Is there a Plan B for Welsh Labour?

IN CALLING for Wales to have “home rule”, Mark Drakeford is striking back at what he sees as Westminster’s attempt to grab powers back from the Welsh Government.

But in making it clear that his concept of home rule entails Wales remaining in the UK, he also declares himself to be instinctively a unionist.

He will be well aware of the term’s historical antecedents.

“Home rule” was the demand of Irish nationalists in the 19th century, who initially didn’t contemplate a total break from the British Empire.

Instead they contemplated an Ireland that governed itself, but would leave foreign policy and defence matters to Britain.

While wanting to distinguish Welsh Labour’s position from that of Plaid Cymru, which is intent on outright independence, Mr Drakeford favours a new variety of unionism that relies on the consent of the nations that want to remain in the UK. Each would be responsible for running their own country, but would agree voluntary to pool sovereignty in certain areas.

We know from what has been happening in the wake of Brexit that Mr Drakeford is very seriously concerned about the attitude of the UK Government towards the Welsh devolution settlement.

While paying lip service to the rights of Wales and Scotland, Boris Johnson’s actions have shown he is intent on encroaching on policy territory that previously has been devolved. His government has legislated to give itself powers to undertake infrastructure projects in the devolved nations and to veto environmental and other standards wanted by the Celtic nations.

Instead, Mr Drakeford would like a continuing union run on the basis of equal status for the nations involved.

It’s on this platform that Welsh Labour will fight the Senedd election in May.

But to demonstrate that there are tangible policies to run alongside the commitment to seek home rule, the First Minister will today set out a series of “green” pledges that will undoubtedly delight the party faithful and, from his point of view, appeal to a wider audience.

Only those responsible for pollution could disagree with the promises.

The question we are left with is what will Mr Drakeford and Welsh Labour do if they stay in power after May, but Westminster continues on its current course? In short, is there a Plan B?