Labour’s ‘partnership in power’ has pushed Welsh communities into further poverty - Plais Cymru’s leader Rhyn ap Iorwerth said this week.

The debate, in the Senedd before the end of the summer term, tabled by Plaid Cymru, argues that the UK Labour Government has ‘let down those who put it into power’ and ‘failed to honour the promises made to the people of Wales’.

The Plaid Cymru leader said that Labour’s promises of ‘change’ in last year’s election ‘lay in tatters’, after several decisions made by the Government undermined those who voted for them. Mr ap Iorwerth gave examples of the removal of the winter fuel payment, the refusal to scrap the two-child cap and the closure of the blast furnaces in Port Talbot.

He continued by saying a ‘disconnect’ had been exposed between Labour and Welsh communities, exemplified by Labour’s refusal to reclassify or compensate for HS2 and to devolve the Crown Estate, a policy which all Welsh local authorities have called for.

He concluded by explaining that a Plaid Cymru Government in 2026 offers Wales ‘real ambition and real plans’ to ‘improve public services and empower local communities’.

Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, said: “After years of cuts under the Conservatives, the people of Wales were led to believe that Labour offered change, offered hope of a better, brighter future.

“Yet, only a year since their election, their promises of positive change lay in tatters. Just ask the pensioners without support last winter, the children still in poverty under the two child-cap, and the workers in Port Talbot that have lost their livelihoods.

“In their year in power, Labour have exposed their blatant disconnect with the people of Wales. Whether that be their refusal to give Wales the billions we’re owed from HS2, or their decision to actively block Wales from controlling our own natural resources – Labour have shown they won’t do what’s right for Wales, or our communities.

“While UK Labour have betrayed Welsh communities, Labour in Wales have defended them at every turn, claiming their ‘partnership in power’ works for Wales, while our communities are pushed further into poverty by their Westminster bosses.

“This is not as good as it gets for Wales. In 2026 the people of Wales have the opportunity to elect a pro-Wales Government with real ambition and real plans to improve public services and empower local communities.”