Written questions by Jones.

What progress her Department has made on implementing the new station at Newport West announced in Spending Review 2025.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment has she made of the potential impact of increases in fuel prices on the road haulage sector; and what steps is she taking to mitigate these.

The Department for Transport recognises growing concerns around rising fuel and transport costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The Department fully recognises the need to maintain the continuity of critical supply chains and is actively monitoring any potential impacts. The Department will continue to work with industry to understand the pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

What assessment she has made of regional disparities in the availability of lorry diver facilities; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure consistent provision across England.

A national survey of lorry parking is underway to provide a fresh baseline on the availability of secure lorry parking and HGV driver welfare provision throughout England. This will include region by region analysis of overnight lorry parking, utilisation rates and distribution of sites. The national survey was last conducted in 2022 and provided the evidence base for the HGV Parking Matched Funding Grant Scheme which will provide up to £37.5 million investment from government and industry in 30 counties across England. This is on top of up to £30 million investment in lorry parking by National Highways and industry in lorry parks along the strategic road network in England. The government is prioritising improvements to the planning system. Strengthened policy on freight and logistics has been proposed in the recent consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to improve the consideration of freight, including lorry parking, in the planning system.

What assessment she has made of the potential risks to supply chains of inadequate roadside facilities for lorry drivers.

The Department for Transport has not carried out an assessment of the potential risks to supply chains of inadequate roadside facilities. The National Survey of Lorry Parking was last conducted in 2022 and provided the evidence base for the HGV Parking Matched Funding Grant Scheme which will provide up to £37.5 million investment from government and industry in 30 counties across England. This is on top of up to £30M investment in lorry parking by National Highways and industry in lorry parks along the strategic road network in England. A new National Survey of Lorry Parking is underway, which will provide a fresh baseline on the availability of secure lorry parking and HGV driver welfare provision throughout England. The Survey is scheduled to be published in the autumn. To strengthen the UK’s supply chain security, the Government is launching a new Supply Chain Centre based in the Department for Business and Trade. This marks a change in government’s approach to protecting the UK’s economy and security in turbulent geopolitical times. It will take a more assertive, strategic and data-led approach, and lead a targeted programme of work to ensure the UK can access the goods it needs to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

What assessment has she made of the potential merits of opening a new station at Crumlin as part of proposals to re-open the Abertillery spur of the Ebbw Vale Line.

In February the Prime Minister and the First Minister endorsed Transport for Wales’ ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’ vision for rail investment in Wales, confirming that it should form the basis of the Wales Rail Board’s future pipeline of projects. The vision document includes a proposed scheme to reinstate a spur from the Ebbw Valley Line to Abertillery. As part of its role in prioritising rail enhancements for Wales to inform future spending reviews, the Wales Rail Board will consider the timing and scope of this scheme, including any associated enhancement of the main Ebbw Valley branch line such as opening a station at Crumlin.

What discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on supporting improved access to transport for disabled people across Wales.

The government is committed to improving public transport services, so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. As part of this Government’s broader mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we recognise that more needs to be done to ensure transport is accessible to all right across Great Britain. The Department for Transport has discussions with counterparts in the Welsh Government on a variety of issues, including the accessibility of local transport.

What recent discussions she had with the Welsh Rail Board on the electrification of the Cardiff - Swansea section of the South Wales Mainline.

The Rail Minister has regular discussions with the Wales Rail Board regarding their priorities for investment, including future electrification between Swansea and Cardiff. Our initial joint priorities involve improvements on the South Wales Mainline which will deliver more immediate passenger benefits, including increasing the frequency of services to the west of Cardiff. Following the Spending Review, we are funding these improvement works as part of the wider £445 million investment to enhance rail infrastructure across Wales — unlocking economic potential, improving connectivity, and supporting communities.

What assessment has she made of the potential merits of proposals to re-open the Abertillery spur of the Ebbw Vale Line.

The Wales Rail Board works with both the UK and Welsh governments, as well as local transport authorities and community leaders, to identify and advance rail projects that best meet the specific needs of each region.In relation to the Abertillery Spur, the Wales Rail Board is in receipt of the development work undertaken to date by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Transport for Wales and is considering this in relation to its advice to both governments on service development and investment priorities for Wales.

What assessment has she made of the potential impact of (a) opening new or (b) reopening former railway stations on economic regeneration of towns in the South Wales coalfield.

The Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy committed to deliver at least £445 million of rail enhancements in Wales, including the provision of £48 million to the Welsh Government to upgrade the Core Valley Lines and increase connectivity. The Wales Rail Board works with both the UK and Welsh governments, as well as local transport authorities and community leaders, to identify and advance rail projects that best meet the specific needs of each region, including new and reopened stations. The Board places particular emphasis on initiatives that promote economic development, job creation, and improved housing, ensuring that all projects are supported by a robust business case.

What assessment has she made of the potential impacts of (a) low car ownership and (b) difficulties in accessing rail travel on economic opportunities for deprived communities in Islwyn.

The Department for Transport recognises the importance of improving connectivity for communities with low car ownership and limited access to rail services. Through the Wales Rail Board, we are working in close partnership with the Welsh Government to develop future rail service improvements for communities across Wales, including Islwyn. Supporting this collaboration, the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy will deliver at least £445 million of UK Government investment in Welsh rail infrastructure, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing services and improving access to economic opportunities.