Rhun ap Iorwerth Demands Policing and Justice Devolution

First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London to demand the devolution of policing and justice powers. Ap Iorwerth cautioned the Prime Minister against treating Wales as a region of England, asserting that the nation has distinct needs and requires control over these specific institutional areas.

While ap Iorwerth described the discussions as constructive, he noted institutional resistance within the UK government. Welsh Secretary Neil Kinnock expressed skepticism regarding the transfer of policing powers. Ap Iorwerth plans to meet with the First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland in Cardiff to further coordinate their positions.

Beyond constitutional disputes, the Plaid Cymru leader stated a willingness to cooperate with the Labour Party to prevent Reform UK from gaining power. He characterized the politics of Nigel Farage's party as destructive. This political maneuvering comes as ap Iorwerth manages a challenging financial outlook for the new Senedd session following Plaid Cymru's victory in the May elections.