Welsh First Minister Raised Independence With Starmer

Wales’ first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has confirmed he raised the issue of Welsh independence during a phone call with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shortly after taking office.

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Speaking in his first appearance before the Welsh Parliament since becoming first minister, ap Iorwerth said he wanted to begin a “national conversation” about whether Wales could eventually become an independent country.

The Plaid Cymru leader used his inaugural statement to the Senedd to outline priorities for the new Welsh government, including reducing NHS waiting times and addressing child poverty. However, opposition figures accused him of focusing too heavily on constitutional questions.

Independence Mentioned in Call

Ap Iorwerth said the subject arose during a conversation with Starmer held days after Plaid Cymru’s victory in the Senedd election. The vote saw the previously dominant Welsh Labour Party lose much of its representation, falling from holding half the chamber’s seats to fewer than ten.

Asked about the exchange by Reform UK’s Welsh leader Dan Thomas, the first minister confirmed he had raised the prospect of Wales leaving the United Kingdom.

“Yes, I mentioned independence,” ap Iorwerth told the chamber.

He said he wanted to build public confidence in Wales’ capacity to govern itself. According to ap Iorwerth, his message to the prime minister was that Wales should address current challenges while allowing the public to decide “the trajectory and the pace” of any constitutional change in the future.

Plaid Cymru has previously ruled out holding an independence referendum during its first term in government. Instead, it plans to establish a national commission to explore the case for Wales becoming a sovereign state.

The Welsh government said after the call that Starmer had been open to discussing greater powers for the Senedd. Some people familiar with the conversation had reportedly expressed surprise that independence was raised.

Government Priorities Outlined

During his statement, ap Iorwerth set out what he described as “core missions” for the new administration.

These include cutting NHS waiting lists, improving school standards, creating jobs and helping households cope with the cost-of-living crisis. He also pledged action to tackle child poverty and support Welsh businesses.

The first minister said the government would pursue greater devolution, including transferring responsibility for justice and policing to Wales. He also called for control over the Crown Estate in Wales, additional funding related to the High Speed 2 rail project and a revised funding formula for Wales.

He added that these proposals had “majority support” in the Senedd.

Plans are being prepared to reduce waiting times in the health service, alongside a summit aimed at shifting more resources toward primary care such as GP services.

Ap Iorwerth also said work had begun on a new literacy and numeracy strategy.

Among the policies highlighted was a childcare plan offering 20 hours of funded care per week for children aged nine months to four years for 48 weeks each year. Children in families receiving universal credit will receive free school meals by September.

Opposition Raises Concerns

Reform UK’s Dan Thomas criticised the first minister for raising independence so soon after taking office, arguing voters were more concerned with everyday issues.

He said people in Wales were focused on questions such as access to GP appointments, education standards and rising household costs.

“There is little appetite among ordinary Welsh people for endless constitutional expansion while basic services struggle,” Thomas said.

Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates congratulated ap Iorwerth but said governing would involve difficult decisions about spending and priorities.

He questioned how the proposed childcare programme would be funded, noting that details had not yet been provided despite the policy being announced months earlier. The scheme is estimated to cost around £400m once fully implemented.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said his party would support policies that improve living standards in Wales but would challenge the government when necessary.

He said there could be areas of agreement, including proposals to restrict mobile phone use in schools.

Political Landscape Shifts

Ap Iorwerth told the Senedd his government intended to ensure Wales was treated as an “equal partner” in discussions with the UK government.

After the session, Reform UK announced its shadow cabinet for Wales, with deputy Welsh leader Helen Jenner taking the education and Welsh language brief and other members assigned portfolios including health, finance and the economy.

The new administration now faces pressure from across the political spectrum to demonstrate how its policies will be delivered.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 May 2026