WATCH: Prime Minister pressed on Welsh policing devolution

**Prime Minister Pressed on Devolution of Policing to Wales**

*London, 2 September 2026* – At Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on 2 September, the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, was urged by Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader Liz Saville Roberts MP to place the devolution of policing powers to Wales at the forefront of upcoming talks with the Welsh First Minister.

During the session, Roberts asked the Prime Minister to “put his devolution instincts into action” and to confirm that policing would be on the agenda when he meets the First Minister next month. Burnham responded that proposals from the Welsh Government would receive “fair consideration,” but he stopped short of reiterating his earlier statement that he was “open” to devolving policing.

Burnham’s earlier remarks, made during a visit to Wales with Plaid Cymru Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams MS, indicated his openness to devolving policing. He said his experience in Greater Manchester had shown “how much you can do when you can really make policing right for the places and the people where you are.”

Plaid Cymru cited several reports to support their case for devolution of policing and justice:

* The Thomas Commission (2019) recommended devolving policing and justice to create a more integrated and accountable system.
* The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales (2024) found no convincing evidence against devolution.
* The Brown Commission (2022) concluded there was no constitutional reason why powers devolved to Scotland could not also be devolved to Wales.

In his PMQs reply, Burnham said: “The approach I will take… where proposals come from the Senedd Government, we will give them fair consideration. We do need to work together to get growth going. If that can be done with more locally devolved power across Wales, then I am absolutely ready to work with her and the First Minister on that.”

After the session, Roberts remarked that while the Prime Minister’s commitment to consider Welsh proposals was “welcome,” it was disappointing that he did not repeat his earlier openness to devolving policing. She added that policing is linked to health, housing and social care—services already devolved to Wales—and that aligning these areas could help prevent crime and improve community safety. Roberts also noted that Scotland and Northern Ireland already control policing, and that the Greater Manchester city region has more powers over policing than the national parliament of Wales.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet the Welsh First Minister next month to discuss further devolution arrangements. The outcome of those talks will determine whether policing powers are transferred to the Welsh Senedd.

Article and image source: tenby-today.co.uk