UK Prime Minister Rules Out Welsh Independence Referendum Powers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out granting the Welsh government the power to hold a referendum on independence, asserting that other parts of the United Kingdom do not possess such authority and that creating a separate arrangement for Wales is not practical.

Burnham emphasized that decisions of this magnitude require the participation of the UK Parliament, stating, "The UK Parliament has to have a say on an issue of that magnitude." He indicated that any decision on Wales's constitutional future should be made jointly with Westminster.

This statement comes after Wales's First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, announced his intention to seek powers for a referendum, though he clarified that such a vote would not take place before the next Senedd election in May 2030.

Devolution and Other Powers

Separately, Burnham expressed openness to reviewing the Welsh government's "Cynnal" initiative, a plan to provide £10 per week to 15,000 children under six in households receiving universal credit. He noted that implementing this would require coordination with the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to prevent taxation or reductions in other benefits. "I'll certainly ensure that there's a proper discussion about the issue," Burnham said, suggesting that similar initiatives have been implemented without tax complications in other mayoral contexts.

During a visit to Tata steelworks in Port Talbot in August, Burnham had previously indicated a willingness to consider granting Wales control over policing powers. While this idea has reportedly faced opposition from some Welsh Labour Members of Parliament, Burnham reiterated on Friday that his stance is based on evaluating the merits of the case. "I have to respect the governments in the the nations of the UK, and I will, and give fair hearing to anything that is is put to me," he stated, affirming his role as prime minister for the entire UK.

The debate surrounding Wales's constitutional future and the extent of devolved powers is expected to be a significant topic of discussion during the upcoming Labour Party conference. Earlier this week, a Reform motion to keep Wales within the UK was voted down by the Senedd, while a revised Plaid Cymru motion affirming the people of Wales's right to decide their constitutional future was passed.

The leaders of Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and Sinn Féin met in Cardiff last month, signing an agreement to uphold the right of people in their respective nations to determine their own future without interference from Westminster.

Burnham is scheduled to meet with first ministers from all UK nations next month, continuing discussions on devolution, powers, and funding across the United Kingdom.