Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
Wales needs radical federalism
It is not a binary choice between independence and the Tory status quo — we need to defend devolution from Westminster and fight for a fairer, greener, socialist future as equal partners with the rest of the UK, writes BETH WINTER MP

DEVOLUTION is not an “academic” matter — it has very real consequences for people in Wales. We have a lot to be proud of: for the last 22 years Wales has had a Labour-led government which has retained a largely publicly owned NHS and maintained free prescriptions.

In 2015 our Wellbeing of Future Generations Act encouraged the bill allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in Welsh elections. Wales is also developing an inclusive, largely foundational, economy taking a social partnership approach, promoting fair work and safeguarding workers’ rights.

Our 2017 Trade Union (Wales) Act gives further protection to workers in Wales in devolved sectors.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
STANDING FIRM: Beth Winter (right) and Labour MP Kim Johnson
Features / 4 November 2024
4 November 2024
In a heartfelt resignation statement, the former Cynon Valley MP explains why, as a socialist, she cannot remain part of the Labour Party
Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) on
Features / 9 October 2023
9 October 2023
We need to be clear that any Labour government will bring public-sector pay back to pre-austerity levels and in line with inflation, writes BETH WINTER MP
Keir Hardie (1856-1915)
Features / 14 August 2023
14 August 2023
Keir Hardie showed that left-wing politicians are not there to mediate struggles with the bosses in the hope of moderate improvements, but to fight for, and from inside, the working class, writes BETH WINTER MP
PROGRESSIVE MENU: First Minister Mark Drakeford during a vis
WELSH LABOUR CONFERENCE 2023 / 10 March 2023
10 March 2023
BETH WINTER MP on the priorities for Welsh Labour conference this weekend
Similar stories
EQUAL FOOTING REQUIRED: Sir Keir Starmer meeting First Minister of Wales Baroness Eluned Morgan in Cardiff last August
Features / 28 June 2025
28 June 2025

With Labour governments either side of the border, the distressing times we live in demand much more collaborative working, argues JESS TURNER

OF LITTLE BENEFIT: All offshore wind farms in the UK are built on seabed leased from the Crown Estate so is Wales largest wind farm Gwynt y Mor where German RWE holds 50 per cent, Stadtwerke Munchen holds 30 per cent, Siemens holds 10 per cent and UK Green Investment Bank holds 10 per cent. Its output is capable of powering 30 per cent of the homes in Wales
Features / 28 June 2025
28 June 2025

JACKIE OWEN and DYLAN LEWIS-ROWLANDS argue that Welsh Labour conference this weekend is the be-all and end-all moment if Labour wants to avoid a rout at next year’s election

FOR THE MANY OR THE FEW? Gwynt y Mor offshore wind farm, Wal
Features / 7 December 2024
7 December 2024
LUKE FLETCHER is concerned by the vagueness of Great British Energy's promised benefits to communities in Wales
STANDING FIRM: Beth Winter (right) and Labour MP Kim Johnson
Features / 4 November 2024
4 November 2024
In a heartfelt resignation statement, the former Cynon Valley MP explains why, as a socialist, she cannot remain part of the Labour Party