Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister
I attended the second meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions in London on 23 May 2025, which was chaired by the Prime Minister and also included the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and regional Mayors from across England. The discussion focused on developments in international trade, and opportunities arising from artificial intelligence for economic growth and public services. Within the discussion I highlighted the guidance published by the Workforce Partnership Council for Wales on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence across public sector workplaces, which reflects our social partnership approach. A communiqué (external link) is expected to be published on the UK Government’s website in the near future.
In addition, I attended a meeting with the Prime Minister, the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This meeting gave an important opportunity for collective discussion of significant global developments, including the situation in Russia / Ukraine and Israel / Gaza, and the recent announcements relating to UK trade with the EU, US and India. I welcomed the benefits of trade for Wales, whilst noting concerns about the impact of the remaining US tariffs given the proportion of Welsh goods exports to the US. I highlighted the importance of collaborative discussions between the UK Government and the Devolved Governments in developing and making the most of new trade deals. The discussion also covered the importance of the upcoming UK Government Spending Review in supporting public services and driving economic growth. A communiqué (external link) for this meeting is expected to be published on the UK Government’s website shortly.
A separate bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister also enabled discussion of key issues for Wales ahead of the UK Spending Review, as well as UK Government work that has particular significance and implications for Wales, for example underfunding of rail and support necessary for coal tip remuneration, in addition to the need for fairness in relation to future shared prosperity funding. I also emphasised the importance of our combined work to support the future of the steel sector in Wales, and of progressing key elements of constitutional reform in Wales to support economic growth and effective delivery of public services, including in respect of the Wales fiscal framework, the Crown Estate and devolution of youth justice and probation.