First Minister to demand parity with Scotland in first Burnham talks
Nation.Cymru staff/agencies
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will hold his first face-to-face talks with Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth today, with the Welsh Government set to press the case for greater powers and a fairer funding settlement.
The meeting in Glasgow, which will also include Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, comes as the new Prime Minister begins engaging with the devolved governments following his election victory.
While Burnham has long backed further devolution, both Rhun ap Iorwerth and Swinney lead parties that support independence for their nations.
Ahead of the talks, the Prime Minister ruled out discussing independence referendums, saying his focus was instead on economic growth and improving living standards across the UK.
“When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode across the whole of the UK. Every place and every person matters,” he said.
“I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope.
“That’s why I’m giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth said he would use the meeting to argue that Wales should have powers comparable to those enjoyed by Scotland and to press for changes to how Wales is funded.
“I look forward to meeting the Prime Minister in Glasgow today. It is fitting that we meet in Scotland, as it underlines Wales’ case for parity of powers and a fairer funding model that reflects our needs,” he said.
“‘Number 10 North’ must not become just Whitehall with a different postcode. I agree wholeheartedly on empowering communities – it’s at the heart of my politics – but decisions affecting Wales should be made in Wales, and it is for the Welsh Government and our Senedd to work with the people of Wales on how power is exercised and shared within our nation.
“At a time when families are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living, I am also keen to discuss how our governments can work together as equal partners to deliver improvements to the lives of people in Wales.”
The Glasgow meeting will be Burnham’s first with the leaders of both Wales and Scotland since entering Downing Street and comes ahead of a wider tour of the UK, with meetings planned with Northern Ireland’s leaders next month.
The Prime Minister is also due to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games while in Glasgow.
Criticism
The meeting follows criticism from Swinney over the expected appointment of Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to the House of Lords and a ministerial role, with the Scottish First Minister accusing him of hypocrisy after previously saying he had no interest in joining the upper chamber.
Speaking on Wednesday, Burnham also suggested raising the income tax personal allowance could be considered at the Budget, although he made no immediate commitment to do so after reintroducing the £2 cap on bus fares in England as part of measures aimed at easing the cost of living.
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You will probably have to drag him kicking and screaming to the table to give us anything Rhun. Despite all the talk, he, like Starmer, will be indifferent to Cymrus needs
In the Guardian’s coverage of the £2 bus fare cap in England it reported “…with money allocated to allow devolved nations to do the same”.
That suggests that Burnham is either already trying to undermine devolution on week one, or he just doesn’t understand how it (and Barnett) works.
Worrying in both cases, and totally inappropriate for him to “suggest” how consequentials are spent!
..or just poor media coverage. Anyone worth their salt knows westminster can’t do that. Which do you think has got it wrong – a seasoned politician who has 30 years experience, or a junior guardian journalist who has probably never been out of London?!