Welsh Labour politicians accuse Prime Minister of rolling back devolution
The 11 Members of the Senedd wrote a letter on Wednesday in which they describe "considerable unhappiness" within their ranks
Last updated 3rd Dec 2025
A group of Welsh Labour politicians have written to the Prime Minister accusing him of rolling back devolution.
The 11 Members of the Senedd wrote a letter on Wednesday in which they describe "considerable unhappiness" within their ranks.
They say they have "increasing concern" about the Government's "failure" to devolve further functions to Wales, including justice, policing, and the Crown Estate.
None of the signatories are in the current Welsh Government.
The letter reads: "We have increasing concern about the failure to move forward with agreed steps to devolve further functions to Wales.
"In opposition we raised expectations of reform of the Barnett formula, devolution of rail infrastructure, policing and justice and of the Crown Estate.
"Not only is the Government not progressing these but it is rolling back the existing devolution settlement."
The MSs say they are unhappy about the Pride in Place programme, which will see communities provided with funding from the UK Government to regenerate public spaces.
The letter highlights that regeneration is a "devolved matter" and described the Government's actions as "at worst, a constitutional outrage".
"This is a UK Government programme operating in a wholly devolved area that is being designed and delivered from Whitehall," they say.
"Why is the UK Government directly funding Welsh Councils to fix bus shelters, reopen park toilets, and provide bins?"
It adds: "If this was being done by a Tory government, we would be calling for a judicial review.
"This must never happen again. Wales needs and deserves to be treated as an equal part of the UK and the UK Government has a responsibility to act to deliver this equality."
Mabon ap Gwynfor, a Plaid Cymru MS, described the letter as "extraordinary".
He said: "Labour in Wales falling apart just months before a crucial election.
"It tells you everything you need to know about a party in complete disarray, with no influence whatsoever over their London colleagues.
"Time and again, when Starmer imposes damaging policies on Wales, Eluned Morgan has chosen to defend him rather than stand up for Wales.
"The cracks inside Labour are now clear for all to see. This is a party split and lacking confidence in its own leadership, while communities in Wales are left paying the price.
"While Labour fight amongst themselves, Plaid Cymru is focused entirely on Wales - on protecting public services, fighting for fairness, and providing the new leadership the people of Wales deserve."
Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "The signatories of this letter are correct - you cannot claim to respect Wales while designing Welsh programmes from Whitehall.
"It shows a deep lack of understanding and a worrying disregard for the Senedd.
"If Labour's representatives in Wales have lost faith in Labour's MPs in London, it tells you everything about how little grip the party has on devolution."
A Conservative spokesman said: "Labour are in chaos.
"Just a week after their Budget for Benefits Street designed to appease Labour members across the country, Welsh Senedd Members have broken ranks to criticise Starmer.
"Only the Conservatives have the team, plan and leader with a backbone to deliver for every corner of the United Kingdom."
A UK Government spokesperson said: "We're working hand in hand with the Welsh Government to deliver real change for communities across Wales in partnership.
"Providing well-targeted funding will help achieve this - with Pride in Place putting local people in the driving seat to decide their priorities, whether that's their high street, local businesses, or community spaces.
"And it provides extra investment on top of the record funding we've already given to Wales, as we make sure communities get the support they deserve."