Welsh Labour First Minister stalled proposals for M4 why?

Paul Davies AM began the new term in the Welsh Parliament today by reminding First Minister Mark Drakeford of some of the failed promises made by his government in recent months.

The Conservative Leader questioned Mr Drakeford over why progress has not yet been made into either the commission announced after the rejection of the M4 relief road, or the Climate Change Emergency.

He began by quizzing Mr Drakeford about why there have been no updates on appointments of the commission since Transport Minister Ken Skates’ announcement at the end of June that all members will be in place ahead of summer recess in mid-July.

A recent comment from the Welsh Government in the press, however, made it clear that fears of the Welsh Government reneging on yet another promise were valid, because it seems that the appointment process is still ongoing.

Mr Davies asked the First Minister what his government’s excuse was for the wait, and for the resulting delay to the commission’s first report into the problems plaguing the busy M4. He added that the group’s first report, expected at the end of this year, could now be delayed until as late as spring 2020.

The daily congestion and frustration felt along the M4 is taking its toll on Wales. Businesses are closing along its length, accidents are a regular occurrence and the cancellation of the relief road project was a loss of £144million to the taxpayers’ purse.

Speaking ahead of a Welsh Conservative debate to be held in the Chamber tomorrow which will call on the Welsh Government to act quickly to pass a ‘clean air’ bill for Wales, Mr Davies also tackled the First Minister on the issue of climate change.

He highlighted that the First Minister and the Welsh Government are yet to bring forward any substantial proposals since announcing a climate emergency in April. He said: “What radical ideas did your government have in mind when it declared the climate emergency in Wales and when will you be bringing them forward?”

Speaking outside the Chamber he added:

“After the First Minister’s shambolic handling of the relief road project, it’s crucial that the Welsh Government is not allowed to again crawl through the motions while dithering Ministers ignore the calls of thousands of desperate commuters and businesses.

“The people of Wales deserve a far more transparent and clear leadership from this Labour Government.”