Labour Urges Withdrawal of Supplementary Budget Amid Union Dispute
Plaid Cymru is poised to face defeat in an upcoming Senedd vote on its spending plans after Labour declined to support proposed budget changes. Labour has called on First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth to withdraw the supplementary budget due to ongoing disagreements with teaching unions.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) have criticised the Welsh government over a pay deal and funding provisions for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN).
Labour finance spokesman Huw Thomas stated: "Our view is we cannot support a supplementary budget on that basis."
In response, Plaid Cymru Finance Minister Elin Jones expressed surprise at Labour's stance, saying she was "flabbergasted" and suggested Labour had "a lot to learn in making deals."
Budget Vote and Political Dynamics
Without a majority in the Senedd, Plaid Cymru requires support from opposition Members of the Senedd (MSs) to secure approval for the budget during the vote scheduled for Tuesday night.
Thomas added: "The Welsh government need to withdraw it today, negotiate with those unions to get an agreement there and then bring it back to the chamber."
The supplementary budget, published three weeks ago and valued at £300 million, includes allocations aimed at reducing NHS waiting times and expanding childcare services. This budget represents Plaid Cymru's first opportunity to review government spending plans since their victory in May's Senedd election, which ended 27 years of Labour dominance.
Additionally, ministers have earmarked a further £247 million of day-to-day spending that remains unallocated. Labour has advocated for £100 million of this unallocated funding to be directed towards ALN.
On Monday night, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth sent a "final proposal" to Labour, suggesting an additional £40 million be invested in ALN this year and in each of the following two financial years.
Union Disputes and Political Reactions
However, on Tuesday morning, it became apparent that NAHT Cymru and ASCL Cymru unions remain in dispute with the government regarding a 3.5% pay deal and an ongoing crisis in ALN funding.
Thomas remarked: "If the vote goes ahead we will vote against."
Jones told BBC Wales: "This Senedd has not been able to come together to vote for support for progressive policies in the Senedd. I regret that. I'm flabbergasted by Labour's change of heart [and] role in all of this."
When asked if Plaid Cymru should have anticipated the complexities of the process, she responded: "Politics is never straightforward, I know that, but I know the nature of making deals as well. I know how important that is in a Senedd where there is very seldom a majority government. I've seen those deals made in the past, I've been part of them from opposition."
Jones accused Labour of having "a lot to learn in making deals" if it wishes to be part of a "progressive alliance to ensure that good policies can be delivered by a Senedd that does not have a majority government, and where opposition plays a role in ensuring that policies are delivered throughout Wales, and Labour's failed to deliver that deal today."
Implications for Welsh Government and Opposition
The so-called progressive alliance would potentially align Plaid Cymru with Labour, the two Green MSs, and the single Liberal Democrat in Cardiff Bay votes, thereby eliminating the need for support from Reform UK or the Conservatives.
Both Reform UK and the Conservatives have stated they are not engaged in talks with the government and are expected to vote against the budget.
The vote is scheduled to occur within the next few hours, coinciding with the final week of Senedd business before the summer recess.
