Labour's Devolution Agenda in the UK

In a significant political move, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Eluned Morgan as the new Labour First Minister of Wales during a two-day visit to the principality on Tuesday. This visit followed his trip to Northern Ireland, marking Starmer's second visit to Wales since taking office. His previous engagement, which included attending a school choir performance with Vaughan Gething, was seen as a show of confidence in Morgan's leadership. During this latest visit, Starmer emphasized Wales's pivotal role in his vision for Britain as a green energy superpower, as he toured wind turbine sites alongside Morgan. The relationship between the UK government and the Welsh government appears to be undergoing a transformation. Previously, the Conservative government often criticized Labour's management of the NHS in Wales to divert attention from its own challenges in England. However, the recent change in national government has not yet impacted Tata Steel's controversial plan to close the blast furnace at Port Talbot next month, highlighting ongoing economic concerns in the region. In Scotland, the advent of a Labour government in Westminster has shifted the political landscape, providing Scottish Labour with an opportunity to promote collaboration over confrontation. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expressed optimism, stating that newly elected Scottish Labour MPs would actively participate in government decision-making rather than merely opposing the ruling party. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for effective governance in Scotland. Additionally, the Scottish government is implementing "emergency spending controls" and plans to align with the UK government's approach to means-testing the winter fuel allowance. Labour's manifesto also promises to extend devolution to regions in England lacking directly elected mayors, under the slogan "Take Back Control," while enhancing existing devolution settlements for combined authorities.