The South Wales Metro multi-million-pound project faces being derailed if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, warn the Welsh Government.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said Welsh Government officials are seeking clarity on what happens to necessary land transfers being managed by UK Government as part of the process.
South Wales Metro project will see a revitalised rail and bus network across the region and new rolling stock has already started to appear.
The minister wants the transfer and assets process speeded up and passed to Welsh Government as soon as possible, likely by the end of September.
There are plans for more frequent services and street trams in the capital by 2024.
In a press release, Mr Skates said, “I have been made aware in recent days that the increased prospects of a ‘no deal’ Brexit now threaten this asset transfer process, with potentially far reaching impacts for the wider delivery of the South Wales Metro project.
“As a result of the need to handle a ‘no deal’ Brexit in Whitehall, it is likely that resources within the Department for Transport will be moved from ongoing business within the department and on to other duties.”
Any reduction in resources and capacity available in UK government to support the transfer “jeopardises the deliverability of the South Wales Metro as contractually programmed”, he said, adding there is also a risk to the availability of £159m in European funding if Britain leaves without agreement and safeguards.