**UK Government Minister Firmly Rejects Welsh Leader’s Devolution and Funding Requests**
A senior member of the UK Cabinet has dismissed recent appeals from Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, who had presented a series of demands to Westminster in a bid to secure greater devolution and more equitable funding for Wales. Pat McFadden, serving as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet, reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue but notably refrained from providing any concrete commitments in response to Morgan’s proposals.
Eluned Morgan, leader of Welsh Labour and head of the Welsh Government, delivered a high-profile speech last week urging significant policy changes from her colleagues in London. Among her central requests were the devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales—a move Scotland has already achieved—alongside revisions to the Barnett formula, which currently determines the flow of funding from Westminster to Cardiff. Morgan has argued that this funding system disadvantages Wales, particularly in light of the country’s historical underinvestment in infrastructure, such as the rail network.
Morgan also pressed for continuing support to address legacy issues from Wales’ industrial past, notably calling for long-term financial assistance to remediate hazardous coal tips. She further called for increased devolution of powers, especially in the field of justice, and urged a reversal of welfare cuts, warning of their potential impact on vulnerable Welsh communities.
When repeatedly questioned about these requests, Mr McFadden maintained that Welsh interests remain high on the UK government’s agenda but did not endorse any specific measures or policies. “We’re always happy to listen to the First Minister,” McFadden said, emphasising an ongoing dialogue rather than a concrete plan of action. He added, “Welsh concerns will be there [in the spending review]. Spending reviews are always about competing concerns from around the country.”
McFadden acknowledged Morgan’s role, stating, “It’s her job to push for more—and she’s absolutely right to do so.” Nevertheless, he was clear in his refusal to consider an immediate change to the established funding arrangements or to extend further devolved powers to Cardiff Bay in the near future. “I couldn’t give you a list of which powers those would be,” he noted, highlighting the cautious approach currently favoured by Westminster over devolution matters.
In a direct rebuff of Morgan’s plea to reverse welfare cuts, McFadden confirmed that no such policy change would be forthcoming from the UK government. He also contested the severity of the impact of these cuts in Wales, sparking further debate over the effect of austerity measures on devolved administrations.
The next major opportunity for policy change will come with the forthcoming UK government spending review, which sets out long-term expenditure priorities. McFadden sought to reassure Welsh audiences, promising that Welsh concerns would be considered, but repeated that there would always be a competitive element to how public funds are allocated across the UK.
The issue of immigration was also raised during the Senedd’s plenary session on 13 May. Morgan expressed apprehension about the Prime Minister’s recent speech and its possible repercussions for Wales’ struggling care sector, citing potential increases in NHS waiting times and treatment delays. McFadden, interviewed by BBC Radio Wales, defended UK immigration policy as a “balanced package” designed both to attract international talent and uphold a system of defined rules and obligations.
In addition, McFadden used his media appearance to announce that jobs within the civil service would soon be relocated from London to regional cities, including Cardiff. However, he could not specify the number of roles that would be created or transferred to Wales, underscoring ongoing uncertainties about Westminster’s commitment to regional job creation.
As political leaders on both sides reiterate their positions ahead of the upcoming spending review, tensions over devolution, funding formulas, and social policy continue to define the relationship between Cardiff and London. Morgan’s determined advocacy for Wales is unlikely to subside, as she signals her continued readiness to challenge Westminster in pursuit of what she deems a fairer settlement for the nation. Whether these calls will lead to tangible policy shifts remains to be seen, with official responses from UK ministers suggesting that significant changes are not imminent.