Plaid slam Tory proposal to scrap electric train plan
Plaid representatives in Swansea have slammed Tory proposals to scrap the electrification of trains between Swansea and London.
Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers broke the news at the party’s annual conference in Manchester yesterday (Wednesday).
Plaid Councillor Darren Price stated:
“The electrification of the line between Swansea and London is something that we have been campaigning for over a number of years.
“It has huge benefits in terms of cutting journey times between Swansea, London and mainland Europe, and also in introducing a greener, more environmentally friendly mode of transport.
“This announcement by the Tories is a kick in the teeth for Swansea and South West Wales.
Plaid AM Dr. Dai Lloyd stated:
“I know that Plaid’s Transport Minister at the Assembly Ieuan Wyn Jones has been pushing hard for the electrification to Swansea.
“This announcement clearly shows the Tories for what they are – a party more interested in serving the South of England than the people of Wales. The UK Government has clearly been convinced of its affordability, with plans already being developed to start the work. The scheme should not be scrapped at this late stage to simply fund the Tories’ planned tax breaks for the rich.
“It looks that Wales will once again face the brunt of the Tories’ cuts, as we did during Thatcher’s reign in the 80’s.”
