Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will commission an independent assessment of the financial and operational implications of fully devolving rail infrastructure and services to the Welsh Government.

The UK and Welsh Governments are focussed on transformation of the rail sector, modernising and improving rail services and delivering a more integrated, accountable, and passenger-focused railway.

As part of the wider rail reform agenda, and through continued collaborative working, we will be confirming devolved responsibilities, funding arrangements, and joint governance mechanisms, thereby strengthening accountability in the delivery of rail services across the Wales and Borders area.

A joint Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be published in Spring 2026 and will be supported by a partnership agreement between Great British Railways and Transport for Wales. This will ensure we are working towards jointly agreed shared objectives for Wales and Borders rail services and UK services serving destinations in the Wales and Borders geography.