The First Minister emphasized that the "respect agenda" promised by the new UK government must be a genuine, reciprocal arrangement. "It remains my hope that the prime minister will listen in a shared spirit, and that he’ll see that the respect agenda between the Welsh and UK governments must work both ways," he told the audience. But ap Iorwerth also issued a sharp ultimatum, warning that a failure by Westminster to engage in good faith would only strengthen the case for Welsh self-determination. "If he fails, Wales will know again that our best interests will never be served by Westminster, and that it matters little whether who lives in Number 10 Downing Street is an Evertonian or an Old Etonian," he said, referencing the social backgrounds of various UK political figures.
The constitutional debate is set to intensify at the end of the month, when ap Iorwerth is scheduled to meet directly with Prime Minister Burnham. The meeting, which will also include the First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland, will provide the first major forum to test the Prime Minister’s willingness to engage with the Welsh government’s demands. There are some early indications that the UK government may not be entirely closed to the idea of further devolution. Prime Minister Burnham has previously indicated that he is "open" to discussing the transfer of control over policing to the Welsh government. He has also publicly committed to respecting the individual governments of the UK’s nations, promising to give a "fair hearing" to any proposals submitted to him by the devolved administrations.
In response to the First Minister’s speech, the UK government released a statement emphasizing its commitment to collaboration, though it stopped short of endorsing any specific transfer of powers. A UK government spokesperson stated that the administration remains "committed to building a stronger and fairer Wales in a stronger and fairer United Kingdom." The spokesperson added that the UK government’s primary focus is on working constructively with the Welsh government to empower local leaders and communities, with the goal of delivering economic growth and creating high-quality jobs across every postcode in Wales.
As the end-of-month summit approaches, the political tension between Cardiff and London is set to rise. With Plaid Cymru riding high on its historic election victory but facing a delicate legislative balancing act in the Senedd, Rhun ap Iorwerth’s demand for a "new deal" represents a high-stakes gamble. Whether Prime Minister Burnham’s promised "respect agenda" will translate into a genuine transfer of powers over policing, justice, rail, and the Crown Estate remains to be seen, but the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of the union for years to come.
