Plaid Cymru Accuses Labour of Turning Against Devolution Amid Starmer's Direct Action Call

Plaid Cymru accuses Labour of turning against devolution after Sir Keir Starmer urges direct UK government action in devolved nations, sparking political tensions in Wales.

Eluned Morgan Accused of Undermining Her Own Government by Staying Loyal to Keir Starmer

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that his government should be prepared to act contrary to the wishes of the Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish governments when making decisions affecting those nations.

In a note written in December 2025, Sir Keir warned members of his cabinet against showing excessive deference to the devolved governments.

This follows a dispute last year when the Prime Minister was criticised by Labour politicians in the Senedd over UK Government spending in devolved areas.

The letter was raised during a Prime Minister's Questions session in the Senedd on Tuesday, with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth stating that the Labour party had "turned against devolution."

'Direct Action'

In the note, Sir Keir emphasises the importance of the upcoming elections in Wales and Scotland, stating they will have "a significant impact on how we govern at the UK level in the second half of the parliament."

"Each of us will maintain a professional and respectful relationship with our counterparts in the devolved governments,"

Sir Keir said.

However, he added that a "too respectful" or "laissez-faire" approach to working with devolved governments would "create political challenges" or lead to "missed positive opportunities."

"We should be confident in our ability to act directly in those countries, including through direct spending, even if devolved governments oppose it."

He noted that officials have received guidance on how to use powers under the UK Internal Market Act, which allows the UK Government to spend money on policies typically devolved.

This has caused concern among several Labour Senedd members, who accused Sir Keir Starmer's government of a "constitutional disgrace" last year when a plan was announced to provide funding to councils for town regeneration in Wales.

The note from Sir Keir was sent on 12 December, just weeks after Labour members sent a critical letter to the Prime Minister.

The BBC understands that the members have not received a response to that letter.

Rhun ap Iorwerth described it as a "direct attack on the democratic views of devolved governments."

It is unclear how the note came into Plaid Cymru's possession, but Rhun ap Iorwerth said it represented Sir Keir Starmer's version of "Boris Johnson's muscular unionism," calling it a "direct attack on the democratic views of devolved governments."

He said Eluned Morgan was "undermining her own government by remaining loyal to the Prime Minister" and responding dismissively to concerns from Welsh Labour MPs.

Eluned Morgan's Response

Eluned Morgan stated that "devolution must be respected" and that she has been very clear with the Prime Minister on this matter.

"It is a respectful relationship,"

she said,

"and there are times, of course, when the UK Government should work directly in Wales,"

specifically referring to the Wylfa power station project.

She accused the Plaid Cymru leader of focusing on "issues that are not actually at the top of the agenda for the people of Wales."

The BBC understands that 10 Downing Street rejects the accusation that the letter undermines devolution.

A 10 Downing Street source added:

"We do not apologise for being determined to deliver for people across the four nations of the UK.

In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, areas of governmental responsibility are clearly reserved, and this government is committed to maintaining this devolution settlement with respect and collaborative partnership."

Political Reactions

In response to the story, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said her party would "save devolution from the record of Welsh Labour and restore people's trust in the Senedd."