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Wales Online
Wales Online
Politics
Branwen Jones

UK Government is a 'problem' for Wales, says former Archbishop of Canterbury

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has said that the UK Government poses as a "problem" for Wales. The bishop, who is currently co-chairing a commission assessing all options for Wales' future with academic Professor Laura McAllister, was participating in a panel discussion at the National Eisteddfod on Wednesday.

The commission, which was launched following the Senedd elections of last year, will seek views from the public as part of its work. It aims to look at an array of options, including reforming the constitutional framework of the UK and considering "all progressive options to strengthen Welsh democracy".

Speaking to Newyddion S4C, Dr Williams discussed the importance of the commission's work. "The Commission's task is not to decide the future," he told journalist Gwyn Loader. "But to discuss options - such as independence or devolution - those questions are open. From where I stand, more devolution seems most probable."

Read more: All schools should become Welsh language, say campaigners

Previously, the UK Government has said that devolution remained "a priority", but Dr Williams fears that the government in Westminster has not taken it "seriously" in the past. This comes after one of the Tory leadership contender, Liz Truss, said that it was best to ignore "attention-seeking" Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

When asked about Ms Truss' comments this week, the former Archbishop of Canterbury said: "Of course, the government in Westminster is a problem to us in Wales. What will happen in Westminster - I don't know, but of course I hope that devolution will be taken seriously in Westminster.

"I'm not certain that devolution has been taken seriously by them up until now. I hope that we, as the Commission, can bring that question forward."

The former Archbishop of Canterbury was asked what he thought about Tory leadership contender Liz Truss' comments about Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon (Getty Images)

With a new Prime Minister set to take the reigns in September, Dr Williams was also asked if there would be better moral leadership from either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss. In the past, the bishop had criticised former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for Partygate, as well as the government's policy to send refugees to Rwanda.

"It's hard for me to believe that there could be any less moral leadership than what we had under Boris Johnson," he added. "I really do hope that things will improve there."

In response to Newyddion S4C, a spokesperson for the UK Government said that devolution continues to be a priority and that they are "working closely with devolved governments, and ensuring that the Welsh Government had the resources to play their part".

They added: "This includes giving more powers to local leaders in Wales by investing £585 million through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and over £120 million for the Levelling up Fund. These funds give decision-making firmly in the hands of local leaders who understand the needs of their areas."

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