“Everyone in Wales should be able to get where they need to go – and we can support our economy at the same time as having clean air, thriving nature, equal opportunities and a healthy future for our children and grandchildren.

“We cannot afford to go backwards on transport, particularly when a previous review into M4 congestion at Newport has already pointed towards more sustainable solutions.

“People were promised better public transport when the M4 Relief Road was roundly rejected. While it’s positive to see commitments to better bus and rail services, those promises now need to be delivered at pace.

“I am also extremely concerned that protecting and restoring our environment does not have the prominence it urgently needs and I call on Welsh Government to reassure people that any road building compromising valuable nature sites will be off the table.

“A third Menai crossing that improves connectivity for people today must fulfil Wales’ legal obligations to future generations and I have written to the Cabinet Minister to ask how he has taken the Future Generations Act into account in today’s decisions.

“Next steps on these complex transport issues must use what has already been learned from previous reviews, listen to the communities affected and look beyond the immediate pressures to the Wales we are creating for future generations and ensure this is a wise investment in 50 years’ time.”

Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales responding to Welsh Government announcement on Menai Crossings and M4 around Newport, October 6, 2026.