The newly installed Welsh First Minister has formally requested a “new deal” from the UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, urging a transfer of powers and a fairer funding settlement before he addresses party members in Llandudno on Friday – the first major conference speech since Plaid Cymru secured power in May’s historic Senedd election.
A detailed letter outlining the demand for devolution
In a 2,000‑word correspondence delivered on Thursday and obtained by BBC Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth outlined a series of constitutional and fiscal reforms. He argued that the Welsh Government should acquire authority over policing and the justice system, gain control of rail infrastructure, and manage the Crown Estate, all of which currently sit outside devolved competence. Ap Iorwerth also called for a funding model that is needs‑based, reflecting Wales’s demographic profile and economic realities, and urged the UK to adopt the same fiscal tools enjoyed by Scotland to underpin broader public‑service integration and economic growth.
Political context: a minority administration navigating a fragmented Senedd
Ap Iorwerth leads a minority government that must secure support from opposition parties to pass legislation and approve budgets. The administration suffered a decisive defeat in July when a key vote on its spending plans was rejected, underscoring the fragility of its position. With no overall majority, the First Minister must negotiate with members of the Senedd from across the chamber to achieve consensus on any new powers or fiscal arrangements he wishes to implement.
Responses from the UK government and other political leaders
Burnham has indicated he will “give a fair hearing” to the proposals, while stopping short of committing to any specific transfer of authority. A UK government spokesperson reiterated the administration’s commitment to a “stronger and fairer Wales within a stronger and fairer United Kingdom,” emphasising a focus on local growth and job creation across all postcodes. Earlier this month, Ap Iorwerth hosted the first ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland in Cardiff, where they jointly declared that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end,” signalling a broader conversation about the future of the Union.
Implications for Welsh independence and the devolution debate
The call for powers comparable to those in Scotland revives the long‑standing discussion about the scope of Welsh self‑government and the potential for a future independence referendum. While Ap Iorwerth stopped short of demanding a poll, his insistence on a “new deal” suggests that Plaid Cymru views the current devolution settlement as insufficient for delivering the transformative change it promised voters. The upcoming conference will provide a platform to gauge party sentiment and could shape the next phase of constitutional negotiations.
Why it Matters
The request for a comprehensive devolution package and equitable funding signals a pivotal moment in Welsh politics, potentially reshaping the balance of power between Cardiff and Westminster. If successful, the reforms could enhance service delivery, stimulate economic development, and strengthen the case for further constitutional change, influencing not only Wales but the wider UK’s approach to regional autonomy.
