Leaked Memo Reveals Starmer's Warning on Devolved Government Relations
A confidential memo from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leaked and published by Plaid Cymru, has exposed internal tensions over the UK government's approach to devolved administrations. The document, dated December, instructs cabinet ministers to avoid an "overly deferential or laissez-faire" stance when engaging with the Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish governments.
Starmer's Directive on Spending and Devolution
In the memo, Starmer emphasised that ministers should be prepared to make spending decisions "even when devolved governments may oppose this." This guidance came shortly after a third of Welsh Labour members of the Senedd wrote to the prime minister, expressing alarm that his administration was rolling back devolution powers. They described a recent funding row as "at best deeply insensitive, at worst a constitutional outrage."
The Welsh Labour members also raised "increasing concern" about Westminster's failure to devolve further functions to Wales, including justice, policing, and the crown estate—areas that are part of Labour party policy. The memo is dated just 10 days after this unprecedented letter was sent to Downing Street.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth seized on the leak during first minister's questions, accusing Starmer of promoting his "own version of Boris Johnson's muscular unionism." He also criticised Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, a Labour member, for undermining her own administration by aligning with Starmer. Morgan responded by stating, "Devolution must be respected, and I've always been very clear with the prime minister on that issue. It is a respectful relationship."
Downing Street defended the government's position, saying, "We make no apologies for being determined to deliver for people across all four nations of the UK. In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, there are clearly reserved areas of governmental responsibilities, and this government is committed to upholding this devolution settlement with mutual respect and partnership."
Election Implications and Internal Conflict
The leak is viewed as further evidence of conflict within Welsh Labour as the party faces a critical election period. Struggling with a 26-year incumbency issue and an unpopular leader in Westminster, Labour is currently polling third or even fourth in the upcoming Senedd elections in May. Coalition negotiations suggest that Plaid Cymru may form the next Welsh government, potentially ending a century of Labour dominance, while Reform UK is poised to become the largest opposition party.
In the memo, Starmer highlighted the significance of the Welsh and Scottish elections in spring, noting they "cannot be underestimated" and will have a "significant impact on how we govern at UK level in the second half of parliament." This underscores the high stakes involved in managing devolved relations amid growing political pressures.
