Keir Starmer Defends Leaked Memo on Direct Spending in Devolved Nations

A leaked December 2025 memo from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to his cabinet instructed UK ministers to avoid an "overly deferential or laissez-faire approach" when engaging with devolved governments in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The document encouraged ministers to utilize the UK Internal Market Act 2020 to deliver services and direct spending within these nations, even in instances where devolved administrations opposed such actions.

The memo became public in March 2026 after being raised in the Senedd by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. During subsequent Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer stated he would make "no apologies" for spending money to improve lives in Scotland and Wales. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones further asserted the central government's right to deliver for citizens across all four nations where the UK government holds power.

Opponents characterized the strategy as a return to "muscular unionism." Rhun ap Iorwerth called the memo a "direct assault on the democratic views of devolved governments," while Scotland's Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson described it as a glimpse into a Westminster establishment with no respect for national governments. In contrast, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan maintained that the relationship remains respectful, though she acknowledged the UK government should occasionally work directly within Wales.