Wales’ wings have been clipped for too long, First Minister tells conference
Eleanor Storey, Press Association
Wales’ wings have been clipped for too long, the First Minister has told his party conference.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called for devolution of further powers to Wales to correct what he described on Friday as “historic unfairness”.
The party conference is the first since Plaid Cymru’s historic success at the Welsh Parliament election in May, bringing an end to Welsh Labour’s 27 years in power.
Addressing the audience at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru, where Mr ap Iorwerth proclaimed victory for his party nearly five months ago, he said: “That election wasn’t the end of a campaign, but the beginning of our work to give flight to a nation whose wings have been clipped for far too long.”
He added: “In May, the stars aligned in Wales, Scotland and the north of Ireland.
“The UK constitution now sits within a very different constellation.
“Three leaders of government, three countries with different journeys, but a shared principle binding us together.”
Mr ap Iorwerth has increasingly pushed for Welsh independence in recent weeks.
In September, the first ministers of the UK’s three devolved nations – SNP leader John Swinney, Mr ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill – met in Cardiff to declare that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end” and reiterate their commitment to independence.
Mr ap Iorwerth told the conference: “We’ll seek practical ways of working together on issues that matter to the people that we serve, finding common ground where we can.
“But that shared principle between us is a rather simple one – to ensure that it is the people of our nations who decide their own future.”
Mr ap Iorwerth told the conference that he had written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham to set out the case for devolution of further powers such as policing and justice.
He said: “I do believe the new Prime Minister and I both want to have a constructive and genuinely positive relationship.
“I’ve looked him in the eye and said do not undermine Wales as a nation, do not bypass our Senedd.
“He looked me in the eyes and promised he would not – I will hold him to that, Wales will hold him to that.”
The First Minister added: “It remains my hope that the Prime Minister will listen in a shared spirit, and that he’ll see that the respect agenda between Welsh and UK Governments must work both ways.
“If he fails, Wales will know again that our best interests will never be served by Westminster, and that it matters little whether who lives in Number 10 Downing Street is an Evertonian or an Old Etonian.”
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We need to improve what we have responsibility for first to get the public behind expanding the Senedd’s areas of responsibility.
“Now is not the time” is the last refuge of the status quo scoundrel.
Yes and fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.
Why? Are we too stupid to run our own affairs?
What the hell do 96 AMs get up to all week in the Senedd? Apart from being an “all talk but no action” organisation I cannot fathom why it exists and costs nearly £2,000,000 a week to run. I challenge anyone to tell me, apart from the recent increase in penalty charge for leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running, what else have they actually done. I am all for a Senedd and even independence but with “action” not just a talking shop. I think each AM should be made to regularly publish their achievements so we can see… Read more »
More powers needed.
Why don’t you make those same accusations towards Westminster and the House of Lords? Remember, since devolution Welsh Labour has run Wales for the past 27 years, and both English Labour from 1997 to 2010 and Conservatives for 14 years, 2010 to 2024. Now English Labour again in control since 2024 to the present. You say you are pro-devolution and for independence, but I have my doubts. What have Westminster ever done for Wales. You are aware they control many powers and levers denied to Wales? Also, there are 650 MPs at Westminster, each on £98k, and there are 800… Read more »
I am well aware of the poor and pathetic way we here in Cymru are treated by Westminster now and over the past centuries and also how our resources have been exploited with no consideration for our benefit. Cymru would be very rich indeed if it had been the case. What I am aggrieved with is the fact that Plaid don’t seem to have a positive plan to tackle the current situation with competence. Remember, they were established as a party over 100 years ago and should at least have drawn up a plan by now for the way ahead.… Read more »
What’s Stephen Kinnock on and what exactly does he do for our nation?
What an inspiring conference speech from our First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, today. That’s how you stand up for Wales. Take note, Eluned Morgan. He was unapologetic in his ambitions for Wales, whereas previous Welsh Labour First Ministers were continually apologetic and defeatist. Just look at those even now who still question Wales ability or right to control its own destiny. I feel so sorry for them, I really do. It must be difficult having no confidence, so want to drag everybody down to their lowly level. Also Rhun ap Iorwerth’s attack on the toxic politics of Reform was apt… Read more »