OPPOSITION members called for details of a cross-border plan to reduce NHS waiting times in Wales, suggesting it amounts to little more than a “public relations gimmick” otherwise.

Andrew RT Davies pressed the first minister about plans for cross-border NHS working between the Welsh and UK Governments, which were announced at Labour’s conference.

The Conservative said the previous UK Government made a similar offer which was rebuffed last year and an additional 50,000 people have since joined the waiting list.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth also called for further details, “so we can interrogate the governance and funding arrangements – otherwise we might think it was just a stunt”.

Eluned Morgan, who has been first minister for less than 50 days, described the August 2023 offer as not a serious one as she accused the Tories of playing politics.

During first minister’s questions, Baroness Morgan replied: “We've started the conversation – we will come up with the details in weeks to come.”

‘Thriving’

In a wider statement to the Senedd on intergovernmental relations, she raised plans for a Council of Nations and Regions to include the prime minister, first ministers and mayors.

Baroness Morgan also pointed to Labour’s pledge to strengthen the Sewel convention, ie that Westminster will “not normally” legislate on devolved areas without consent.

She said an agreement will be developed with the UK Government, outlining how the four nations will work together for the common good.

She told the chamber or Siambr: “I commit to bringing energy and respect to this important work and continue to stand up for Wales’ interests within a thriving and vibrant union.

“Two governments working together for the benefit of Wales is in the best interests of people right across the country.”

‘Reset’

Baroness Morgan criticised the former UK Government, warning that intergovernmental relationships suffered during the Conservatives’ time in power.

“We have not always seen respect in our intergovernmental landscapes over the past decade and a half…, “ she said. “Half of that time has been spent working alongside a government that didn’t respect devolution and didn’t have Wales’ best interest at heart.”

The first minister told the Senedd the new Labour UK Government has provided an opportunity to reset relations and begin an “era of partnership”.

Baroness Morgan said she has met prime minister Keir Starmer, chancellor Rachel Reeves and Welsh secretary Jo Stevens to discuss issues including fair funding for Wales.

In closing, she said: “The Welsh Government will seek to capitalise on the opportunity to work in partnership with the UK Government for the benefit of the people of Wales.”

‘Barren’

Mr Davies rejected the first minister’s “bizarre” claims about the former UK Government, raising the example of cooperation on the 2011 referendum on law-making powers.

“Far from it being a barren desert of cooperation,” Mr Davies said.

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“There were solid negotiations with tangible results – and hence that’s why we sit in a legislative parliament with tax-raising powers today.”

The leader of the opposition told the Siambr that the withdrawal of winter fuel allowance for pensioners is a tangible outcome of the partnership between Labour governments.

He also criticised Baroness Morgan for suggesting in an interview that she has as much influence on Donald Trump as she does on Keir Starmer.

‘Unfair’

Mr ap Iorwerth accused the first minister of undermining a pre-election promise of two Labour governments working in partnership for the benefit of Wales.

He said: “The admission from the first minister on her lack of influence on Keir Starmer – as much as she has over Donald Trump, those were her own words – is a cause of concern.”

Mr ap Iorwerth claimed the first minister had not even tried to fight Wales’ corner on critical issues such as devolution of the Crown Estate.

“As it stands, the Crown Estate is due to be handed more borrowing powers than her own Welsh Government,” said the Ynys Môn MS.

He added that Labour will not honour a previous commitment to scrap the “fundamentally unfair” Barnett formula which is used to allocate funding to Wales.