Jo Stevens criticised for ‘party-political rant’ in response to questions about devolution

Plaid Cymru has accused the Secretary of State for Wales of delivering a “party-political rant” after failing to directly answer parliamentary questions about discussions on the future of devolution.

The criticism follows a written exchange between Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts and Wales Secretary Jo Stevens, in which Plaid sought clarity on what specific devolution-related talks had taken place between the UK and Welsh governments.

Ms Saville Roberts initially asked what formal requests for further devolution of powers the Welsh Government had made since July 2024.

In response on January 27, Ms Stevens said ministers engaged frequently with Welsh counterparts on a “wide range of issues”, including devolution, as part of a “reset relationship” based on cooperation and partnership.

However, Plaid Cymru said the response failed to address the substance of the question.

Ms Saville Roberts then submitted a follow-up asking which specific policy areas had been discussed and when those discussions had taken place with Welsh Government ministers since July 2024.

In her written reply on February 2, Ms Stevens again declined to list any policy areas or dates. Instead, she said she had “regular discussions” with Welsh ministers on a wide range of issues, including the devolution settlement, before launching a political attack on Plaid Cymru.

“Unlike Plaid Cymru, who wish to force their costly, separatist ideology on the people of Wales, Labour is the party of devolution,” Ms Stevens wrote. “We created devolution, we defend devolution from parties who wish to destroy it, and we will always update the devolution settlement to ensure it delivers the best outcomes for people and communities across Wales.”

Plaid Cymru said the tone and content of the response were inappropriate and failed to meet the standards expected of a government minister answering parliamentary questions.

Ms Saville Roberts said: “I asked a perfectly reasonable question of the Wales Office about the meetings it has had with the Welsh Government about the devolution settlement.

“Instead of an answer, I got a party-political rant in response.

“People want to know what discussions are taking place between their two governments.

“Wales deserves better than twin Labour governments in cahoots to conceal their failures.”

Further powers

The exchange comes amid ongoing debate over the future direction of devolution in Wales, including calls from Plaid Cymru and others for further powers over areas such as policing, justice and rail infrastructure.

Plaid has repeatedly argued that transparency is needed around intergovernmental discussions, particularly where they concern potential changes to the devolution settlement.