South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies has slammed Labour and Plaid Cymru Senedd members, after they voted to reject calls to build an M4 Relief Road.
Welsh Conservatives brought forward a motion in the Senedd, demanding the road be built to tackle congestion in and around Newport.
Mr Davies said the present bottleneck is a major impediment to economic development in South Wales, impacting business and trade with Bristol and the South West of England.
He argued this impacts Vale workers and businesses, many of whom either work in the South West or have customers and clients based there.
An inquiry commissioned by Senedd ministers that reported in 2018 recommended the road should be built.
Environmental benefits, brought about by the reduction in emissions caused by standing traffic, was among the reasons the review recommended building the road.
But the project was cancelled by then First Minister Mark Drakeford, with the support of Labour and Plaid Cymru Senedd members.
Mr Davies said the “out of touch decision” was taken for “separatist reasons”, and those opposing the road do not want to strengthen links between South Wales and the South West.
Mr Davies said:
“It’s a disgrace that Labour and Plaid Cymru separatist Senedd members once again voted against an M4 Relief Road.
“The reason? Separatism. Our economy in South Wales looks east, and they hate it.
“Building the M4 Relief Road would bring new jobs, investment and opportunities to the Vale. That’s what stronger links with Bristol and the South West would deliver.
“But separatists don’t want that. They’ll sacrifice living standards in pursuit of their project.
“People in the Vale will be kept in poverty as a result of this decision.”
ENDS
Please find below the Senedd’s Record of Proceedings from 18th June 2025
https://record.senedd.wales/VoteOutcome/15148#V6356
Link to the inquiry report which recommended building the M4 Relief Road can be found here