October 30, 2026 - 328 views
The First Minister of Wales is challenging the UK Prime Minister to demonstrate that he respects Wales as a nation with its own government, rather than treating it as another region of England.
Rhun ap Iorwerth will use a meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Glasgow today (Friday 30 October) to press for greater powers, a fairer share of UK funding and more influence over decisions affecting Wales.
His comments come amid growing frustration within the Welsh Government over what it sees as a lack of progress on commitments made by Westminster, particularly over investment in railways.
The two governments have previously backed a £14 billion package of rail improvements across Wales and the Borders. However, the Welsh Government says progress on delivering that investment has been too slow, with Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper criticising the latest funding allocation.
There is also a wider disagreement about the balance of power between Cardiff and Westminster.
Although Wales has had its own devolved government and parliament, the Senedd, since 1999, it still has fewer powers than Scotland in several important areas. Policing and the justice system, for example, remain under the control of the UK Government.
Mr ap Iorwerth wants a new Wales Bill to bring the country's powers closer to those enjoyed by Scotland, including the devolution of justice and policing.
He is also seeking a fairer funding settlement, arguing that the existing arrangements do not give Wales sufficient financial flexibility or resources to meet its needs.
The discussions in Glasgow come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham promotes a new approach to regional empowerment, offering to work with governments across the UK to give cities and regions greater control over their own economic development.
However, the Welsh First Minister is keen to make clear that Wales's position is different from that of English regions, because it already has a democratically elected parliament and government with responsibility for major public services including health and education.
He says Westminster must work with the Senedd rather than make decisions which could bypass Wales's devolved institutions.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr ap Iorwerth said: "This is the Prime Minister's opportunity to prove his commitment to a respect agenda that works both ways.
"That means pledging not to bypass the Senedd, and not to treat Wales effectively as a region of England."
He will also propose a new Growth Partnership between the Welsh and UK Governments, aimed at boosting prosperity across the country.
Another issue on the agenda is the Welsh Government's proposed Cynnal scheme, a weekly payment designed to help some of the poorest families with children.
The First Minister wants assurances that the scheme can go ahead without families facing an adverse tax impact, and says he expects progress on that issue following discussions with the UK Government.
The meeting represents an important test of the relationship between the two governments, with Mr ap Iorwerth seeking to turn commitments about partnership and respect into practical changes to funding, powers and decision-making.
