First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth is set to meet new Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Glasgow on Thursday, just days after Mr Burnham took office. The meeting will be the first in-person discussion between the two leaders.
Call for greater devolution
Mr ap Iorwerth said he wants to make the case for Wales to have greater devolved powers and a "fairer funding model" during the meeting. Mr Burnham will be in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, joined by the King and Queen.
The Plaid Cymru leader previously said the former Manchester mayor's appointment as Prime Minister "presents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments." He hopes Mr Burnham's belief in devolution will strengthen the Senedd's powers.
Parity of powers
Ahead of the meeting, Mr ap Iorwerth said: "I look forward to meeting the Prime Minister in Glasgow today. It is fitting that we meet in Scotland, as it underlines Wales’ case for parity of powers and a fairer funding model that reflects our needs."
He added: "‘Number 10 North’ must not become just Whitehall with a different postcode. I agree wholeheartedly on empowering communities – it’s at the heart of my politics – but decisions affecting Wales should be made in Wales."
Cost of living and collaboration
Mr ap Iorwerth said he is keen to discuss how the governments can work together as equal partners to improve lives in Wales, as families face cost of living pressures. The Prime Minister will also meet Scottish First Minister John Swinney during the visit.
These meetings follow an introductory phone call between Mr Burnham and the leaders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday. During that call, Mr Burnham said he was "focused on practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums."
Mr ap Iorwerth supports Welsh independence but has previously said he does not plan to pursue a referendum in the first term of a Plaid Cymru government. Mr Burnham is understood to want to work "collaboratively" with the other UK nations.
