Found: final version of the letter that was sent following review by the Secretary of State for Wales, John Redwood

Found: final version of the letter that was sent following review by the Secretary of State for Wales, John Redwood

Found: Hon John Redwood MP Conservative May 1993 – June 1995 Rt.

Found: Who would have imagined that 10 years ago, when Wales was ruled by John Redwood?

Found: Hon John Redwood MP Conservative  Rt. Hon William Hague MP Conservative  Rt.

<p>Keir Starmer’s manifesto, and the comments made by members of his shadow Cabinet, strongly suggest that the Welsh Government will again have to dredge the channel for that clear red water.&nbsp;I was initially a little unsure of the call made in the motion to abolish the post of Secretary of State. Like Tom Giffard, I wondered for a moment whether it would be better to ensure some voice for Wales around the table at 10 Downing Street. However, as Adam Price said very robustly, the truth is, if we look at the history of the role, we have had far too much of George Thomas and John Redwood, and not enough at all of Cledwyn Hughes and Ron Davies.</p>

<p>For too long at Whitehall, Wales has been an afterthought at best. At worst, we have seen utter contempt towards the needs of the people of Wales. George Thomas masterminded that&nbsp;£0.25 million was stolen from the families of Aberfan victims in order to save the Treasury some money, whilst John Redwood sent £100 million back of the Welsh block grant to the Treasury after vilifying one-parent families in St Mellons.</p>

<p>Thank you, and I think that reflects what Adam Price was saying about redefining that relationship. This isn't just headline grabbing on getting rid of the Secretary of State of Wales's role; it's actually having that grown-up conversation about what does that relationship look like between the UK Government and the Welsh Government, that we update processes, because surely it doesn't work for Wales when there is a united view here, supported by experts, and yet we have to fight, we have to continue to make the case. So, I think that's where the frustration lies. We need to make sure that this union works for Wales, and currently it doesn't.</p>
<p>Rhys ab Owen, thank you for reminding us of John Redwood and that awful rendition of 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau'. That needs to be consigned to the history books, not just the role. But, certainly, the points you make, I think the fact that you have reflected, because it is something that you need to balance in terms of that role, and that's why we need that grown-up conversation about what that relationship looks like.</p>
<p>Peredur, you were right to point out in terms of the Crown Estate not even being mentioned in the Labour manifesto. So, how are we going to, crucially, deliver for Wales?</p>
<p>You mentioned, Cabinet Secretary, in your response that most functions transferred to Welsh Government 25 years ago, and you mentioned about safeguarding the devolution settlement. Well, it seems to me from the interviews we've seen to date that we'll need to safeguard the devolution settlement from a Labour Secretary of State for Wales, as well as we've seen with a UK Conservative one. A constructive relationship needs to start during an election campaign as well; we can't hope that she will change in terms of tone and attitude following the election. And that's why we are concerned, looking at the UK Labour manifesto, looking at the comments made, that there is a disregard for the views of this Senedd.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, that's why today we are asking the Senedd to agree to our motion, and that's about getting rid of and abolishing the position of the Secretary of State for Wales. It's high time that the Welsh Government had the final say in terms of the key things that should be devolved here to Wales, and the powers that we need here in Wales. No-one should have a veto over the will of this Senedd. We are ambitious for Wales. We want to see a UK Government delivering for Wales. A Secretary of State for Wales will not deliver for Wales. That's clear, whichever party they are from.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, let's have that confidence in the Welsh Government, in the decisions taken here in Wales, redefine the relationship, but please, Welsh Labour, have the courage to take the decisions for the people of Wales, not just hope for the best.</p>

<p>The needs of the people of Wales should be considered by all Whitehall departments whilst making policy decisions. It shouldn’t be an afterthought and it shouldn’t be for one individual to try and remind them. Currently, we are seeing time and time again the Welsh Government being disregarded and excluded from the decision-making table. And I agree with Jenny, we need to be co-operating; I'm not a nihilist, like Adam too. We need to be co-operating with each other for the benefit of the people of Wales.</p>
<p>But the role of the Secretary of State for Wales is outdated. It needs to be consigned to the history books. It needs to join the Secretary of State for India and the Secretary of State for the Colonies. We now, in 2024, we have a Government, we have a Senedd. We have the democratic voice of the people of Wales that needs to be acknowledged and respected in Whitehall. As far as I can see, the current position produces no benefit for the people of Wales. It is seen by the UK establishment as a minor Cabinet position with little, if no, influence. But at least the role gave John Redwood an opportunity to practice his miming skills. Diolch yn fawr.</p>