Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out backing any calls for a referendum on Welsh independence during his first call with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. The conversation took place on Tuesday morning, as Burnham spoke to leaders in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Focus on Practical Measures
Downing Street emphasized that the new Prime Minister, who succeeded Keir Starmer on Monday, is "focused on practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums." A spokesperson stated: "The Prime Minister said he was serious about creating a new politics - rooted in finding common ground based on collaborative, practical and pragmatic relations with the heads of the devolved governments."
Since May's election, Plaid Cymru has led the Welsh Government. The party supports an independent Wales but stated during the campaign that it would not pursue a referendum in the current four-year Senedd term. However, party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth announced plans to establish a national commission to build the case for Wales as a separate nation state.
Plaid Cymru's Position
Constitution Minister Dafydd Trystan Davies confirmed the commission would be set up "shortly," telling the Senedd that it will "engage with the public in a national conversation about Wales' constitutional future, and strengthen the evidence base for further reform."
A spokesman for Mr. ap Iorwerth said after the call: "I was pleased to congratulate the new Prime Minister on a call this morning and to set out my hope that we can build a positive and productive relationship. I urged him to turn his commitment to devolution into action by giving Wales the powers we need to improve outcomes for all our communities on policing, justice, the Crown Estates, rail and on funding. I also conveyed my eagerness to work with him to tackle the cost-of-living crisis."
Devolved Governments Partnership
The Downing Street spokesperson added that Burnham emphasized working in partnership to drive deeper devolution across the UK to boost growth. The Prime Minister highlighted practical measures, such as helping millions of households with energy bills, to give families more breathing room on the cost of living. He expressed eagerness to meet with devolved leaders soon and visit Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland shortly.
In contrast, when Mr. ap Iorwerth spoke to former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he specifically raised the issue of independence. Burnham's stance marks a clear departure from that discussion, focusing instead on collaboration and practical outcomes.
