‘Wales should have the opportunity to stand on its own and shape its own future’

Wales First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has called for expanded devolution powers and a ‘new deal’ with Westminster, demanding greater Welsh control over policing, justice, railways and the Crown Estate

Wales Online readers have heard that First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has called for a ‘new deal’ with Westminster, including greater Welsh control over policing, justice, railways and the Crown Estate. The Plaid Cymru leader has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham asking for further powers to be devolved to Cardiff Bay and is expected to meet him later this month.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr ap Iorwerth said Wales was ready for the ‘next step’ in devolution, 27 years after the Welsh Assembly was established and 12 years after it gained full law making powers.

He is seeking greater fiscal flexibility, a fairer funding formula and additional powers over rail, policing, justice and the Crown Estate. He said the aim was to give the Welsh Government and Senedd the tools needed to improve people’s lives.

Mr ap Iorwerth stressed that the move was not about independence, although he remains a supporter of Welsh independence as Plaid Cymru leader. He said: ‘This isn’t about an independence debate. It is about arming us with the tools that we need as a government to make decisions in a better way for the people of Wales.’

He also said he would not accept that the current settlement represented the best Wales could achieve.

Mr ap Iorwerth said his government had been given a mandate at the May Senedd election to deliver practical improvements, including raising standards in the NHS and education, creating good jobs and expanding childcare provision.

Asked when people would see results, he pointed to the expansion of childcare and free school meals, infrastructure projects across Wales, new bus routes and a £1bn farming support deal. He acknowledged that the government had only been in office for five months and that there was still much more to do.

The First Minister also called for faster progress on a national care service, arguing that Wales should benefit from any additional funding resulting from UK wide reforms. He urged the Prime Minister to act now rather than wait until the next election, saying Wales was ready to work with Westminster while developing its own approach.

Mr ap Iorwerth was also questioned about relations with the Welsh Green Party following controversy over a motion passed at its conference concerning Zionism and racism. He described the motion as ‘very ill judged’ and said politicians should stand firmly against all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Commenter Kevin M thinks: “Being tied to what many see as an oppressive England within the United Kingdom is an outdated model that belongs in the past. Wales should have the opportunity to stand on its own and shape its own future. Independence is the only way Wales can truly grow and develop as a nation.”

Christian M retorts: “Independent, whilst being completely dependent on the EU (if they let us in).”

Sally C points out: “We’re already out of the EU after what many saw as a shoot yourself in the foot referendum. Why make things even more complicated by leaving the Union as well? And if Wales were independent, how would it deal with defence and protect itself from hostile states?”

Carole W says: “If they haven’t managed to improve Wales with the money and powers they already have, why would independence suddenly make things better? Focus on getting the basics right first, improving education, the NHS and public services. Perhaps then independence would have more support.”

Jean B asks: “Apparently only around a third of people in Wales pay income tax. How would that work financially if we were independent? Where would the money come from to pay for everything?”

Dafydd G suggests: “They have to keep talking about the dream of independence because they haven’t done much in power so far to actually make things better. It’s been a very odd first 100 days and beyond.”

Reg W writes: “He’s got more than enough to sort out without worrying about independence. Forget wasting money on a referendum when Wales has so many more pressing issues. Get the NHS and other public services sorted after years of Labour being in power. This country is already the United Kingdom, and ‘United’ is the key word. We should be working together rather than trying to split into separate nations.”

Jonathan R says: “We deserve more than the bare minimum. Welsh coal helped drive the Industrial Revolution, and generations of miners worked in incredibly difficult conditions, with many sadly losing their lives. Wales has given a huge amount to the UK, and our communities deserve better in return.”

Jason J agrees: “I’d love to see Wales become independent, but not with the people we currently have in the Senedd. We need more people with real world experience, good business sense and a clear understanding of how to run a country. Wales deserves representatives who genuinely know what they’re doing and put the interests of its people first.”

Richard H writes: “Wales has serious challenges already, with limited industry, poor infrastructure and roads, and major problems in the NHS and education. Both health and education are already devolved to the Senedd, so why assume independence would suddenly make things better?

“Where are the costings? How would an independent Wales fund essential services and defence? If the current system is struggling to deliver on the basics, how would it cope with running an entire independent country?”

Rhun ap Iorwerth is calling for more powers to be devolved to Wales, including policing, justice and rail. Would greater devolution actually improve life in Wales? Have your say in our comments section.