The Seventh Senedd has argued over how far to devolve more powers. Plaid Cymru Ministers have pressed for policing and justice, the Crown Estate, rail and fiscal powers, and for a new National Commission. Reform UK and the Conservatives say the constitution distracts from the NHS, schools and the economy. Members also debated Sewel, the voting system and automatic voter registration.
The main arguments
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) named policing and justice, the Crown Estate, rail infrastructure, fair funding and fiscal flexibility as immediate priorities, with parity with Scotland as a minimum. Contributions: [1]
Darren Millar, Sam Rowlands and Janet Finch-Saunders (Welsh Conservatives), and Dan Thomas and Iain McIntosh (Reform UK), said constitutional change distracts from the NHS, education and the economy, citing polling on independence. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Rhun ap Iorwerth replied that Plaid is focused on having the tools to do the job on health, transport and education. Cabinet Minister Dafydd Trystan Davies said he seeks powers for a purpose, not for power's sake. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Dafydd Trystan Davies (Plaid Cymru) said the National Commission would oversee further devolution and hold a national conversation. Jane Dodds (Welsh Liberal Democrats) questioned the need for another commission after the last one. Contributions: [1][2][3]
On rail, Mark Hooper (Plaid Cymru) argued Wales gets too little enhancement spending. Jason O'Connell (Reform UK) said rail powers must not be devolved further. Jane Dodds and Mike Hedges (Welsh Labour) backed devolution. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
On funding, Rhun ap Iorwerth criticised the Wales reserve and borrowing limits. Huw Thomas (Welsh Labour) said Wales gains from the Union and backed higher borrowing powers. Dan Thomas (Reform UK) said the debate was about Plaid's costings. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Elfyn Llwyd, for the Welsh Government, said the Sewel convention should have a binding statutory footing. He said many devolved Bills had passed without Senedd consent since 2020. Contributions: [1][2]
On elections, Darren Millar (Welsh Conservatives) asked about accountability under the new system, which gives no way to back an individual candidate. Peter Fox (Welsh Conservatives) raised safeguarding in automatic voter registration. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Where the parties stand
Plaid Cymru
Members argue the settlement is outdated and seek policing, justice, the Crown Estate, rail and fiscal powers, plus a National Commission. They say devolution gives the tools to improve services. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Welsh Labour
Members support devolving rail funding, policing and borrowing powers. Huw Thomas says Wales benefits from the Union. Vikki Howells and Shav Taj questioned the number of reviews and commissions. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5][6]
Reform UK
Members say voters care about the NHS, roads and the cost of living, not constitutional change. They oppose further rail devolution and press on cost, polling and consent before change. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Welsh Conservatives
Members say Plaid is obsessed with devolution and independence and should use existing powers. They oppose devolving broadcasting and press on electoral accountability and the cost of independence. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Welsh Liberal Democrats
Jane Dodds backs devolving justice, policing and rail, and says powers need funding. She is concerned that a new commission repeats the last one's work. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Wales Green Party
Anthony Slaughter says the Barnett formula is unfair in design, and supported improved fiscal arrangements and borrowing powers. Contributions: [1]
What the government is being pressed on
1Reform's Iain McIntosh asked what evidence shows the commission is a priority, what it will cost and whether membership will be balanced. Dafydd Trystan Davies said the last commission cost £1.5 million and a budget line exists. Contributions: [1][2]
2Adrian Mason and Iain McIntosh (Reform UK) asked whether independence is being pursued by stages and what public money is committed. The replies in the material describe the commission's work, not a cost or consent pledge. Contributions: [1][2][3]
3Jane Dodds asked for a plan and timetable on justice for women. Ministers cited the Thomas, Silk and Independent commissions, said youth justice is an early step and pointed to the police reform Bill. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
4Adrian Mason asked what legal issues must be settled before rail transfers. Mark Hooper said the test is better passenger journeys, that the Welsh Government is ready with projects and wants fair funding. Contributions: [1][2][3]
5Andrew Griffin (Reform UK) asked how cross-border patient care would be protected under constitutional change. The material provided contains no ministerial reply on this. Contributions: [1]
What the public is asking for
One petition asks for the Single Transferable Vote to be introduced for future Senedd elections. It has 46 signatures and is open.
Who ministers are meeting
Ministers have met the Secretary of State for Wales and UK Government Ministers, the Crown Estate and its expert group, the Law Society Wales Office, the Electoral Commission and YesCymru.
In the Sixth Senedd (2021 to 2026)
From the previous Senedd's record, for issues that run across both. The rest of this analysis covers the Seventh Senedd only.
In the Sixth Senedd, the main constitutional debates covered Senedd reform, the voting system, the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales and devolving justice and policing. Labour and Plaid Cymru backed reform, while the Conservatives opposed it. The Liberal Democrats opposed closed lists.
Darren Millar (Welsh Conservatives) opposed a larger Senedd and closed lists without a public vote, saying Wales needs more doctors and nurses, not more politicians. Contributions: [1][2]
Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru) said over 63 per cent of votes went to parties committed to Senedd reform, giving a democratic mandate. Jane Dodds (Welsh Liberal Democrats) said no evidence supported closed lists. Contributions: [1][2]
Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) called the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales a turning point. Counsel General Mick Antoniw (Welsh Labour) said the commission's work was engaging the public. Contributions: [1][2]
Rhun ap Iorwerth and Rhys ab Owen (Independent) argued for devolving justice and policing, citing the Commission on Justice in Wales, and Alun Davies (Welsh Labour) urged unity on the issue. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Written by AI on 30 October 2026 from 232 contributions in the Senedd between 12 May 2026 and 22 October 2026, with the petitions and ministers' meetings on this brief. Each point links to the contributions it draws on; check them before quoting. How the analysis is written.
