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Mark Drakeford said the four British countries were “closer” under Theresa May than Boris Johnson
Wales has had less influence in British affairs under Boris Johnson, Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said.
Mr Drakeford said the relationship was ‘closer’ between the UK government and decentralized countries when Theresa May was at No 10.
Mr Johnson replaced Ms May as prime minister after winning the Tory leadership in July 2019.
‘When @theresa_may was Prime Minister, we met, almost every week, with British ministers ”, says @fmwaleshttps://t.co/1s9NNUt3DV
– BBC Wales News (@BBCWalesNews) December 27, 2020
The UK government has been invited to comment.
Speaking in an interview with Beti George for BBC Radio Cymru, recorded before Christmas, Mr Drakeford spoke of a difficult year for Wales amid the coronavirus pandemic and the UK’s exit from the Union European.
“I don’t think our voice in Wales has much influence on Mr Johnson,” he said.
“When Mrs May was Prime Minister – of course her situation was very different and she did not have a majority in the House of Commons – and I’m sure that’s one of the reasons she was willing to listen. others.
“But during her time as Prime Minister, we met, almost every week, with British ministers – us, the Prime Minister of Scotland and so on. The relationship was closer.
“After Mr Johnson became Prime Minister, that changed. He has a majority and can do whatever he wants in the House of Commons, without listening to anyone else.
Wales has backed away from the UK government over its response to the coronavirus pandemic on several occasions during the year, while last October Mr Drakeford said there was not had a Brexit meeting for over a month.
Mr Drakeford said “in the long run”, the lack of communication between Mr Johnson and the four countries would not be “a successful solution”.
“I think the UK Prime Minister has a responsibility to listen and work together and see what can be agreed upon by the four UK governments.”
“I don’t want to see Scotland disappear from the UK. If Scotland decides to go their own way – it’s different in Northern Ireland – we will have to rethink our relationship with England – and we will have to consider the arrangements and options.
Beti a’i Phobol is on BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds, Sunday December 27 at 13:00 GMT
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