Labour hopefuls in the driving seat as M4 relief road in focus
Ahead of the Labour leadership election vote, Ruth Mosalski asked the three candidates to give us their views on key issues facing Wales. Today they tell us whether or not they support the building of an M4 relief road
LABOUR members are about to start voting for who they think should replace Carwyn Jones. Whether it is Mark Drakeford, Vaughan Gething or Eluned Morgan who is announced winner on December 6, there will be tough decisions to make.
Some will be key decisions which will shape the future of Wales.
We are asking them about a series of topics which they will have a vital influence on in Cardiff Bay including the economy, education and taxes.
Today the question involves the M4 relief road and whether they support it being built or not.
■ Mark Drakeford – can’t say
“As a member of the Welsh Government, I am bound by the principle of collective decision-making and therefore cannot publicly express an explicit opinion before the relevant ministers have had opportunity to discuss the decisions before them.
“A public inquiry into the M4 relief road has just concluded, and advice for ministers is being prepared based on its findings. Having gone to the trouble of setting up this inquiry, and with the effort that has gone into producing a report, we must be prepared to consider its recommendations in full before coming to a final decision.
“As Finance Minister, I will pay particular attention to any recommendations about the expected cost to the public and costs to other important investments across Wales.The debate on the M4 relief road has predominantly been focused on two issues – the predicted impact on the environment and the predicted benefits for the economy. This follows a far too common pattern which frames the future of our planet and the strength of our economy in competition with one another.
“As First Minister, I would seek to end that pattern and move towards an approach in which environmental and economic wellbeing are closely aligned, in accordance with the provisions of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
“Any major decision on a devolved matter such as this must be taken here in Wales and not dictated to us by anyone else.
“When I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to make the case for additional borrowing powers, I set out a number of potential infrastructure projects which would benefit from additional borrowing, including Metros in Swansea and north Wales, the building of a third Menai crossing, establishing a new hospital in west Wales and our 21st Century Schools programme.
“The relief road is one among this list of potential projects.” ■ Vaughan Gething – supports building a relief road
“Doing nothing is not an option. That means delivering an M4 relief road. I recognise that some people don’t share my view. However, we need to decide and act, not prevaricate.
“This is not a local choice. It is a major strategic choice for our economy. Of course this matters to Newport and the surrounding area, but its reach and impact is much wider. It has a big impact on business and jobs in our ports, the valleys and west Wales too.
“Once the public inquiry is available we will be able to see the detail of all the options rigorously tested and analysed. If we do nothing, the problem gets worse and a solution will cost even more.
“This does not mean that we could or should abandon our plans to move ahead with the metro and significantly improve both rail and bus transport.
“It is a false choice to claim that we either invest in public transport or resolve the strategic economic challenge of the M4 at Brynglas.”
■ Eluned Morgan – supports building a relief road
“Economic development and the provision of jobs will be my first priority as First Minister of Wales.
“I believe that encouraging active travel and supporting public transport, in particular the South Wales Metro, could transform the economy in south Wales, and I will stand by the election manifesto commitment on which Labour campaigned to deliver the M4 relief road.
“This is a pressing problem demanding a solution.
“Thousands of people are held up on a daily basis coming in and out of Wales, which has a negative impact on the economy and on people’s lives. I will await with interest the conclusions of the Independent Public Inquiry into the road.
“I am, however, extremely concerned about the potential cost of the development both economically and environmentally.
“I am anxious that the whole of Wales benefits or at least does not suffer from the costs of funding the scheme; funding that could otherwise go to public services. I strongly believe that if the road is built, it should be tolled so that the people using the route are the people who pay; following the “polluter pays” environmental principle.
“By the time the route is built, it will be possible to use number-plate recognition technology to pay for tolls so there will be no hold-ups. We must make better use of such smart traffic management technology and appreciate that some may even be in driverless vehicles by then.”
■ TOMORROW: The Labour leadership contenders give their thoughts on supporting Wales’ small businesses.