Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
I chaired and represented the Welsh Government at the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee (IMSC) held on 20 November 2025.
A joint communique was published following the meeting and contains full details of other attendees. Items on the agenda included: international affairs; community cohesion; and a range of live issues including the upcoming UK Budget and UK Legislation.
In opening the meeting, I noted the significance for the four governments individually and collectively of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Report for Modules 2/2A/2B/2C, which was due to be published later that day.
In the discussions I highlighted the importance of continued engagement on international affairs, as well as the imperative to secure a just and lasting peace in Gaza / Israel and to support humanitarian actions. On community cohesion I welcomed proposals for greater cross-government working, including the establishment of a ministerial forum on community cohesion.
During the discussions on a range of live issues, I highlighted Welsh Government’s keypriorities for the upcoming UK Budget, and subsequently we have welcomed a series of key announcements in the UK Budget which will benefit people across Wales, alongside significant new investments creating new jobs and boosting our economy.
Finally, on legislation, I welcomed the continued adherence of the UK Government to the Sewel Convention since summer 2024 as well as the ongoing work to develop a Memorandum of Understanding on the Sewel Convention. I also emphasised the importance of ensuring that the timetabling of legislation in the UK Parliament takes into account timings related to the Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections in May 2026.
The next meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee is expected to be in early 2026, with the UK Government scheduled to chair that meeting.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.