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Rhun ap Iorwerth, who serves as both the First Minister of Wales and leader of Plaid Cymru, has formally reached out to the prime minister with a written request for “a new deal for Wales.” This letter, sent on Thursday and obtained by BBC Wales, advocates for an expanded transfer of powers to Cardiff. Ap Iorwerth is set to deliver a significant speech to party members in Llandudno on Friday, marking his first address since Plaid Cymru’s breakthrough success in the May Senedd election.
This election victory was historic, ending Labour’s 27-year control of the Welsh government since the inception of devolution in 1999. Nonetheless, Ap Iorwerth heads a minority government, lacking a majority of seats in Cardiff Bay. As a result, his administration must collaborate with opposition Members of the Senedd to enact legislation and approve budgets. Notably, the government suffered a defeat on a critical vote regarding its spending plans in July.
In his upcoming remarks, Ap Iorwerth intends to emphasize that the election “delivered a clear mandate from the people of Wales for positive change that makes a tangible difference to their lives.” He argues for an extension of devolved powers so that both the Senedd and Welsh government possess the “necessary tools—powers, funding and financial flexibilities—to drive the maximum improvement in outcomes for the people of Wales.” Furthermore, he insists that Wales should enjoy the same constitutional and fiscal mechanisms currently accessible to Scotland.
Ap Iorwerth’s letter, which spans 2,000 words, is comprehensive in its demands. It calls for devolved authority over areas including policing and justice, rail infrastructure, and the Crown Estate. He stresses the importance of fair, needs-based funding that aligns with Wales’ demographic and economic realities. This correspondence follows a recent meeting in Cardiff where Ap Iorwerth hosted the nationalist first ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland, collectively asserting that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end.” Plans are in place for Ap Iorwerth to meet with the prime minister, alongside his counterparts from Scotland and Northern Ireland, later this month to discuss these issues. Andy Burnham, the prime minister, has previously expressed openness to granting Wales more control over policing and committed to giving due consideration to proposals presented by the Welsh government
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