Eluned Morgan says she is pushing for HS2 cash

Eluned Morgan said the Welsh government had not given up on HS2 funding

The first minister says she has not given up on bringing HS2 funding to Wales.

Despite the high-speed rail project being entirely in England, Wales received no extra cash from the previous Conservative UK government to make up for the scheme.

So far, Eluned Morgan's UK party colleagues have been reluctant to commit to consequential funding.

The first minister said she had raised the matter with the chancellor, telling the PA Media agency Rachel Reeves was in listening mode.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have received extra funds as a result of HS2, which will run from London to Birmingham.

Plaid Cymru has called for Wales to receive £4bn in consequential funding.

Welsh government ministers have recently put the figure at a much smaller £350m, although Labour politicians have estimated billions in the past.

Senedd Conservatives say Welsh Labour has "gone soft on the issue" now Labour is in power at Westminster.

The first minister said: "Well it's definitely an issue that we haven't given up on, an issue that I raised with the chancellor.

"I think it is important for there to be recognition that when it comes to rail infrastructure we do feel that Wales has been short-changed, and it'll be interesting to see how that conversation develops.

"But already the UK government has made massive commitments to better infrastructure, rail developments in particular, in north Wales."

Asked whether the chancellor was receptive to boosting funding for rail infrastructure in Wales, Morgan replied: "I think we're all in talking and listening mode at the moment."

The first minister added that she is "having conversations" on how Wales is funded, adding that "a fair funding system" is essential.

During the general election campaign Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens had told an ITV debate that the "money isn't there" for HS2 funding.

The senior Welsh Labour MP had previously declined to commit to extra HS2 money.

'Resetting relationships'

At a meeting of finance committee earlier this week, former first minister and now Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, indicated that his government was "engaged" with UK counterparts over the issue of rail funding.

He told Senedd members he was looking for a "sensible and pragmatic conclusion" to the HS2 issue, but said the issue was broader than just the high speed rail line.

Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said Morgan's comments were "hardly surprising".

"HS2 consequentials for Wales are a no-brainer, but now that it’s a Labour government that has to shell out the funding, Welsh Labour have gone soft on the issue," he said.

"The first minister should stop putting her party first."

Plaid Cymru's transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths said the first minister's commitment was "just more empty words."

“All we heard from the Labour Party during their general election campaign was that two Labour governments would work effectively together.

"Now, the first minister says she will 'beat a path to the Chancellor’s door’ to ask for HS2 cash.

"That cooperation is clearly faltering if the first minister needs such aggressive tactics to reach a member of her own party."

A UK government spokesperson said it was "committed to resetting relationships with the devolved governments and will work closely with them on rail in Wales".

"The UK government is responsible for heavy rail infrastructure across England and Wales, improving transport connectivity and services for people.

"That means the UK government spends money on this in Wales rather than funding the Welsh government to do so."