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The Prime Minister has clearly stated that the Welsh government will not be granted the authority to hold a referendum on independence. Andy Burnham explained that because other UK nations do not possess such powers, it would be inappropriate to create a special arrangement exclusively for Wales. He emphasized that any decision on this significant matter should involve Westminster, asserting that the UK Parliament must have input on an issue of such magnitude.
Last week, Wales First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth expressed his intention to pursue powers enabling an independence referendum but dismissed the possibility of conducting one before the next Senedd election in May 2030. In addition to constitutional matters, Burnham showed willingness to consider the Welsh government’s “Cynnal” proposal, which aims to provide £10 weekly to 15,000 children under six in households already receiving universal credit. However, implementing this plan would involve coordination with the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to prevent the payment from being taxed or causing a reduction in other UK government benefits.
During a visit to the Tata steelworks in Port Talbot in August, Burnham revealed that he is “open” to the notion of devolving control over policing to Wales. This idea, however, faces criticism from some Welsh Labour MPs, with one describing it as “a travesty.” Burnham responded by saying he prefers to examine the proposal on its merits rather than hold a “fixed view.” He affirmed his role as Prime Minister of the entire UK and expressed his commitment to respecting the governments of the UK nations by giving a fair hearing to any proposals presented.
As Labour’s conference begins, discussions surrounding Wales’s constitutional future and potential further devolution from Westminster are set to intensify. Recently, the Senedd voted down a Reform motion advocating for Wales to remain part of the UK but passed a revised Plaid Cymru motion supporting the right of the Welsh people to determine their constitutional future. This follows an agreement signed last month in Cardiff by the leaders of Plaid Cymru, the SNP, and Sinn Fein, which emphasized that Westminster should not obstruct the nations’ rights to self-determination. Burnham is scheduled to address his first Labour conference as Prime Minister soon, outlining his vision for the UK’s next decade. Conversations on devolution, powers, and funding will continue beyond the conference, especially ahead of next month’s meeting between the Prime Minister and the first ministers of the UK’s nations
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