Wales First Minister Demands New Deal From UK PM Burnham

Wales’ First Minister has written a 2,000-word letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham demanding a new deal for Wales. Rhun ap Iorwerth wants policing, justice, rail investment and control of the Crown Estate transferred to Wales.
The letter was sent ahead of Plaid Cymru’s annual conference in Llandudno on Friday. In his conference speech, ap Iorwerth said Wales’ “wings have been clipped” by the current settlement.
He wants funding based on Wales’ needs rather than the current formula. He also seeks a full transfer of policing and justice powers from Westminster.
Burnham’s office said the Prime Minister is “open” to policing reform and will give the proposals a “fair hearing.” The two leaders will meet later this month along with the first ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Ap Iorwerth leads a minority government after May’s Senedd election ended Labour’s 27-year rule in Wales. It was the first time Plaid Cymru won a Welsh election.
He also told the conference that Plaid should not assume it can win Westminster seats. The party wants to prove it can govern before asking for more.
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