**Political Minds Collaborate on the Future of the United Kingdom in New Book**
As the nations comprising the United Kingdom face an era of shifting dynamics and widespread debate on constitutional arrangements, two leading political thinkers have joined forces to ask pressing questions about the future of governance across the British Isles. Former Senedd Member David Melding and constitutional scholar Glyndwr Cennydd Jones have co-authored a new book, *The Federal-Confederal Letters*, which brings together their extensive correspondence over a tumultuous two-year period.
Published at a time of mounting political uncertainty, the book captures the authors’ exchange of ideas between October 2023 and March 2025. This period encompasses significant events such as the UK General Election in July 2024 and the early stages of a renewed Trump administration in the United States, placing their discussions firmly within a landscape of global and domestic transformation.
Melding and Jones conceived the project during a time when the world was still emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine dominated headlines. Their initial meeting took place in October 2022 at a Westminster conference hosted by the Federal and James Madison Trusts, followed by joint appearances in Institute of Welsh Affairs podcasts. The productive nature of these initial dialogues inspired them to embark on a deeper exploration.
“Our aim was to engage in open, imaginative dialogue rather than adversarial debate,” the authors state in a joint note within their publication. They express personal satisfaction with the outcome, having found the process both educational and enriching. The book’s format—a series of letters—allows an unfolding conversation where ideas are developed cooperatively rather than presented as opposing arguments.
The authors’ discussions traverse constitutional history and international examples, applying lessons learned to the contemporary British context. They scrutinise devolution, federalism, and confederalism, considering how these models could address current fractures and frustrations within the existing UK system. Both authors agree that meaningful reform is necessary if the UK is to remain a stable, cohesive multi-national state.
David Melding, who represented South Wales Central in the Senedd for over two decades and held a key policy role in the Welsh Conservatives, advocates for a federal solution. He argues that devolution, as initiated by the referenda in 1997, rendered the singular sovereignty of Westminster outdated. He contends that federal arrangements would permit the division of powers more effectively, strengthening the resilience of the union and being better suited to the multifaceted nature of the UK.
Glyndwr Cennydd Jones, with experience leading educational and cultural organisations, calls for a reimagined relationship between Britain’s constituent nations and their parliaments. He proposes codifying a new constitutional framework that would not only clarify sovereignty at the national level but also enshrine mechanisms for cooperation among the nations. Strengthening intergovernmental arrangements, he suggests, is vital to fostering both self-government and constructive collaboration.
The publication includes an introduction from Will Hayward, a seasoned commentator on Welsh affairs, who underscores the urgent need for reform. Hayward notes that the current constitutional architecture does not adequately serve any of the UK nations, and posits that a forum for thoughtful, principled discussion like the one presented in the text is crucial for progress.
The wider ambition of *The Federal-Confederal Letters* is to contribute to a public conversation about a new, written, and more inclusive constitutional settlement. For some, the prospect of a codified federal document will be reassuring, offering clarity and distinctiveness. Others may prefer a framework that recognises the sovereignty of the individual nations within a broader confederal system.
Melding and Jones, whose previous work includes collaborations with thinkers such as Lord David Owen and Lord Elystan Morgan, conclude their correspondence with a reflection on the importance of broadening the debate. They invoke a philosophical outlook, asserting that while their letters comprise just one strand of thought, real change will depend on many voices contributing ideas and actions in public forums across the UK.
Available as an e-book online, *The Federal-Confederal Letters* serves not only as a thought-provoking exchange between two experts, but also as an invitation to politicians and citizens alike to engage in the ongoing conversation about the constitutional future of these islands. With the UK facing unprecedented constitutional challenges, the dialogue initiated by Melding and Jones is timely and offers a potential pathway towards renewed stability and cooperation.