Wales on the Brink: First Minister Urges Action Against Rising Separatism

Wales is facing a pivotal moment as First Minister Eluned Morgan addresses the growing threat of separatist parties gaining traction ahead of the next Senedd election. Morgan has urged Sir Keir Starmer’s UK government to bolster Wales with greater powers to prevent pro-independence parties, like Plaid Cymru and the Greens, from potentially dominating the electoral landscape. A recent YouGov poll reveals these parties could win 50% of the vote, prompting urgent calls for action as the risk of separatism looms larger in both Wales and Scotland.

Morgan expressed her concerns that if pro-independence parties lead in Wales alongside the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Scotland, the

“threat to the United Kingdom will become real

“. She emphasized the necessity of devolution to combat this rising sentiment, asserting that voters often seek independence when they feel unsatisfied with the political status quo. To combat this, Morgan proposed a ”new deal for devolution”, asking for more authority in areas like natural resources, policing, and justice, rather than only increased funding from Westminster. Despite previous refusals, she hopes these requests will help maintain progress and trust in Welsh governance.

In her address, she made it clear that Starmer would only be welcomed in Wales if he arrives with substantial investment announcements, linking his presence to the potential for voter discontent at the polls. As Welsh Labour’s leadership faces scrutiny, Morgan’s declaration that Starmer’s leadership could influence electorates adds a critical layer to the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, opposition parties in Wales have characterized her requests as desperate attempts to retain relevance as Plaid Cymru and Reform UK Wales position themselves as alternatives to the ruling party. Amidst this political turbulence, the UK government asserts it is committed to partnering with Wales, pointedly citing its substantial funding allocations. The stage is now set for the May Senedd elections, where the balance of power may redefine Wales’ political future.