#North Wales is causing a problem.
Not only did they vote in a raft of Tory MPs but they even caused the Welsh Government to consider opening an office there.
They are becoming rebellious.
The Government seems to have the solution though. It appears that the want to hive off North Wales to England.
How do I know this.
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| Wales very own North/South HS rail link |
I have recently been reading the Wales Government commissioned report for " The Case for investment in the Wales rail infrastructure ". The Barry Report.
They point out, in the report, the woeful lack of investment in the Wales rail infrastructure. 1% UK investment although Wales has 11% of the UK railway network. network.
They point to the massive £60 billion ( soon to be £100 billion ) investment in HS2, £20 billon Cross Rail, the proposed £30 billion Cross Rail 2 and proposed £70 billion in the "Northern Powerhouse" rail infrastructure. All these in England.
The report also highlights that the effect of HS2 on Wales is an expected gain of £50 million to the North Wales economy and an expected loss of £200 million to South Wales per year.
it is also the case that rail travellers from South Wales to North Wales and vice versa have a tortuous 41/2 hour journey, during which they have to travel in and out of England.
The answer.
North Wales future is with England. the Document argues that rail investment should be used to speed up rail links on the North Wales network to Liverpool and Manchester.
Despite stating that "the analysis is clear, investment in rail infrastructure is required to support a stronger, inclusive and more equitable economy," nowhere in the Report is there a plan for a North Wales to South Wales rail link. No plan for an integrated Wales. No mention of a "Wales Powerhouse."
So there you have it. There are plans for the Metro. That will take us north to Treherbert, Merthyr and Ebbw Vale, so that must be the new border.
There is no plan to complete the network between Carmarthen and Aberystwrth, so maybe Aberystwrth will have to go. I don't know what they will do about the National Library.
So there's the plan. No more worries about North South links. No more worries about taking back Tory seats. A smaller more compact Wales, easier to finance and govern.
However perhaps they intend to ask Westminster for the money for Wales High Speed rail. Good luck with that.
Or perhaps like England, sorry UK, they could borrow the money. No, not allowed.
So it seems my original theory is right.
I will miss Rhyl though, I had good holidays there.
