Wales has taken its case for constitutional reform and fair funding directly to UK and devolved governments at the first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee of the new UK Government, held in Belfast this week.

The meeting, convened under the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee, brought together ministers from across the UK to discuss shared priorities including economic pressures, public services, and long-term constitutional arrangements.

Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and Constitution, Dafydd Trystan Davies, used the summit to press for a new Wales Bill that would bring Welsh powers in line with Scotland, alongside a fairer, needs-based funding settlement to address what the Welsh Government describes as historic underfunding.

He also highlighted the long-standing funding gap in rail infrastructure, welcoming recent UK Government recognition that Wales has been underinvested in, while urging ministers to set out a clear timetable for delivering the promised £14 billion Network Rail investment programme.

Speaking from Stormont, the Minister said Wales deserved fair treatment and stronger devolved powers.

“Wales deserves to be treated fairly. Replacing out-dated funding formulas and securing new powers isn’t an abstract ask; it’s about getting the tools to do the job properly and improve the lives of people in Wales,” he said.

He added that the Welsh Government was elected with a mandate to reset its relationship with Westminster, and that work was already under way to deliver on that commitment.

“We are pressing for a new Wales Bill to ensure that Wales has the same powers as Scotland. We were elected with a clear mandate to reset the relationship with Westminster, and this New Government is doing exactly that.”

Alongside constitutional discussions, the Minister held a series of bilateral meetings with UK and devolved counterparts focused on tackling shared challenges including the cost of living, childcare provision, and efforts to reduce child poverty.

He noted that global pressures, including the crisis in the Middle East, were contributing to economic uncertainty and increasing the cost-of-living burden on households across the UK.

Earlier this week, he also set out his wider priorities to the Senedd, including plans for a national school of government, the creation of a standing National Commission on the Constitution, and reforms to strengthen a digitally-enabled Cabinet Office aimed at improving delivery across Welsh Government.

The Welsh Government said the discussions in Belfast marked an important step in strengthening intergovernmental cooperation while continuing to press for long-term structural change in funding and constitutional arrangements.