FM calls for new economic partnership between Wales and UK Government

In a speech at Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre this evening, the First Minister will set out his arguments for greater co-operation and less duplication between the two governments, with the aim of delivering improved growth for Wales and the UK.    

The First Minister will make the call ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister at the National Economic Council later this month.

The First Minister will also announce the development of a Green Paper on how local and regional powers are administered in Wales by the end of this Senedd term. A Green Paper is a consultation by government on its policy or legislative proposals.

The First Minister will tell the audience:

“I will invite the Prime Minister to agree a new partnership for growth between our two governments - a practical agreement about how our two governments work together to unlock Wales's economic potential.

“An agreement which ensures that respect flows both ways. An agreement which commits my government to engaging positively and constructively with the UK Government to seize opportunities for growth. In return, we expect the UK Government to accept that when powers are devolved, the Welsh Government decides how that is done.

“Consider some of the opportunities before us - floating offshore wind, the future of Welsh steelmaking, the development of our ports, and AI and digital industries. Each represents a major opportunity for jobs, investment and growth, and each requires action from both governments.

“My message to the Prime Minister will be a simple one - let us spend less time designing new programmes and duplicating activity. Let us spend more time unlocking opportunity and supporting investment, and more time delivering the growth we both want to see in all parts of our respective nations.”

On the planned Green Paper, the FM added:

“One of my commitments is to provide a path forward that we can take together, to find our own Welsh route to regional collaboration, leading to a new regional map and a plan for implementing it.

“That vision cannot simply be designed in Cardiff and delivered to everyone else. It must be developed together - with local government, regional partners, with public services - and with the people of Wales themselves.

“New powers and new partnerships are not the destination – they are the lanterns which light the path to prosperity and productivity.”