Prime Minister Announces Seven New Stations and Major Rail Funding Boost

The Prime Minister has confirmed plans for seven new railway stations alongside a significant funding commitment aimed at expanding capacity, improving connectivity, and strengthening the nation’s rail infrastructure. Keir Starmer and Eluned Morgan have unveiled a landmark joint commitment to transform Wales’ railways, promising long-term investment to reverse years of underfunding and deliver a new era of stability and growth for the network.

The Prime Minister is expected to formally endorse the vision set out by Transport for Wales today, confirming it will form the basis of a shared UK and Welsh Government pipeline of rail projects. The agreement commits both governments to working together to accelerate delivery.

Ministers say the generational investment will support around 12,000 jobs across Wales and marks a decisive break from what they describe as years of “chronic chop-and-changing and underinvestment” by previous UK governments.

The funding builds on the Welsh Government’s £1.1bn upgrade and electrification of the Core Valley Lines and an £800 million investment in a new fleet of trains. The next phase will focus on expanding capacity and improving connectivity across the country.

Almost £500m earmarked in the latest Spending Review will fund the construction of seven new stations:

• Magor and Undy
• Llanwern
• Cardiff East
• Newport West
• Somerton
• Cardiff Parkway
• Deeside Industrial Park

The new stations are expected to boost commuter links, unlock housing and business development, and provide a significant lift to Wales’ construction sector. The announcement forms part of the Prime Minister’s wider drive to “get Britain building again” and deliver what he has described as a decade of national renewal — creating thousands of jobs and strengthening transport links to support economic growth and help ease cost-of-living pressures.

Both governments say the agreement demonstrates what can be achieved through closer cooperation between Westminster and Cardiff Bay, with rail reform positioned as a cornerstone of Wales’ long-term economic future.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “For too long, Wales has been let down by a UK government unwilling to do the hard yards and build the future they deserve.  This government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future.  This isn’t tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term – and change communities will feel. This is putting Wales on the front foot and getting Britain building again.” 

First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: “We are now in an unprecedented position to deliver the next chapter of transformation for rail services in Wales. We have secured long-term commitments to key projects and a renewed ambition for our rail network.

Changes of this scale don’t happen overnight but they do happen when there is vision, determination, and cooperation. We’ve already proved that with the Core Valley Lines, and we are beginning to see the same momentum with Network North Wales. When you have the ambition, the commitment and the will, real progress follows – and we have all three.

Today marks another important milestone for rail as Transport for Wales publishes an exciting and essential pipeline for future investment. This includes projects the length and breadth of our nation. We warmly welcome the UK Government’s support for these plans and for their commitment to putting right the injustice of Welsh rail underfunding left by the previous government.

In the near term, I’m pleased to see backing for the essential work at Padeswood and Buckley. This will transform journeys between Wrexham and Liverpool, unlock economic opportunities across north Wales, and allow plans for the new Deeside station to accelerate. I also welcome the UK Government’s support for Cardiff Parkway, and we remain committed to working closely with all partners to complete the full business case and development plans.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “After years of underinvestment in Welsh infrastructure, this UK Government is modernising and upgrading Welsh rail. This investment in seven new stations and other upgrades will boost capacity across our network and transform the experience of thousands of passengers. It is part of the generational investment we are making to improve Welsh rail which will better connect people with the well-paid jobs we are creating across the country and drive economic growth.”