A transport hub in Monmouthshire plays a vital role in driving economic growth, Catherine Fookes MP has said, while taking aim at Reform UK for trying to stop the scheme.
The station for Magor and Undy will be built using a £445m allocation from the UK Government intended to upgrade Wales railway network, announced in February 2026.
The financial package also encompasses facilities at Cardiff East, Cardiff Parkway (which received approval in January 2025), Llanwern, Newport West, Somerton, and Deeside Industrial Park.
During Treasury Questions in Parliament, the Monmouthshire MP praised the UK Government’s partnership with Wales while attacking Reform UK for obstructing these schemes.
At the hearing, Mrs Fookes questioned Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray about what steps the Government is taking to stimulate Wales’ economic growth.
Mr Murray replied that this Government is driving economic expansion in Wales through £2.5bn to maintain 3000 jobs and provide energy to many homes. He said they are supporting Welsh free ports and development zones alongside £455m in railway upgrades across Wales.
Mrs Fookes then said that local people have been celebrating securing a new railway station thanks to two Labour governments working together to deliver it. She noted it is remarkable that Reform UK’s Welsh leader recently stated that no one wants or needs new stations.
She went on to ask whether the minister shares her opinion that new railway infrastructure is unquestionably essential for economic growth, and whether he thinks Reform UK either ignore what Welsh people want or simply don’t care.
Mr Murray responded that he completely agrees with his honorable colleague that the UK and Welsh Labour governments’ longstanding commitment to Wales’ railway future is beneficial for her and her constituents in Monmouthshire.
He said it is shameful to hear Reform UK’s Welsh leader trying to tell people what they want. He added that it is even more concerning that they want to abandon the plan. New railway infrastructure is certainly vital for their economic growth. And Labour will build the railway in Wales that people need and deserve.