Rhun ap Iorwerth Requests New Devolution Deal for Wales

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has formally requested a new deal for Wales, seeking the transfer of additional powers from the central government to Cardiff. In a 2,000-word letter sent to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, ap Iorwerth called for control over rail infrastructure, the Crown Estate, and policing and justice, describing the latter as compelling and urgent priorities.

Speaking at the Plaid Cymru conference in Llandudno on October 2, ap Iorwerth argued that the deal is necessary to redress historic unfairness in fiscal and constitutional settlements. He asserted that Wales should be treated as a nation in its own right rather than a region of England, and should have access to the same constitutional and fiscal tools available to Scotland.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated he would give the requests a fair hearing and expressed openness to devolving policing, though the UK government remains focused on empowering local leaders across the United Kingdom. This push for autonomy follows a May Senedd election victory for Plaid Cymru, which ended 27 years of Labour government in Wales.

The request follows a September meeting in Cardiff between the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where the leaders declared that Westminster's time is coming to an end.