The M4 relief road - an update and an ask

Fersiwn Gymraeg ar gael yma.

As we were gearing up to respond to the long-awaited decision on the M4 relief road, it was announced that we will not be hearing anything further until after the European Elections (May 23).

With many keen for a decision sooner rather than later, the Welsh Government has now committed to making an announcement during the first week of June.

What we know so far

The First Minster’s decision in early June will be on whether to make the orders for the road to proceed – effectively, planning permission. If this is granted, there will then be a debate in the Assembly and a vote on whether to give the M4 the financial go-ahead.

Given the Welsh Government’s stated commitment to environmental protection and recent declaration of a climate emergency backed by the Senedd, we will be devastated if the First Minister gives this destructive scheme the go-ahead. But it is still possible that Assembly Members’ votes could be critical in saving the Gwent Levels.

The reported estimated cost of the project will be £1.4bn. Many, including Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe, have argued that this money would be better invested in transforming Wales’ public transport system, and that this would be more in line with the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

With one in fourteen species in Wales at risk of disappearing, there is no doubt nature is in crisis. The destruction of habitats such as the Gwent Levels will only accelerate the crisis further. 

The scheme would cut through no less than four nationally important protected nature sites (SSSIs). These SSSIs are the home of some incredible species including otters, water voles, bats, dormice and the rare shrill carder bumblebee. It would also destroy the habitat of the first pair of common cranes to breed in Wales for over 400 years.  Birds including kingfisher, barn owls and lapwings also call the Gwent Levels home.

This petition has now been signed by more than 20,000 people, showing that the concern for the future of the species that depend on the levels is high.

How you can help

The support that we have received from you on what has turned out to be one of our longest running campaigns has been phenomenal. You have tweeted, signed and protested on the behalf of the wildlife of the Gwent Levels and we now have one last favour to ask.  If it comes to AMs casting a vote on the road, we want as many of them as possible to vote #NoNewM4.

As their constituents a little encouragement from you could go a long way. Please email/write to your AM asking them to save the wildlife of the Gwent Levels and to vote down this scheme. The eventual decision on the M4 will be a landmark one and this could be your very last chance to speak out against it.

If you need help finding your AM, you can check who yours is here.