Standing up for Wales

Why standing up for Wales matters

Many decisions that affect people in Wales are already made by the Senedd and Welsh Government. Others remain the responsibility of the UK Government. 

The Welsh Government believes that greater devolution and fair funding can improve the lives of the people of Wales, arming us with the fiscal and constitutional tools to take Wales forward. Greater control over areas such as transport, justice, policing, natural resources, energy and the Crown Estate would help Wales develop and deliver policies that better meet local needs and circumstances. 

Securing additional powers and funding would also allow Wales to take a more joined-up approach to challenges that have an impact on people’s lives and their experience of public services. For example, decisions about policing, courts, probation and support services can have broader impacts, not only affecting community safety but also health and wellbeing, educational attainment and employment and economic opportunities for people in Wales. 

What we’re doing to stand up for Wales

Over this government term, we will seek to advance devolution priorities in areas such as justice, policing, youth justice, welfare, rail, water policy, the Crown Estate, and fiscal reform. This will involve: 

• resetting the relationship with Westminster, focusing on consistent, meaningful engagement  
• identifying opportunities to secure additional powers through forthcoming UK legislation 
• pursuing real economic fairness in the way in which Wales is funded, including reviewing the fiscal framework, operation of the Barnett formula, greater fiscal flexibilities, and fair funding of devolved powers.
• establishing a National Commission to bring together evidence, research and perspectives from across Wales, helping to inform debate and decision-making on Wales's constitutional future, and engaging citizens in an ongoing national conversation about the options for the future