Did Tony Blair Really 'Lance the Boil of Separatism'? Unveiling the Secrets of Devolution Talks

Newly released documents reveal that Tony Blair, during his tenure as Prime Minister, felt confident that his Labour government had addressed the challenges of separatism in the UK by instituting devolution for Wales and Scotland. In a crucial cabinet meeting on July 22, 2004, Blair rejected calls for the Welsh Assembly to have full law-making powers, claiming that the voters showed ”no appetite” for more powers. He argued that by granting devolution, the government had effectively ”lanced the boil of separatism.”

The meeting, which included the discussion of the Richard Commission’s recommendations — advocating for enhanced powers for the Welsh Assembly — illuminated the internal divisions within the Labour Party regarding further devolution. The then-Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, echoed the sentiment that there was no strong consensus in Wales for radical changes, suggesting that what was needed was improved administration, not more powers.

Despite Blair’s initial support for the Welsh Assembly, established in 1999, debates persisted over the sufficiency of its authority, particularly concerning critical areas like healthcare and education. In 2006, legislation began to allow law-making in devolved areas, contingent upon approval from the UK Parliament. Eventually, in 2011, Welsh voters approved a referendum granting direct law-making powers to the Assembly, with 63.5% in favor.

Although Blair believed he had mitigated separatism, the discussions at this high-level meeting underscored ongoing tensions regarding the balance of powers between Cardiff and London. The pursuit of independence for Scotland, manifested in referendums and vibrant political discourse, indicates that the debate surrounding Wales’ identity and governance remains contentious. Thus, questions about the true success of Blair’s dismissive remarks about separatism linger, suggesting that the issues raised remain as relevant today as they were then.