Leaked Memo Reveals Starmer's Warning on Devolution Approach
A confidential memo from Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been leaked, revealing his directive to cabinet ministers to avoid an "overly deferential" stance towards the devolved governments of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The document, dated December and obtained by Plaid Cymru, was published on Tuesday, igniting a political firestorm over the future of devolution in the United Kingdom.
Starmer's Directive on Spending and Devolution
In the memo, Starmer explicitly instructed ministers to be prepared to make spending decisions "even when devolved governments may oppose this." He argued that an "overly deferential or laissez-faire" engagement with the Celtic administrations would "almost inevitably create political challenges or missed positive opportunities." This guidance came just days after a significant letter from Welsh Labour members of the Senedd expressed deep concerns about what they perceived as a rollback of devolution powers under Starmer's administration.
Welsh Labour's Internal Conflict and Constitutional Concerns
The memo is dated only 10 days after an unprecedented letter signed by a third of Welsh Labour Senedd members was sent to Downing Street. In that letter, the members condemned a funding row as "at best deeply insensitive, at worst a constitutional outrage." They also voiced "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's own policy platform.
Political Reactions and Accusations of 'Muscular Unionism'
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 criticized Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, a Labour member, for allegedly undermining her own administration by aligning too closely with Starmer. Morgan responded by asserting, "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 its position, stating, "We make no apologies for being determined to deliver for people across all four nations of the UK," while emphasizing commitment to the devolution settlement with "mutual respect and partnership."
Implications for Welsh Politics and Upcoming Elections
The leak is viewed as further evidence of escalating conflict within Welsh Labour as the party faces a critical election period. Struggling with a 26-year incumbency and an unpopular leader in Westminster, Labour is currently polling third or even fourth for 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 his memo, Starmer highlighted the importance of the Welsh and Scottish spring elections, noting they "cannot be underestimated" and will significantly impact UK governance in the latter half of the parliament.
