- Minister challenges UK Government on Wales Bill and HS2
funding gap
- Fair, needs-based funding settlement needed to end historic
underfunding
- Visit follows statement to the Senedd, setting out full
ministerial priorities
Wales took its case directly to UK and devolved ministers at the
first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee of this
new Government, held in Belfast this week.
Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and Constitution,
, emphasised the
Welsh Government's commitment to cooperation with the UK,
Scotland and Northern Ireland, whilst pressing the case for a new
Wales Bill to give Wales powers on a par with Scotland, and
calling for fair funding for Wales. Both commitments were central
to the new Government's election manifesto and 100-day plan.
The Minister welcomed the UK Government's public recognition that
rail infrastructure in Wales has been historically underfunded
and called for an agreed timeframe and delivery programme to
secure the £14 billion Network Rail investment commitment.
The Minister held a series of meetings with counterparts in
devolved and UK Governments, focused on working together to
support people struggling with the cost of living, childcare and
lifting children out of poverty.
Speaking from Stormont, the Minister said:
Wales deserves to be treated fairly. Replacing out-dated funding
formulas and securing new powers isn't an abstract ask; it's
about getting the tools to do the job properly and improve the
lives of people in Wales.
We are pressing for a new Wales Bill to ensure that Wales has the
same powers as Scotland.
We were elected with a clear mandate to reset the relationship
with Westminster, and this New Government is doing exactly that.
The Minister also noted the importance of working
collaboratively across Governments, saying:
The cost of living - made even more challenging by the crisis in
the Middle East -affects all of us, and I welcome the opportunity
to share learning with colleagues across the UK to ensure we are
working harder, smarter and more effectively for those we
represent.
Earlier this week, the Minister set out his priorities to the
Senedd, including plans for a national school of Government, a
new standing National Commission on the Constitution, and a
strengthened, digitally-enabled Cabinet Office to ensure that
this Government delivers for the people of Wales.
Notes to editors
- The Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the
Constitution attended the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee at
Stormont on 24 June 2026.
- The Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee brings together
ministers from the four governments of the UK to discuss
strategic cross-cutting issues and intergovernmental relations.
- An oral statement of priorities was made to the Senedd on 23
June 2026.
