Welsh Labour MSs Criticize Starmer for Undermining Devolution
Published 3 December 2025
Highlights
- Eleven Welsh Labour MSs have accused Keir Starmer's government of undermining devolution by bypassing Cardiff Bay in decision-making.
- The controversy centers around the UK government's Pride of Place scheme, which funds local projects directly, bypassing the Welsh government.
- The letter from Welsh Labour MSs describes the move as a "constitutional outrage" and criticizes the use of the UK Internal Market Act.
- The Welsh government has expressed concerns to Starmer, highlighting a lack of progress on further devolution of powers.
- The UK government maintains that the funding aims to empower local communities, despite the backlash from Welsh Labour.
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Rewritten Article
Welsh Labour MSs Criticize Starmer for Undermining Devolution
In a significant political development, eleven Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd (MSs) have accused the UK Labour government, led by Keir Starmer, of undermining Welsh devolution. The MSs have expressed their discontent over the UK government's decision to bypass the Welsh government in implementing the Pride of Place scheme, which allocates funds directly to local councils for town center improvements.
Concerns Over Devolution
The letter, signed by a majority of Welsh Labour backbenchers, criticizes the UK government's approach as a "constitutional outrage." It highlights the use of the UK Internal Market Act, a law that has been contentious due to its implications for devolved powers, as a tool to implement the scheme. The letter argues that such actions represent a rollback of the devolution settlement, which has allowed Wales to govern its local affairs since 1999.
Pride of Place Scheme Sparks Controversy
The Pride of Place scheme, designed to fund local projects such as fixing bus shelters and providing bins, has been at the center of the dispute. Welsh Labour MSs argue that the scheme operates in a "wholly devolved area" and should be managed by the Welsh government. The letter suggests that if a Conservative government had taken similar actions, it would have prompted calls for a judicial review.
Political Implications
The controversy comes at a time when Labour's influence in Wales appears to be waning, as evidenced by the party's recent loss in the Caerphilly by-election. The letter also points to a lack of progress on further devolution of powers, including justice, policing, and the Crown Estate, as a source of growing concern among Welsh Labour MSs.
UK Government's Stance
Despite the backlash, the UK government has defended its actions, stating that the funding aims to empower local communities by allowing them to prioritize their needs. A spokesperson emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Welsh government to bring about positive changes for communities across Wales.
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Scenario Analysis
The ongoing tension between Welsh Labour MSs and the UK government could have significant political implications, particularly with upcoming Senedd elections. If the discontent among Welsh Labour members continues to grow, it may lead to increased calls for a reevaluation of the devolution settlement. Furthermore, the controversy could impact Labour's standing in Wales, potentially benefiting rival parties like Plaid Cymru. As the situation unfolds, the UK government's response and willingness to address the concerns raised by Welsh Labour MSs will be crucial in determining the future of devolution in Wales.
In a significant political development, eleven Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd (MSs) have accused the UK Labour government, led by Keir Starmer, of undermining Welsh devolution. The MSs have expressed their discontent over the UK government's decision to bypass the Welsh government in implementing the Pride of Place scheme, which allocates funds directly to local councils for town center improvements.
Concerns Over Devolution
The letter, signed by a majority of Welsh Labour backbenchers, criticizes the UK government's approach as a "constitutional outrage." It highlights the use of the UK Internal Market Act, a law that has been contentious due to its implications for devolved powers, as a tool to implement the scheme. The letter argues that such actions represent a rollback of the devolution settlement, which has allowed Wales to govern its local affairs since 1999.
Pride of Place Scheme Sparks Controversy
The Pride of Place scheme, designed to fund local projects such as fixing bus shelters and providing bins, has been at the center of the dispute. Welsh Labour MSs argue that the scheme operates in a "wholly devolved area" and should be managed by the Welsh government. The letter suggests that if a Conservative government had taken similar actions, it would have prompted calls for a judicial review.
Political Implications
The controversy comes at a time when Labour's influence in Wales appears to be waning, as evidenced by the party's recent loss in the Caerphilly by-election. The letter also points to a lack of progress on further devolution of powers, including justice, policing, and the Crown Estate, as a source of growing concern among Welsh Labour MSs.
UK Government's Stance
Despite the backlash, the UK government has defended its actions, stating that the funding aims to empower local communities by allowing them to prioritize their needs. A spokesperson emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Welsh government to bring about positive changes for communities across Wales.
What this might mean
The ongoing tension between Welsh Labour MSs and the UK government could have significant political implications, particularly with upcoming Senedd elections. If the discontent among Welsh Labour members continues to grow, it may lead to increased calls for a reevaluation of the devolution settlement. Furthermore, the controversy could impact Labour's standing in Wales, potentially benefiting rival parties like Plaid Cymru. As the situation unfolds, the UK government's response and willingness to address the concerns raised by Welsh Labour MSs will be crucial in determining the future of devolution in Wales.
