Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd accuse Starmer of undermining devolution

Eleven Welsh Labour politicians have publicly criticised the UK Labour government, accusing it of bypassing Cardiff Bay ministers and encroaching on devolved powers in Wales. A letter, signed by the majority of backbench Members of the Senedd (MSs), described the move as a "constitutional outrage" following the announcement of a funding initiative aimed at improving town centres.

The programme, which provides councils with money to repair bus shelters and install bins, has raised concerns because it bypasses the Welsh government, which traditionally manages and finances local authorities. Reports indicate that Sir Keir Starmer met with Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan at Chequers on Friday to discuss the issues highlighted in the letter.

Senior Welsh Labour MSs and former ministers, who signed the letter, warned that the UK government is increasingly failing to advance devolution, the system enabling Wales to self-govern. The letter expressed dissatisfaction with the Pride of Place town centre initiative, noting it is "being designed and delivered from Whitehall in a fully devolved area."

Criticism was particularly directed at the use of the UK Internal Market Act, introduced during Boris Johnsons tenure, to implement the programme. The law has been contentious due to the powers it grants the UK government to fund areas normally managed by Wales. Attempts by the Welsh government to challenge the law in court were described as defending devolution against "unwarranted attacks."

The letter continued: "For our own government to then use these powers in devolved areas is, at best, deeply insensitive, and at worst, a constitutional outrage. This cannot happen again. Wales deserves equal treatment within the UK."

The signatories also criticised the UK government for not fulfilling previous pledges regarding funding reforms, and the devolution of policing, rail infrastructure, and the Crown Estate, claiming the current administration is "rolling back the existing devolution settlement."

Labour devolved powers to Wales in 1999 following a referendum that established the National Assembly. One Welsh Labour MS remarked: "Our party created devolution and defended it in court. We cannot stay silent as our own government undermines it." Some members argued the letter was necessary to push back, while others criticised it for being unfair to First Minister Eluned Morgan and for political posturing.

Signatories include former ministers Mick Antoniw, Julie Morgan, Hannah Blythyn, Alun Davies, John Griffiths, Lesley Griffiths, Lee Waters, Jenny Rathbone, Rhinaon Passmore, Carolyn Thomas, and Mike Hedges.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds supported the letter, stating that Whitehall-driven programmes in Wales show a disregard for the Senedd. Plaid Cymrus Mabon ap Gwynfor described the situation as evidence of Labour in Wales being "in complete disarray" before an upcoming election. Reform UK Wales criticised Labour for internal conflicts instead of delivering for communities, while Tory Shadow Secretary Mims Davies highlighted the divisions within the party as evidence of mismanagement.

Former counsel general Mick Antoniw also condemned plans to abolish jury trials for offences with likely sentences under three years, calling it an attack on fundamental rights. Plaid Cymru justice spokesman Adam Price warned that removing centuries-old jury rights is not a solution for Wales justice system.

Author: Gavin Porter