What the government has promised
10 commitments in the Welsh Government's Programme for Government 2026 to 2030 fall under this brief, in the Programme's own words. Under each is how often it has been raised in the Seventh Senedd.
Demanding fairness from Westminster: Powers for a purpose
Establish a new National Commission for Wales to provide independent advice to the Welsh Government on Wales’s constitutional future, building on the work of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. The commission will support an inclusive and informed national conversation, build the evidence base for debate and decision‑making, and provide advice on devolution priorities and wider constitutional reform.
Raised in 16 speeches, 1 agenda item and 6 written questions. Most recently on 12 October 2026, in a written question from John Clark. Matched on: “National Commission”.
Work to secure devolution of powers for the Senedd to legislate to establish a new economic regulator and planning body for Wales, so all decisions about water are made in Wales for Wales.
Raised in 21 speeches and 1 written question. Most recently on 14 October 2026, by Llyr Gruffydd. Matched on: “water regulator”.
Work towards the devolution of powers over broadcasting, including powers to regulate, supervise, and ensure accountability for broadcasting and communications in Wales. We will begin by establishing a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales to protect and strengthen local and national public service media platforms.
Source: Welsh Government, Programme for government 2026 to 2030: New ambition for Wales, first published on 10 September 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Mentions are found by matching the names of plans, bodies and schemes; a mention says nothing about progress.
From the Welsh Government
The Welsh Government's latest press releases and Cabinet statements on this brief.
The Welsh Government has published its new Programme for Government today, which sets out its priorities and plans over the four-year Senedd term, following the Senedd election on 7 May.
In the news
The latest headlines on this brief, linking to each outlet's story.
Legislative Consent Motion: Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill
Adam Price, a Plaid Cymru Cabinet Minister, asked the Senedd to consent to parts of the UK Parliament's Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill that touch on devolved matters. He said the Bill gives a safety net to steel. The Senedd agreed the motion.
Each bar is the share of that party's speeches and questions in the Seventh Senedd that touched this brief, so large and small parties can be compared. The upright line marks the chamber as a whole: 6.9%.
Ministers' meetings with outside organisations and their engagements on this brief, from the register the Welsh Government publishes every three months. 13 since the 2026 election; the latest:
24 September 2026
Expert Group on Crown Estate
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution
27 August 2026
Y Comisiwn Etholiadol/Electoral Commission
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution
6 August 2026
YesCymru, Eisteddfod
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution
4 August 2026
Hamish Falconer MP, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution
30 July 2026
Nick Butler, Chair of the Commission on the Crown Estate
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution
30 July 2026
YesCymru
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution
15 July 2026
Secretary of State for Wales
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
7 July 2026
Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime and Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales with Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution
Members whose entries in the Register of Members' Interests relate to this brief, matched by the brief's words and phrases. Members must register these interests, and having one doesn't mean anything improper.
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: All 2026 Senedd election expenses met by the Aberafan and Maesteg Constituency Labour Party and the Rhondda and Ogmore Labour Party, including…
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Member of Tata Transition Board in my role as MS for Afan Ogwr Rhondda - subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State for Wales.
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: All 2026 Senedd election expenses paid by the Bridgend Constituency Labour Party and the Vale of Glamorgan Labour Party
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Unite the Union - Member
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: 2026 Senedd election expenses met by Newport West and Islwyn and Newport East Constituency Labour Party which included donations from Unite and…
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: 100 per cent of campaign costs for 2026 Senedd Election paid for by Plaid Cymru Sir Gaerfyrddin.
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: 100 per cent of campaign costs for 2026 Senedd Election paid for by Plaid Cymru Sir Gaerfyrddin.
23% of Welsh adults said the constitutional future of Wales or Welsh independence would be very important to their vote.
Ipsos asked 747 Welsh adults aged 16+ between 2 April 2026 and 8 April 2026, before the 2026 Senedd election. People could choose as many issues as they liked. More on public opinion.
Written questions
49 written questions to the Welsh Government on this brief in the Seventh Senedd, 48 answered so far. The latest:
Mine and quarry tips are a physical reminder of Wales’ industrial past. These tips can threaten life and well-being, as was seen during landslips at Tylorstown in 2020, and Cwmtillery in 2024.
Tagged from the title of its item or question: “Electoral Reform”Official Record
Month by month
9
104
76
214
535
May 2026JunJulAugSeptOct
Contributions tagged in each month of the Seventh Senedd. No sittings were held in August 2026.Show the numbers
Month
Contributions
May 2026
9
June 2026
104
July 2026
76
August 2026
No sittings
September 2026
214
October 2026
535
How this brief is put together
This brief follows the Programme commitments listed above and tags the record with the phrases below. Keyword matching can miss business that discusses the issue in other words, and can tag a passing mention.
Show the phrases it uses
A contribution is tagged when its English text contains one of these phrases. Capital letters don't matter, except in abbreviations, which must match exactly. It is also tagged when the title of the agenda item or question it was part of contains one, as long as the contribution is at least 30 words long. The brief is also tagged whenever one of its themes is.
