TENSIONS: First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth
TENSIONS between Westminster and the Welsh government rose further on Friday after the First Minister described Andy Burnham’s vision of devolution as “parochial.”
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth was writing in Welsh news website Nation.Cymru and responded to recent articles by the candidate for the Labour leadership.
“Manchesterism may have its merits, but its limitations cannot go unnoticed and indeed unchallenged,” Mr ap Iorwerth wrote.
“An evolution of a city-plan is just that — a local, even parochial vision which falls short of getting to grips with the fundamental weakness of how the UK is governed.
“A No 10 of the north will mean little to the people of the communities my government represents.”
The row about devolution was also fuelled by the announcement this week by Westminster of a new fund for journalism which also includes Wales.
The Welsh government said: “While strengthening local news and journalism is a shared priority, it is disappointing that the UK government has developed this fund without consultation.
“It is essential that any UK level strategy fully respects devolved competences.”
In the first of a series of interviews with leaders of progressive parties in Wales ahead of the May 7 Senedd election DAVID NICHOLSON talks to Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth
