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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed openness to the possibility of transferring responsibility for policing in Wales to the Welsh government. This marks a significant shift in stance compared to previous UK government positions, which have consistently dismissed the idea. While Burnham stopped short of making firm commitments, he stated he would be “open to the conversation” and suggested that the ongoing broader reforms in policing present an opportune moment to examine such issues.
Currently, policing in Wales remains under the control of the UK government in Westminster, contrasting with Scotland and Northern Ireland, where devolved administrations hold authority over law enforcement. Burnham also proposed that Wales and Scotland might look to deepen their devolution arrangements by adopting a model similar to England’s, which grants more powers to cities and regions. He emphasized the goal of enabling Wales’ diverse communities and regions to benefit from greater self-governance, a subject anticipated to be discussed during an upcoming summit with the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland scheduled for October.
Burnham’s remarks come amid calls from Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour politicians in the Senedd for devolving policing and criminal justice powers, a stance not previously supported under the former UK Labour leadership. Earlier this year, then-Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had ruled out devolving new policing powers to Wales. Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister in July, made his comments during a visit to Port Talbot steelworks, his first official trip to Wales since taking office. During this visit, he met with Welsh government Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams, as First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth is currently on leave.
While Burnham is receptive to enhancing devolution in policing, he was cautious about revisiting the Barnett Formula, the funding mechanism determining allocations to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland based on population. Despite past criticism that the formula inadequately addresses Welsh needs, Burnham indicated that reform is unlikely in the near term, stating, “At the moment I can’t promise there will be moves to review that.” His comments elicited mixed reactions among Labour MPs, with some opposing the idea of policing devolution, citing it as potentially harmful to Wales’ interests, while others saw value in the discussion. Plaid Cymru welcomed the prime minister’s openness, asserting that controlling policing and the Crown Estate would support community safety and economic growth in Wales. However, Reform Wales and some critics expressed skepticism about devolving policing given ongoing challenges in Welsh public services
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