'No Jobs on a Dead Planet' Advocate Defends Scrapping of M4 Relief Road

A former commissioner in Wales has defended her role in advocating for the cancellation of the M4 relief road project, citing environmental concerns and the long-term sustainability of the planet. Sophie Howe, who served as the world's first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, stated on a BBC podcast that the decision to scrap the 14-mile motorway in Newport was based on the principle that "there are no jobs on a dead planet."

Howe, who held the position from 2016 until 2023, was responsible for ensuring that government and public bodies considered the long-term consequences of their decisions. She explained that while she could not veto projects, she could scrutinize and advise ministers to ensure decisions benefited future generations. The M4 relief road project, which had already seen £114 million spent on planning, was axed by the Welsh government in 2019. An inquiry commissioned by the government had previously found that the economic need for the road outweighed environmental damage concerns, and criticized Howe's input.

Despite facing criticism, Howe maintained that the M4 debate was not solely an economic versus environmental argument. She questioned how the road project aligned with Wales's well-being goals, such as fostering a prosperous, low-carbon society and promoting healthier lifestyles. Howe highlighted that the road's increased carbon emissions conflicted with these goals. She also pointed out that the project would disproportionately benefit car owners, potentially excluding 25% of the lowest-income families in the region who do not own a car, thus contradicting the goal of a more equal country.

Howe stated that she would have considered legal action if the road project had proceeded without proper consideration of well-being goals, but ultimately, public arguments and support from then-First Minister Mark Drakeford were sufficient to halt the plan. Drakeford himself had stated in 2019 that he would not have proceeded with the road, even if affordable, citing its potential damage to the Gwent Levels. The inspector's report at the time, however, had criticized Howe's stance, calling her suggestions about the inquiry's consideration of future generations legislation "wholly unwarranted."

Howe noted that funds originally allocated for the £1.6 billion road project had since been redirected to other public transport initiatives, including the South Wales Metro. She also indicated that her scrutiny led to the cancellation of dozens of other road projects, including a proposed third Menai crossing, due to similar environmental and well-being concerns. In 2023, the Welsh government announced it would no longer consider new major road-building projects unless they demonstrably reduced carbon emissions, supported public transport, or helped adapt to climate change. However, some projects, like the Flintshire road and the third Menai bridge, have seen recent reviews suggesting potential revival.

The establishment of the Future Generations Commissioner role in Wales has had a global impact, inspiring similar initiatives and legislation in other countries. While bills addressing future generations' interests are being developed in the UK and Irish parliaments, a similar proposal was rejected in Scotland.

A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed that a review of options to improve conditions on the M4 around Newport is ongoing, with the deputy minister for transport expected to update the Senedd on the progress next week.