**First Minister Cautions Wales Over Spending Review Outcome After Downing Street Talks**
The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, has conceded that Wales is unlikely to secure the full financial support it seeks from the UK government, following a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Her remarks came after what she described as “constructive” conversations with the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street, but she was keen to temper expectations ahead of the upcoming Westminster spending review.
Relations between the leadership in Cardiff Bay and Westminster have faced heightened scrutiny in recent weeks, especially after Morgan openly signalled her frustration with the pace of support from the Labour government in London. Positioning herself as a champion for what she calls a “red Welsh way,” the First Minister has sought to distinguish Wales’ approach from that of its counterpart across the border.
Speaking to BBC Wales, Ms Morgan confirmed that while her recent talks with Prime Minister Starmer were positive, she did not anticipate Wales receiving everything it wanted when the new spending allocations are announced in June. “I made the case. We’re all going to have to be patient and see what comes out of the Spending Review,” she told the broadcaster. The First Minister admitted that while some progress was possible, not all ambitions would be satisfied: “I’m clear that we’re not going to get everything in the spending review but I will obviously be disappointed if we haven’t landed a few points.”
The meeting itself, according to Morgan, was not aimed at finalising policy measures or sums, but rather making the Welsh perspective clear at a critical stage. “It was about making sure I make the case before the spending review,” she said. In her view, ‘success’ would be judged by specific outcomes benefiting Welsh communities, particularly in reducing NHS waiting lists, investing in rail infrastructure, and delivering on ambitious housebuilding targets.
Of particular note are the Labour administration’s pledges in Wales to bring down waiting lists in the NHS, enhance rail services, and deliver 20,000 new social homes. Morgan stressed that fulfilment of these objectives depends heavily on achieving a fair financial settlement from the UK government. She emphasised: “All of those things can only be delivered if we’ve had that money from the UK government.”
Tensions between the two Labour governments have surfaced over several policy areas, including contentious cuts to winter fuel allowances and the national debate over immigration. In her recent public addresses, Morgan has called on Westminster to reconsider its stance on fuel support for vulnerable households and steered clear of divisive rhetoric on immigration. Describing Wales as a “welcoming nation,” she stated she would not employ “divisive language” in response to the Prime Minister’s remarks about limiting immigration.
Despite these policy differences, the First Minister spoke optimistically about the value of ongoing dialogue. Writing on social media after her Downing Street meeting, she noted the importance of “two governments working together for you,” urging the public to be patient as discussions continue.
The focus now turns to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is scheduled to deliver her first multi-year spending review settlement on 11 June. This will not only be the new Labour government’s initial spending plan since the early 2000s, but also a challenging exercise in balancing public service demands, economic growth ambitions, and strict fiscal rules.
As political leaders on both sides of the Severn Bridge prepare for a potentially challenging negotiation, the mood in Wales remains one of cautious optimism but also realism. The Welsh Government’s wish list is clear, but the next few weeks will reveal just how much support it is able to secure. Residents across the nation, meanwhile, are being urged by their First Minister to watch and wait as the details unfold.