Starmer said ministers can go against wishes of Wales and Scotland in leaked memo

"We should be confident in our ability to deliver directly in those nations, including through direct spending, even when devolved governments may oppose this. The prime minister explained guidance had been shared with officials on using powers in the UK Internal Market Act (UKIMA), which allows the UK government to spend money on policies usually controlled by the three devolved governments."

"An overly deferential approach to engaging with them would almost inevitably create political challenges or missed positive opportunities. Each of us will maintain a professional and respectful working relationship with our counterparts in devolved governments, but the prime minister warned against showing too much respect to the administrations."

"The Welsh and Scottish elections this May cannot be underestimated and will have a significant impact on how we govern at UK level in the second half of parliament. Sir Keir wrote this to emphasize the political importance of these upcoming elections."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued guidance to senior UK ministers advising them to act independently of devolved governments in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland when making spending decisions. The leaked memo warned against an overly deferential approach to devolved administrations, stating the UK government should confidently deliver services directly in those nations even when opposed. Starmer emphasized the importance of upcoming Welsh and Scottish elections in May and their impact on UK governance. The guidance specifically references the UK Internal Market Act, which permits the UK government to bypass devolved authorities and fund local services like bus shelters and bins through direct spending to councils. Plaid Cymru criticized the approach as undermining devolution, while Downing Street rejected accusations that the memo contradicts devolutionary principles.

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