UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to transferring responsibility for policing to the Welsh government, marking a significant shift in tone from the previous UK government and potentially reigniting a long-running debate over the extent of devolved powers in Wales.

Burnham noted that he is prepared to discuss the possibility of devolving policing and criminal justice responsibilities to Cardiff, although he stopped short of making a commitment to transfer the powers.

His comments came during his first official visit to Wales since entering Downing Street, where he met Welsh government Ministers and set out his broader vision for strengthening devolution across the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister’s position represents a notable departure from the stance taken by the previous Labour government under Keir Starmer, which had resisted calls for policing to be transferred to the Welsh government.

In January, then-Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that planned reforms to policing would not result in new powers being handed to Wales.

Burnham, however, suggested that the ongoing transformation of policing in England and the wider concern over how police services should be organised created an opportunity to reconsider the existing constitutional arrangement.

“That’s an issue I’m certainly prepared to look at, and I hear what you’re saying. As a former mayor that had those responsibilities, I understand how much you can do when you can really make policing right for the places and the people where you are.”
Andy Burnham

He added, “So I hear that call; I’m open to the discussion with the Welsh government. As part of the wider policing reform that’s going on, it seems a good time to have a look at those issues. So I can’t promise today, but what I can say is I’m open to the conversation.”

Policing is currently a reserved responsibility in Wales, meaning major decisions over policing structures, funding and criminal justice remain under the authority of Westminster. The arrangement contrasts with Scotland and Northern Ireland, where policing is devolved, and their respective governments exercise greater control over police services.

The possibility of transferring policing powers has been a longstanding demand among some Welsh political figures and parties, including Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour politicians.

Supporters argue that greater local control would allow policing priorities to be tailored more closely to the needs of Welsh communities, while critics have questioned whether further constitutional fragmentation would improve policing outcomes.

Burnham’s comments also form part of a wider attempt to redefine devolution beyond the traditional transfer of powers to national governments.

Speaking during his visit to Port Talbot, the Prime Minister suggested Wales and Scotland could learn from the evolving model of regional devolution in England, where greater powers are increasingly being transferred to cities and regions.

“Maybe there’s an argument for deeper devolution, so more power into the cities and the regions of Wales, to north Wales working more with the North West, or mid Wales more with the West Midlands, of the kind of devolution that is developing now quite quickly across England.”
Andy Burnham

Burnham Rejects Immediate Barnett Formula Review Despite Wider Devolution Push

While Burnham signalled a willingness to consider additional powers for Wales, he appeared considerably less receptive to calls for reform of the Barnett Formula, the system used to determine changes in public spending allocations for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The funding mechanism has long been a source of controversy in Wales, with critics arguing that it does not adequately reflect the country’s specific economic and social needs.

Burnham himself previously criticised the arrangement. In a book published two years ago, he argued that it was time to “tear up” the Barnett Formula funding arrangements.

However, his position appears to have changed since becoming prime minister.

In June, reports indicated that Burnham had no plans to reform the system. During his visit to Port Talbot, he again indicated that a fundamental review of the funding mechanism was not currently among his priorities.

“I have a very clear view about creating a Britain that’s fair, that treats all people and all places equally. I’m well aware of the concerns about the Barnett formula here in Wales. I have to be honest and say there’s only so many things I can do in the time that I’ve got.”
Andy Burnham

The issue is particularly relevant as the Welsh government continues to argue for a funding settlement that better reflects the country’s needs.

The concerns over the Barnett Formula have therefore remained closely linked to broader questions about the fairness of UK’s constitutional and fiscal arrangements.

Burnham’s visit also comes at a time when his government is attempting to establish a new relationship with the devolved administrations. Before travelling to Wales, he had announced plans for a summit bringing together the first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October.

The proposed meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss economic growth, devolution and cooperation across the four nations of the UK.

Burnham has indicated that further Welsh requests for devolution will receive consideration at the summit.

Among the issues expected to feature is Wales’ longstanding appeal for control over the Crown Estate, which manages land and property belonging to the monarch and generates significant revenues.