Rail Infrastructure: Wales

I will make some progress. I want to be clear: we are investing in Welsh railways. In its most recent statistics published for 2020-21, the Office of Rail and Road reports that Government funding of the operational railway was £2.04 per passenger mile in England and £3.85 per passenger mile in Wales. That is almost 90% higher. The current railway control period—control period 6 between 2019 and 2024—saw a record £2 billion revenue settlement for Network Rail in Wales, which is more than double the £900 million invested previously. Of that, almost £1 billion is being spent on renewing and upgrading infrastructure to meet the current and future needs of all passengers, such as the complete restoration of the iconic Barmouth viaduct in Gwynedd. The development and delivery of enhancements to the railway network in Wales is also proceeding at pace. Passengers benefit from new stations, providing additional connectivity, together with improved accessibility at existing locations.