Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver a 'new deal' on devolution, seeking greater powers for Wales. In his first address to a Plaid Cymru annual conference since taking office, ap Iorwerth outlined a clear mandate for change.
A Call for Fairness and Equality
Speaking in Llandudno on Friday, ap Iorwerth told party members that his government had a 'clear mandate' for devolving more powers from Westminster. He emphasized the need to redress the 'historic unfairness' of Wales's fiscal and constitutional settlement and to put Wales on an equal footing with Scotland as a 'bare minimum'.
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Ap Iorwerth revealed he had written to Burnham on Thursday, requesting a new deal that would treat Wales not as a region of England but as a nation in its own right. The 2,000-word letter made the case for transferring powers over policing and justice, rail infrastructure, and the crown estate.
Key Powers Sought in the New Deal
The proposed new deal focuses on several critical areas where Wales seeks greater autonomy. These powers are seen as essential for growing the economy and improving outcomes for all Welsh citizens.
- Policing and justice: Transferring control to Wales would allow for tailored approaches to local needs.
- Rail infrastructure: Devolving rail would enable Wales to invest in and manage its own transport networks.
- Crown estate: Control over this would give Wales access to significant revenue from renewable energy projects.
Comparison of Devolution Powers: Wales vs. Scotland
The table below highlights the differences in devolved powers between Wales and Scotland, underscoring the call for parity.
| Power Area | Wales | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Policing and Justice | Reserved to Westminster | Devolved |
| Rail Infrastructure | Partially devolved | Devolved |
| Crown Estate | Reserved to Westminster | Devolved |
| Tax Powers | Limited | Extensive |
Political Context and Reactions
Ap Iorwerth's call comes after a historic victory in May's Senedd elections, where Plaid Cymru beat Labour for the first time. He has had warm initial discussions with Burnham, contrasting with his interactions with Keir Starmer. However, the Welsh wing of the Labour party has expressed concerns about the implications of further devolution.
The First Minister's letter argues that these powers are not an end in themselves but a means to grow the economy and improve public services. The UK government has not yet responded to the request.
FAQ
What is the 'new deal' on devolution proposed by the Welsh First Minister?
The 'new deal' is a request from Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth to Prime Minister Andy Burnham for transferring more powers to Wales, including control over policing, justice, rail infrastructure, and the crown estate, to put Wales on an equal footing with Scotland.
Why does Wales want these additional powers?
Wales seeks these powers to address historic unfairness in its fiscal and constitutional settlement, grow its economy, and improve outcomes for its citizens by tailoring policies to Welsh needs.
How does devolution in Wales compare to Scotland?
Scotland has more extensive devolved powers, including control over policing, justice, rail infrastructure, and the crown estate, while these areas are largely reserved to Westminster for Wales. Wales seeks parity with Scotland.
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