PLAID CYMRU PUT LABOUR WELSH GOVERNMENT TO THE TEST ON STANDING UP FOR WALES

“Will they always dilute Plaid Cymru’s asks and dampen the scale of aspiration for Wales?” asks Rhun ap Iorwerth MS

The Senedd will today (Wednesday 10 July 2024) debate a Plaid Cymru motion calling for fairness for Wales from the UK Labour Government.

Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has said that the debate is a opportunity for the Labour Welsh Government to stand up for Wales or risk proving that the clear red water between UK Labour and Welsh Labour has “truly run dry.”

The motion calls on the Senedd to call for parity on powers with other devolved nations:

  1. The devolution of the Crown Estate and its assets to Wales;
  2. Devolve powers around policing and justice to Wales;
  3. Return the power to Welsh Government to make structural funding decisions and allocations.

Plaid Cymru have also called on the UK Labour Government to restore the Welsh budget by £700m to the level set during the 2021 spending review.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said:

“During the general election, Plaid Cymru stood on a platform of demanding fairness for Wales and to stop Labour taking Wales for granted. We meant every word, and will hold both Labour Governments either side of the M4 to account on behalf of the people of Wales.

“Today, a Plaid Cymru debate in the Senedd will seek a firm answer from Welsh Labour on whether they too will subscribe to Starmer’s policy of country before party by demanding fairness for Wales, or whether the clear red water has truly run dry.

“From previously calling for HS2 consequentials, powers over the Crown Estate and Wales’ natural resources, devolution of policing and justice to Wales, and returning power to Wales to make structural funding and allocations – Welsh Labour must prove that they’re willing to stand up for Wales whoever has the keys to 10 Downing Street, not merely tow the party line.

“Today’s debate will be a test for Labour in Wales, will they always dilute Plaid Cymru’s asks and dampen the scale of aspiration for Wales?”