Wales' new First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, confirmed in his first Senedd appearance that he raised the topic of Welsh independence during a call with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week. Ap Iorwerth stated his intention to lead a "national conversation" about Wales' potential to become an independent nation.
In his inaugural statement to the Welsh Parliament, the Plaid Cymru leader advocated for increased powers and funding for Welsh institutions, while outlining key priorities such as reducing hospital waiting lists and combating child poverty. However, Reform's Welsh leader Dan Thomas accused ap Iorwerth of being "distracted by constitutional issues."
Ap Iorwerth spoke with Sir Keir shortly after his election victory, which saw Welsh Labour's seat count plummet from half of the Senedd to under 10%. Following the call, the Welsh government claimed the Prime Minister was "open to a conversation" about devolving more powers to the Senedd. But sources close to the conversation expressed surprise that independence was raised.
When questioned by Thomas, ap Iorwerth told the Senedd: "Yes, I mentioned independence." He elaborated, "I have a level of ambition for my nation... I want to lead a national conversation creating that confidence in our ability, undoubtedly, to be an independent nation like so many countries like ours." He added that the journey's pace and trajectory would ultimately be decided by the people of Wales.
During his statement, ap Iorwerth outlined plans for devolution of justice and policing, control over the Crown Estate, fair funding from High Speed 2 rail, and a revised funding formula. He also set core missions including cutting NHS waiting lists, raising school standards, creating jobs, supporting businesses, tackling child poverty, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis.
Ap Iorwerth announced a plan to reduce NHS waiting times and a summit to shift resources toward primary care. Work on a literacy and numeracy plan has started, along with a promise of the UK's most generous childcare scheme: 20 hours of funded care per week for 48 weeks for children aged nine months to four years. However, no specific timelines were given for most initiatives, except that children from families receiving universal credit will get free school meals by September.
In response, Dan Thomas argued that voters prioritized healthcare, education, and living costs over constitutional matters. "Most people in Wales are asking far more basic questions... raising independence suggests that you are distracted by constitutional issues," he said, noting limited appetite for "endless constitutional expansion while basic services struggle."
Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates wished the First Minister well but cautioned that "real leadership kicks in when you have to determine the how, what you won't do, what you'll cut." He questioned the funding of Plaid's childcare policy, announced seven months prior. Ap Iorwerth assured it would be financially manageable; the scheme is projected to cost £400 million when fully rolled out.
Welsh Conservatives leader Darren Millar offered conditional support for "sensible measures" but warned he would hold the government accountable. He noted potential common ground on restricting mobile phone use in schools—a pledge ap Iorwerth confirmed he would pursue. Millar also reiterated his call for a Welsh inquiry into grooming gangs.
Following the Senedd session, Reform UK announced its shadow cabinet, including Helen Jenner as shadow education minister, James Evans for health, Jason O'Connell for economy and transport, Laura Anne Jones for farming, and Cai Parry-Jones for finance.