The demands of Welsh devolution are simple: just give us what Scotland has | Will Hayward
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has submitted a formal request to Prime Minister Andy Burnham for greater devolved powers, including control over policing, justice, rail infrastructure, the crown estate and welfare. This matters because Burnham is perceived as more receptive to Welsh devolution than his predecessor, potentially creating an opportunity to increase Wales's autonomy.
The Welsh government's five demands can be summarised as requesting the same powers Scotland already holds. Wales currently has less borrowing capacity than a local council and the First Minister has fewer devolved powers than Burnham wielded as mayor of Greater Manchester. However, some devo-sceptic figures within UK Labour and the civil service are expected to oppose the bid, potentially complicating Burnham's ability to deliver on his apparent commitment.
- Welsh FM formally requests Burnham grant Wales same powers as Scotland
- Wales has fewer devolved powers than its Scottish counterpart
- Devo-sceptics in Labour could block the devolution demands
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Devolution means power held by the UK government in London is transferred to regional governments. Wales wants greater control over key areas including policing, justice systems, railways and welfare, which Scotland already controls.
Wales currently has far less autonomy than Scotland and operates with tighter financial constraints than even a local council. The Welsh First Minister has fewer devolved powers than Andy Burnham had when he was mayor of Greater Manchester. This creates a potential opportunity: Burnham, now Prime Minister, is perceived as more sympathetic to devolution than his predecessor.
However, resistance within the Labour party and the civil service could complicate the bid. Some figures in UK government remain sceptical of devolving more authority to Wales. The outcome will depend on whether Burnham is willing to overcome this internal opposition.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Wales merits devolved powers equivalent to Scotland's, given both are constituent nations with distinct identities and needs. Wales currently operates under severe constraints—borrowing less than English councils, with fewer powers than a city mayor—preventing it from addressing Welsh circumstances effectively. The principle of fair treatment demands equivalent autonomy for equivalent nations. Control over justice, policing, rail infrastructure, the crown estate and welfare would enable Wales to develop solutions tailored to Welsh needs rather than imposing policies designed for England's context.
The case against
Whilst Welsh aspirations deserve recognition, expanded devolution risks fragmenting UK governance and public services. Rail infrastructure and welfare function most effectively when coordinated UK-wide, preventing regional disparities and service gaps; welfare policy particularly requires unified standards. Devolution tends to accelerate—each grant prompts fresh demands—raising questions about constitutional stability. Addressing Wales's challenges likely requires economic growth and investment rather than constitutional restructuring that could complicate essential UK-wide coordination.
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