Eluned Morgan, Wales’ First Minister, has made it clear she will “call out” the Labour government in Westminster whenever decisions threaten Welsh interests. In a major speech, Morgan stressed she will not remain silent if Sir Keir Starmer’s government takes steps “we think will harm Welsh communities.” Using a reference to Gavin and Stacey, she remarked that what works for Essex may not work for Barry, the beloved Welsh town from the show.
Morgan firmly urged UK ministers to reconsider planned cuts to disability benefits and winter fuel payments. She also demanded that Wales benefit more from offshore wind projects under the Crown Estate. Starmer has insisted there will be no reversal on winter fuel cuts but acknowledged the need to “explain the decisions we’ve taken.”
Recent polls show Labour’s support in Wales dropping to historic lows. This speech comes just a year before the next Senedd election, with Labour neck and neck with Plaid Cymru and Reform. Morgan declared, “It’s the nation and the people of Wales before party for me.” This key phrase—the people of Wales—stood out as a repeated theme in her remarks.
Morgan addressed the Chancellor’s recent Spring Statement, which included personal independence payment reforms and cuts to universal credit. She warned that disability cuts would disproportionately hit Wales, affecting some communities up to six times more than those in England. In a later interview, Morgan called for parts of the reforms to be scrapped, emphasizing that cutting benefits will not push people into work.
She argued Wales must gain more control over the Crown Estate, pointing to Scotland’s example. Morgan declared passionately, “We saw them take our coal, we saw them take our water. We will not let them take our wind.” She also called the HS2 rail project classification an “almighty injustice,” demanding Wales receive priority in rail investment.
Morgan emphasized the importance of the Barnett formula, stating it no longer serves Wales well and requires reform. She called on UK leaders to update it to reflect the people of Wales and their specific needs, not just population numbers.
The first minister also defended Welsh Labour’s record, citing free prescriptions, capped social care, and top recycling rates as achievements. She warned voters not to take the people of Wales and their hard-won benefits for granted, stressing that other parties could reverse these gains.
Morgan criticized rival parties, saying Reform “sow and reap grievance” and accusing Plaid Cymru of overpromising without clear funding. She stressed that the next election could reshape Wales’ political future.
Prime Minister Starmer, meanwhile, acknowledged recent disappointing election results in England. He promised to “turbocharge” the government’s change agenda so people feel it in their daily lives. Starmer’s press team agreed that Welsh Labour is uniquely positioned to deliver for Wales but admitted that not every policy decision would have unanimous support.
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