WalesOnline readers have reacted after Wales was branded as a “poor relation” to Scotland as Plaid Cymru push for more devolved powers for the country’s politicians.
Plaid Cymru party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has said First Minister Eluned Morgan has “batted away” concerns because she doesn’t want to “cause problems” for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He’s accused Labour of talking the talk on devolution but not doing anything to make progress towards it.
Mr ap Iorwerth used the example of billions of pounds worth of investment being held up due to a lack of power over the railways in Wales. He has also spoken about Scotland’s SNP government having the ability to reintroduce the winter fuel payment as it was, while Wales is unable to do the same.
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Conservative MS Paul Davies called for a focus on making better use of the powers already devolved rather than “tinkering” and “pushing for more”. He said: “It’s also very much our view that Wales should not just be a carbon copy of Scotland just because Plaid Cymru says so and to be frank, Plaid aren’t interested in having the same amount of powers as Scotland; they want independence, and we all know that that will in turn destroy the United Kingdom.”
Reader Hufeniapoeth doesn’t like what has been seen so far: “When Rhun ap Iorwerth says that Wales ought to have the same devolved powers as Scotland, he is absolutely correct. Scotland is treated with much greater respect in Westminster. Why? Most likely as a result of Wales’ poor handling of devolution.”
Boredtaxidriver62 thinks that opportunities have been squandered: “Once, we had coal to bargain with. So much water, we gave it to Birmingham. Now? Seasonal daffodils and leeks? I’ve read that the annual deficit is around £15 bil from what goes over the bridge, to what comes back. Poor infrastructure. Poor phone signal. But, wouldn’t live anywhere else.”
Mostofwales writes: “Everything that has been devolved has become progressively worse in Wales! Why take on more responsibility if you can’t manage what you currently have.” Swanstretch agrees: “The Bay Circus isn’t fit to have the powers it has now, never mind more powers.”
Fairplayforall thinks that naysayers are overreacting: “Roads are in better condition. Plenty of modern hospitals. Schools are just fine. Stop complaining.”
Have your say! Does Wales risk being “left behind” as other regions of the UK get improved devolution deals? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.