Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will examine the potential for a Cardiff–Newport–Bristol economic corridor which would examine how transport, infrastructure, investment and closer collaboration between businesses and universities could create an integrated economic corridor to encourage more investment and high-value employment within Wales.

The Government's ambition is to support good growth across all parts of the United Kingdom.

At SR 25, the Government delivered the largest spending review settlements in real terms for the Welsh Government since devolution in 1998.

The UK and Welsh Governments have agreed a long-term plan for Welsh rail and we are committed to delivering that plan; unlocking 12,000 jobs and connecting the people of Wales to tens of thousands more across the country.  This represents a long term commitment to a pipeline of 43 projects worth up to £14bn in North, South, Mid and West Wales that will deliver the transport network Wales deserves.

We are also investing in the West of England, with the West of England Combined Authority receiving £800m of transport investment via the Transport for City Regions fund over 5 years (2027/28 – 2031/32), which will support mass transit development between Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

Bristol and Newport are each receiving £20m from the Pride in Place Fund over 10 years. Businesses across South Wales are benefiting through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, Cardiff Capital Region is receiving £30 million to build on its strengths in semiconductors and the creative industries, while South West Wales has secured up to £20 million for clean energy and advanced materials.