Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been urged to put his “devolution instincts into action” by making the devolution of policing to Wales a key part of talks with the First Minister next month.

Challenged by Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader Liz Saville Roberts MP at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Burnham committed to giving proposals from the Welsh Government “fair consideration” but stopped short of repeating his previous openness to devolving policing specifically.

During a visit to Wales alongside the Plaid Cymru Deputy First Minister, Sioned Williams MS, last week, the Prime Minister said he was “open” to devolving policing to Wales, arguing that he understood from his experience in Greater Manchester “how much you can do when you can really make policing right for the places and the people where you are”.

Plaid Cymru say the case for devolution of policing and justice is backed by years of evidence. The Thomas Commission (2019) recommended devolving policing and justice to create a more joined-up and accountable system, while the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales (2024) found no convincing evidence against devolution.

The Brown Commission (2022) also concluded there was no constitutional reason why powers devolved to Scotland could not also be devolved to Wales.

During PMQs, he instead chose to speak of “more locally devolved power across Wales”, which is a matter for the Welsh Government.

Liz Saville Roberts said: “Our new Plaid Cymru Government has laid the foundations for change, showing what Wales can achieve with the powers we have.

“The Prime Minister says devolving powers means better public services, and I agree. But policing in Wales is still controlled from afar here in Westminster.

“So will he please put his devolution instincts into practice and confirm that devolving policing will be on the table when he meets the First Minister next month?”

Liz Saville Roberts
Speaking after the session, Liz Saville Roberts remarked: “The Prime Minister’s commitment to give the Welsh Government’s proposals fair consideration is welcome. It was disappointing, however, that he stopped short of repeating his openness to devolving policing specifically on the floor of the House.” (Parliament TV)

The Prime Minister responded: “The approach I will take, Mr Speaker, and I say this to the Honourable Lady - and we did meet the Deputy First Minister last week - where proposals come from the Senedd Government, we will give them fair consideration.

“We do need to work together to get growth going. If that can be done with more locally devolved power across Wales, then I am absolutely ready to work with her and the First Minister on that.”

Speaking after the session, Liz Saville Roberts remarked: “The Prime Minister’s commitment to give the Welsh Government’s proposals fair consideration is welcome. It was disappointing, however, that he stopped short of repeating his openness to devolving policing specifically on the floor of the House.

“The Prime Minister should follow the weight of evidence, not the voices of devolution-sceptic Labour MPs in Westminster.

“Policing works hand in hand with health, housing and social care, all already devolved to Wales. Bringing those services together would help prevent crime, tackle its causes and keep our communities safe.

“Scotland and Northern Ireland already control policing, while the city region of Greater Manchester has more powers over policing than the national parliament of Wales. That cannot be right.

“When the Prime Minister meets the First Minister next month, I hope he will turn his warm words on devolution into meaningful progress for Wales, while respecting that how power is devolved within Wales is a matter for Wales, not Westminster.”