Wales' first minister has urged Andy Burnham to "turn his commitment to devolution into action" and said he hoped to build a "positive and productive relationship" with the new UK government. Rhun ap Iorwerth made the call in his first conversation with the new prime minister on Tuesday morning, pressing for more powers for Wales over policing, justice, rail and the Crown Estate.
What did the prime minister say about working with Wales?
Downing Street said the prime minister had spoken to the leaders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and wanted a "collaborative, practical and pragmatic" relationship with the devolved administrations. A spokesperson said closer working could help deliver "deeper devolution" and boost economic growth.
The spokesperson added that the prime minister was focused on "practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums". The spokesperson also said the prime minister looked forward to meeting the devolved leaders and visiting Wales soon.
What did Rhun ap Iorwerth ask for?
Ap Iorwerth said he congratulated the new prime minister and set out his hope for a positive working relationship. He said he urged him to turn his commitment to devolution into action by giving Wales the powers needed to improve outcomes for communities across policing, justice, the Crown Estate, rail and funding.
"I was pleased to congratulate the new prime minister on a call this morning and to set out my hope that we can build a positive and productive relationship.
"I urged him to turn his commitment to devolution into action by giving Wales the powers we need to improve outcomes for all our communities on policing, justice, the Crown Estate, rail and funding.
"I also conveyed my eagerness to work with him to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
"I look forward to meeting him very soon to begin discussions in earnest on behalf of the people of Wales."
Ap Iorwerth also said he was eager to work with the prime minister to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and looked forward to meeting him very soon to begin discussions in earnest on behalf of the people of Wales.
Why is the Crown Estate part of the discussion?
The Crown Estate is a collection of land and marine assets held by the Crown and managed independently. It owns more than £603m of assets in Wales, including the seabed out to 12 nautical miles and around 65% of the Welsh foreshore and riverbed.
Its profits are paid to the UK Treasury, with a proportion used to calculate the Sovereign Grant, which funds the official duties of the Royal Family.
What was the reaction from Welsh Conservatives?
Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar called for closer working with Westminster rather than further devolution. He said the Welsh government should "stop the obsession with power-grabbing" and "grab the levers of power it already has to effect positive change for the people of Wales".
"Instead of demanding yet more powers, Plaid Cymru should use this opportunity to reset its relationship with the UK government and seek to secure commitments to deliver major energy and infrastructure projects, such as delivering nuclear projects at Wylfa and Trawsfynydd, securing steelmaking in Port Talbot, building an M4 relief road and the electrification of the North Wales main line," he said.
Millar said Plaid Cymru should use the opportunity to reset its relationship with the UK government and seek commitments on major energy and infrastructure projects, including nuclear projects at Wylfa and Trawsfynydd, securing steelmaking in Port Talbot, building an M4 relief road and electrifying the North Wales main line.
Who else has been appointed to the UK government?
Former Labour leader was described as "thrilled to bits" as his son became the new Welsh secretary, and Sir Chris Bryant was appointed new NI secretary.
Downing Street said the prime minister looked forward to meeting the devolved leaders and visiting Wales soon. Ap Iorwerth said he wanted to begin discussions in earnest on behalf of the people of Wales.
The conversation on Tuesday morning marked the first call between Rhun ap Iorwerth and Andy Burnham, with both sides signalling an interest in working together while differing sharply on the scale and direction of devolution.
