Wales first minister : ‘We’re within a union that is not a union of equals’

Video Duration 28 minutes 00 seconds 28: 00.

Key points

• His centre-left Welsh nationalist party, Plaid Cymru, came to power in May, ending more than a century of Labour Party dominance in Wales.
• The first minister of Wales notes his nation deserves a new agreement from the United Kingdom.
• He insists that the agreement is not meant to tear down the UK but rather to allow the Welsh administration to decide its own future.

What happened

For context, the first minister of Wales notes his nation deserves a new agreement from the United Kingdom. Rhun ap Iorwerth notes its relationship with the UK is not working as the union is not one of equals. That is why he is pushing for an agreement that will fix what he calls "historic unfairness".

In a letter to the British prime minister, the Welsh first minister has formally requested the transfer of more power to Wales to allow it to control its policing, justice system, rail network and natural resources. His centre-left Welsh nationalist party, Plaid Cymru, came to power in May, ending more than a century of Labour Party dominance in Wales. Just four months into his term, he signed a pact with Scotland and Northern Ireland declaring their right to self-determination, and warning the British Parliament that its time is coming to an end.

He insists that the agreement is not meant to tear down the UK but rather to allow the Welsh administration to decide its own future. He notes Wales is on the journey towards independence. But he will not push for a referendum this parliament. Published On 27 Oct 202627 Oct 2026.

The bottom line

Taken together, the developments around wales first minister: 'We're within a union that is not a point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.