Starmer Memo Warns Against Overly Deferential Relations With Devolved Governments

Published: 11 March 2026 The English Chronicle Desk The English Chronicle Online – UK News

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has cautioned his cabinet against adopting an “overly deferential” approach to devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, according to a leaked memo that has reignited tensions over the future of devolution.

The document, dated December and published this week by Plaid Cymru, urged ministers to be prepared to make spending decisions “even when devolved governments may oppose this.” Starmer warned that a laissez‑faire attitude toward the Celtic administrations would “almost inevitably create political challenges or missed positive opportunities.”

The leak comes amid growing unease within Labour ranks about the party’s handling of devolution. In December, a third of Welsh Labour Senedd members wrote to Downing Street accusing the government of rolling back devolved powers. They described a funding row as “at best deeply insensitive, at worst a constitutional outrage,” and expressed concern about Westminster’s reluctance to devolve further functions to Wales, including justice, policing and the crown estate—policies that are part of Labour’s own platform.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth seized on the memo during First Minister’s Questions in Cardiff, accusing Labour’s Welsh first minister, Eluned Morgan, of undermining her own administration by aligning too closely with Starmer. He described the document as Starmer’s “own version of Boris Johnson’s muscular unionism.”

Morgan defended her position, insisting: “Devolution must be respected, and I’ve always been very clear with the prime minister on that issue. It is a respectful relationship.”

Downing Street responded by saying: “We make no apologies for being determined to deliver for people across all four nations of the UK. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are clearly reserved areas of governmental responsibilities and this government is committed to upholding this devolution settlement with mutual respect and partnership.”

The leak is being interpreted as evidence of internal conflict within Welsh Labour ahead of May’s Senedd elections. After 26 years in power, Labour faces mounting challenges, with polls suggesting it could slip to third or even fourth place. Coalition negotiations are expected to be complex, with Plaid Cymru tipped to form the next Welsh government and Reform UK projected to become the largest opposition party.

Starmer’s memo acknowledged the importance of the Welsh and Scottish elections, warning they would have a “significant impact on how we govern at UK level in the second half of parliament.”

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between Westminster authority and devolved autonomy. Since the creation of devolved legislatures in the late 1990s, successive governments have wrestled with how to manage relations across the UK. While Labour has historically championed devolution, critics argue the party has become increasingly centralising under Starmer.

The memo’s language—urging ministers not to be “overly deferential”—has been interpreted by opponents as evidence of a tougher stance toward devolved governments. Supporters, however, argue that Westminster must retain the ability to act decisively in reserved areas, particularly on spending and economic policy.

The leak has sparked debate across the political spectrum. Devolution advocates warn that any perception of Westminster undermining devolved powers could fuel nationalist sentiment in Wales and Scotland. Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party have already used the memo to argue that Labour cannot be trusted to respect devolved institutions.

Within Labour, the issue has exposed divisions between MPs and Senedd members who favour stronger devolution and those who support a more centralised approach.

Starmer’s leaked memo underscores the challenges of governing a multi‑nation UK at a time of political volatility. With elections looming in Wales and Scotland, the balance between respect for devolved powers and Westminster authority is once again under scrutiny.

For Labour, the stakes are high: missteps could weaken its position in devolved legislatures and embolden nationalist parties. For Starmer, the message is clear—his government must deliver across all four nations, but without appearing to erode the very devolution settlement Labour helped create.

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