Story perspectives

Starmer Urges Cabinet to Engage Respectfully with Wales

3/11/2026

Center

Starmer Directs Cabinet

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has directed his cabinet to maintain a professional and respectful relationship with the Welsh Government and avoid being overly deferential.
A leaked memo emphasizes the importance of upcoming elections in Wales and Scotland, which could influence UK governance.
Starmer's guidance includes direct engagement with devolved nations and the use of the UK Internal Market Act to fund local projects, bypassing devolved governments.

Left

Starmer Faces Opposition

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces opposition within his party to plans to limit jury trials in England and Wales.
More than 3,200 lawyers, including senior barristers, urge reconsideration, calling the proposals unpopular, untested, and poorly evidenced.
Labour backbencher Karl Turner remains unconvinced after discussions with Justice Secretary David Lammy.
Lammy warns blocking the bill could let criminals evade justice amid a backlog of nearly 80,000 crown court cases.

History

Historical Context

The United Kingdom Internal Market Act, enacted on December 17, 2020, aimed to facilitate trade across the UK post-Brexit while limiting the legislative powers of devolved governments like Wales and Scotland. This legislation has sparked tensions, particularly as Labour leader Keir Starmer navigates relationships with these nations amid internal party dissent, potentially reshaping political engagement and justice administration across the UK.

1 of 3

Starmer Directs Cabinet

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has directed his cabinet to maintain a professional and respectful relationship with the Welsh Government and avoid being overly deferential.
A leaked memo emphasizes the importance of upcoming elections in Wales and Scotland, which could influence UK governance.
Starmer's guidance includes direct engagement with devolved nations and the use of the UK Internal Market Act to fund local projects, bypassing devolved governments.

1 / 3