Sophie Howe, the former independent Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, has stated she helped scrap the M4 relief road due to environmental concerns, remarking that "there are no jobs on a dead planet." Her comments were made on a BBC podcast, where it was suggested the cancelled 14-mile (22km) motorway in Newport could have boosted the economy.
Howe, who served in the role from 2016 to 2023, also described her involvement in the cancellation of numerous other road projects, including a third Menai crossing, citing environmental and wellbeing concerns. She explained that her role involved ensuring government and public bodies considered the long-term consequences of projects and policies, scrutinising and advising ministers to benefit future generations.
The Welsh government is currently reviewing options for the M4 around Newport. The previous Labour government, led by Mark Drakeford, scrapped plans for the relief road in 2019, despite an inquiry finding the economic need outweighed environmental damage concerns. Howe indicated that money originally allocated for the £1.6bn motorway has since contributed to public transport interventions, including the South Wales Metro.
The deputy minister for transport is scheduled to update the Senedd on the M4 review next week.