Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has issued a pointed warning to Prime Minister Andy Burnham over the future of devolution, insisting that Wales is a nation and “not a region of England”.
The Plaid Cymru leader said he had been encouraged by his initial discussions with Burnham but warned that the new Prime Minister must recognise that Welsh devolution is fundamentally different from the regional devolution model used within England.
Ap Iorwerth is pressing the UK Government to hand further powers to Cardiff, particularly over policing and justice, and has expressed concern that Burnham could face institutional resistance inside Westminster to transferring them.
‘We’re a nation’
Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, ap Iorwerth said Burnham's experience as Mayor of Greater Manchester meant he understood the benefits of devolution, but argued that the model could not simply be applied to Wales.
“We're a nation. We're not a region of England,” the First Minister said, adding that Wales had different needs and required a different model of devolution.
He said discussions with Burnham had so far been positive and constructive, but warned that it was important for the Prime Minister not to confuse English regional devolution with the constitutional settlement in Wales.
Push for policing and justice powers
The Welsh Government is seeking the devolution of a series of additional responsibilities from Westminster, including policing and justice, rail infrastructure, youth justice and probation, welfare and the Crown Estate.
Its official first-100-days progress report says the Government has already made the case for a new Wales Bill giving Cardiff further powers.
Ap Iorwerth highlighted policing in particular, arguing that Burnham had enjoyed greater control over policing as Mayor of Greater Manchester than the Welsh First Minister currently has in Wales.
Burnham has previously indicated openness to devolving policing, although at Prime Minister's Questions earlier this month he said proposals would receive “fair consideration” without making a firm commitment.
The First Minister said Burnham had assured him he would not bypass devolution, but expressed concern that other forces around the Prime Minister could remain resistant to transferring policing and justice.
Plaid prepared to work with Labour against Reform
Ap Iorwerth also used the interview to make clear that Plaid Cymru would be prepared to cooperate with Labour in an effort to prevent Reform UK taking power.
He said his opposition was not simply about keeping a particular political party out of office but about resisting what he described as the negative and destructive politics represented by Nigel Farage's party.
Reform is now the official opposition in the Senedd after making major gains in May's Welsh election, while Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party and formed the Welsh Government.
New relationship between Cardiff and Westminster
The dispute over further powers has been developing since Burnham entered Downing Street.
When Burnham became Prime Minister in July, ap Iorwerth said his appointment provided an opportunity to redefine relations between the Welsh and UK governments.
In an official statement at the time, the First Minister called for powers to be devolved from Westminster by strengthening rather than bypassing the Senedd.
The Welsh Government has since continued to press for a wider constitutional settlement and a fairer funding arrangement for Wales.
Ap Iorwerth is expected to raise the issue directly when he meets Burnham, with the question of policing and justice likely to become an early test of how far the Prime Minister is prepared to extend devolution beyond England's regional model.
Sources
- The Guardian — Burnham must understand Wales is 'not a region in England', says First Minister
- Welsh Government — First Minister's statement on Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister
- Welsh Government — First 100 Days progress report
- ITV News Wales — First Minister urges Westminster to 'speak the same language' on devolution