More than a third of Labour members of the Welsh parliament have launched an extraordinary attack on Keir Starmer's government, accusing it of rolling back devolution. Eleven Labour Senedd members (MSs) wrote to the prime minister and Labour leader claiming his administration had been either "deeply insensitive" to Wales or guilty of "constitutional outrage".
The MSs expressed "increasing concern" about what they said was the UK government's failure to devolve further functions to Wales, including justice, policing and the crown estate. The move is being seen as further evidence of a dramatic decline of Labour in Wales.
The catalyst for the letter is the UK government's Pride in Place scheme that allocates cash to councils – including in Wales – for town centre improvements such as fixing bus shelters and providing bins. The letter highlighted that regeneration was a devolved matter and said the move by the UK government was "at best deeply insensitive, at worst a constitutional outrage".
The letter stated: "This is a UK government programme operating in a wholly devolved area that is being designed and delivered from Whitehall. Why is the UK government directly funding Welsh councils to fix bus shelters, reopen park toilets, and provide bins?" The MSs added: "If this was being done by a Tory government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
The UK government did not appear to back down, with a spokesperson saying: "We're working hand in hand with the Welsh government to deliver real change for communities across Wales in partnership. Providing well-targeted funding will help achieve this – with Pride in Place putting local people in the driving seat to decide their priorities... It provides extra investment on top of the record funding we've already given to Wales."
Political opponents claimed the row showed Labour in Wales was in crisis. Plaid Cymru MS Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "Labour in Wales falling apart just months before a crucial election... The cracks inside Labour are now clear for all to see." Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: "If Labour's representatives in Wales have lost faith in Labour's MPs in London, it tells you everything about how little grip the party has on devolution." A Conservative party spokesperson said: "Labour are in chaos."
