In their first meeting since Eluned Morgan became Wales’ First Minister, Keir Starmer and the Welsh leader discuss critical issues like NHS funding and the future of steel jobs

On Monday, Wales’ new First Minister, Eluned Morgan, met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the first time since stepping into her role. The two leaders exchanged greetings on the steps of the Welsh government building in Cathays Park, Cardiff, marking the beginning of Starmer’s two-day visit to Wales. This meeting comes at a crucial time, with both leaders needing to address pressing issues that could shape the future of Wales.

Their discussion centred on resetting the relationship between the UK and Welsh governments, a task Starmer described as overcoming “hostilities” that have marked 14 years of Conservative rule at Westminster. Morgan acknowledged that a new era had begun, likening the change to a switch being flicked. However, behind the smiles and handshakes, both leaders face a daunting list of challenges that will test their ability to deliver on their promises.

Eluned Morgan, who has vowed to bring “a vibrant splash of colour” to her role as First Minister, is already under pressure to make a significant impact. Two major issues dominate her agenda: the struggling NHS and the looming closure of Tata Steel’s blast furnace at Port Talbot. These issues are not only crucial for the future of Wales but also for the political credibility of both Morgan and Starmer.

During the election campaign, Starmer pledged to work with Welsh Labour to reduce NHS waiting times by scrapping non-dom status and cracking down on tax avoidance. However, most of the Welsh government’s funding comes from Westminster, where Starmer’s administration is more focused on addressing what they describe as a “black hole” in public finances rather than increasing spending.

The financial picture for Wales will become clearer in the coming months, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves expected to deliver a budget in October that will outline UK government spending for the next year. Following this, the Welsh government’s draft budget is anticipated, likely revealing the tough choices ahead for Morgan as she tries to balance the books while maintaining essential services.

Meanwhile, the steel industry faces an imminent crisis with the planned closure of Port Talbot’s last blast furnace in September. During their meeting, Starmer discussed the future of the steel industry with Morgan and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, expressing concern over the potential loss of steelmaking capacity in the UK. While Starmer sees “massive opportunities” in the sector, the new Labour government’s approach is similar to the previous Conservative plan, focusing on greener steel and mitigating job losses—a strategy that has faced criticism.

The real test of these discussions will come in the 2026 Senedd election, where Morgan will be judged by voters on her ability to deliver results. With opposition parties in Wales poised to capitalize on any shortcomings, Morgan might find it beneficial to assert her independence from her Labour colleagues in Westminster, positioning herself as the leader who is truly on the side of the Welsh people.

Starmer’s visit to Wales continues on Tuesday, with a focus on renewable energy, jobs, and energy security, adding to the long list of promises both governments will need to fulfill in the coming months.

BBC

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan met in Cardiff, marking their first official meeting since Morgan assumed her role. The encounter, which included discussions about resetting the relationship between the UK and Welsh governments, was filled with optimism. However, serious challenges loom for both leaders, particularly regarding the NHS and the future of Tata Steel jobs in Wales.

During the meeting, Starmer emphasized the need for cooperation to address these pressing issues, especially the ongoing crisis in the NHS. Starmer had previously committed to reducing NHS waiting times through funding strategies like scrapping non-dom status and cracking down on tax avoidance. However, the broader challenge lies in the financial constraints, as the UK government prioritizes addressing what it calls a “public finances black hole.”

The upcoming budget announcements, first by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and then by the Welsh government, will be crucial in determining how these issues are tackled. The Welsh government, heavily reliant on funding from Westminster, may face difficult decisions, especially as the opposition in Wales is ready to capitalize on any perceived shortcomings.

Another pressing issue is the future of the steel industry, with the imminent closure of the last blast furnace at Port Talbot. Despite Starmer’s criticism of Tata’s plans, his government is largely continuing the Conservative strategy of transitioning to greener steel production while mitigating job losses.

The meeting highlighted the significant challenges ahead, with both leaders needing to deliver tangible results to meet the expectations of their constituents. As Starmer’s visit continues, the focus will shift to renewable energy and its potential to create jobs and enhance energy security, further adding to the list of priorities for both governments.

GOV.UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan are intensifying efforts to establish Britain as a clean energy superpower. They are focusing on boosting the economy, creating jobs, enhancing skills, and securing energy independence through significant investments in renewable energy. During a visit to a Welsh wind farm, the leaders pledged to expand the work of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, a Welsh publicly owned energy company, and build on it to establish Great British Energy, backed by £8.3 billion over the current Parliament.

The UK government is committed to achieving clean energy independence by 2030, a move aimed at stabilizing energy prices and shielding the nation from global market fluctuations. This initiative comes in response to the vulnerabilities exposed by the cost-of-living crisis and the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, exacerbated by geopolitical events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Welsh Government’s efforts include unlocking seabed areas to develop offshore wind farms, potentially generating enough electricity to power every home in Wales multiple times over. These projects are expected to create over 5,000 jobs and provide a £1.4 billion boost to the economy.

The UK government has also announced plans to leverage up to £60 billion in private investment for energy independence. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of these green initiatives for reducing energy bills, creating jobs, and moving the UK closer to net zero emissions. The visit underscores the new government’s commitment to rapidly advancing renewable energy projects and addressing the inherited challenges of high energy costs.