AN AMBITIOUS cross-border partnership aiming to improve infrastructure and economic growth across south Wales and western England is to be scrapped following a UK government decision to cut funding.
The Western Gateway, a coalition of 28 local authorities stretching from Pembrokeshire to Swindon and Salisbury, will cease to operate in its current form from 6 June. The move follows the end of a £1 million-a-year funding deal announced in 2022.
The partnership had set out bold plans, including the creation of a tidal lagoon in the Severn Estuary and major rail upgrades between Cardiff, Bristol and London. It claimed such projects could deliver a £17bn boost to the UK economy.
The UK government first indicated in last autumn’s budget that it intended to wind down support for pan-regional partnerships (PRPs), instead encouraging elected mayors in England to take on their responsibilities. However, Western Gateway is the only PRP to operate across the borders of two UK nations — England and Wales — and had hoped to be treated as an exception.
Chair of Western Gateway, Sarah Williams-Gardener, criticised ministers for what she called a refusal to engage.
She said: “This is a hugely disappointing decision from the UK government. Despite repeated attempts by Welsh Government, local leaders, and MPs to seek discussions, ministers have refused to meet or consult with any of us from the area.”
The decision has also drawn political backlash. Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Mims Davies, described the move as “horrifying”.
Among the group’s recent initiatives were proposals for 30 new train stations and quicker journey times, with the potential to cut travel between Cardiff and Bristol to just 30 minutes. Earlier this year, it also backed a tidal energy scheme in the Severn, which critics have called expensive but which supporters argue is vital for green energy ambitions.
Western Gateway also attracted over £2 million in external support and was instrumental in bringing £100 million of investment to develop small modular nuclear reactors — new, lower-cost nuclear power facilities that can be partly built off-site.
The Herald understands that without renewed support from Westminster, many of these long-term ambitions are now in doubt.
