Welsh First Minister Accuses Westminster of Second-Class Treatment Towards Wales
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan has issued a stark warning to Sir Keir Starmer and the UK government, asserting that Wales has been subjected to second-class treatment compared to other nations within the United Kingdom. In a significant address delivered in London ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections in May, Morgan emphasised that without further devolution of powers, Wales could embark on a path of nationalism that threatens the future of the union.
Demands for Enhanced Devolution and Constitutional Reform
Morgan outlined a series of specific demands aimed at rectifying what she described as historic problems in Wales's relationship with Westminster. Key among these are:
- The devolution of policing, rail infrastructure, youth justice, and probation services to the Welsh government.
- The transfer of Crown Estate powers, mirroring the model already in place in Scotland, where revenues flow directly to the Scottish government rather than the UK Treasury.
- A call for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to make permanent the Welsh government's full access to its financial reserves.
- The introduction of a Constitutional Reform Act to legally protect devolution and ensure Wales is treated equally with Scotland.
Speaking passionately at the event, Morgan highlighted disparities in funding, noting that Wales receives only 1% of rail infrastructure funding despite having 11% of the UK's rail tracks. She contrasted this with Scotland, which she said receives its fair share, questioning why Wales cannot achieve similar success. For people who believe in the union, as I passionately do, you can't explain that, let alone justify it, she stated, underscoring the urgency of addressing these inequalities.
Political Crossroads and Rising Nationalist Sentiment
The first minister's warnings come at a critical juncture for Welsh politics. According to the latest YouGov polling for ITV Wales, Labour faces potential obliteration in the May Senedd elections, with Plaid Cymru leading at 37%, followed by Reform at 23%, the Green Party at 13%, and Labour tied with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats at 10%. This shift signals an end to Labour's century-old dominance in Wales and raises the prospect of a Plaid Cymru-led government for the first time since the Senedd's creation.
Morgan acknowledged the challenges posed by this political landscape, warning that separatism is now very much on the agenda in Wales. She pointed to opinion polls indicating that pro-independence parties, including Plaid Cymru and the Greens, could secure a majority, urging the UK government to play a leading role in resisting the breakup of the union.
Criticism and Response from Political Opponents
In response to Morgan's speech, Plaid Cymru dismissed her remarks as disingenuous. Heledd Fychan MS told Sky News that while Plaid Cymru has long advocated for fair funding and devolution, Labour in both Westminster and Cardiff has actively opposed these efforts. It is disingenuous of them to claim that they now champion devolution or Welsh interests, Fychan stated, characterising the speech as a desperate attempt by Labour to remain relevant amid widespread dissatisfaction with their governance.
A UK government spokesperson countered Morgan's claims, emphasising ongoing collaboration with the Welsh government. They highlighted the largest-ever budget settlement of over £22 billion annually provided to Wales, along with an extra £425 million in new spending power from fiscal framework changes. Additionally, they pointed to direct investments in Wales, such as new nuclear projects at Wylfa on Anglesey and £445 million for modernising Welsh rail infrastructure.
Historical Context and Ongoing Struggles
The fight for greater devolution is not new for Morgan, who has consistently demanded control over the Crown Estate. However, Westminster has repeatedly rebuffed these calls, with former Treasury minister James Murray arguing that devolving the Crown Estate would make no commercial sense. Despite this, Morgan remains steadfast in her pursuit of enhanced powers, framing it as essential for Wales's future within the union.
As the Senedd elections approach, the political dynamics in Wales are poised for significant transformation. Morgan's warnings underscore the deepening tensions between Cardiff Bay and Westminster, with the potential for nationalism to reshape the region's political landscape. The outcome in May will likely determine whether Wales moves towards greater autonomy or reaffirms its place in the United Kingdom, making this a pivotal moment in Welsh history.
