5 billion in consequential funding. This funding could be utilized for vital rail projects such as the Swansea Bay Metro, electrification of the North Wales mainline, and the development of new stations along the South Wales Main Line.
First Minister Eluned Morgan has labeled the current classification of HS2 as a “fundamental injustice,” emphasizing that Wales has been historically underfunded in terms of rail infrastructure. She has called for the UK Government to reclassify HS2 and provide Wales with the resultant funding to address these disparities.
The UK Government has acknowledged the low levels of rail enhancement spending in Wales in recent years. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens have recognized this issue and have stated their commitment to improving the situation. However, they have not agreed to reclassify HS2 as an “England-only” project, suggesting that focusing on a sustainable and dedicated funding stream for Welsh rail infrastructure would be a more effective solution.
The debate continues as MPs and Welsh Government officials push for a reassessment of HS2’s classification, aiming to secure the necessary funding to modernize and expand Wales’s rail network.
