Mark Barry-Predictions for 2026…

A quick brain dump of predictions for 2026...some transport, some politics, some economic... Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

GB Rail Bill: for Wales, see England!

The GBR Bill has just been published.... whilst much to applaud re industry rationalisation, sadly, for Wales, its more of the old Encyclopedia Britannica "for Wales, see England" mindset that sees Wales's major issues (control and funding) completely overlooked.

Post CSR, Rail Investment and Wales (updated!)

A brief reaction to the UK Governments 2025 Comprehensive Spending Review - and its impact on rail investment in Wales

Welsh Independence…no, not like North Korea (or even Brexit!)

Independence - No not like North Korea, or Brexit for that matter... I think the debate on independence in Wales, and constitutional reform more broadly, is more often than not confused because many, even most of us, are not clear what we mean by independence; and those opposed to the idea often equate it with the most … Continue reading Welsh Independence…no, not like North Korea (or even Brexit!)

The UK rail industry, Wales, HS2, Trans Pennine Upgrade, Network Rail spend, etc…

An updated version of this article appears in my book (from 14 Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro" So please head over and take a look.... The costs and estimates (let alone the scope) for projects like HS2, etc keep changing; and we are yet to see what the forward programme for rail enhancements … Continue reading The UK rail industry, Wales, HS2, Trans Pennine Upgrade, Network Rail spend, etc…