A discussion about devolution in Scotland & Wales

panel members in discussion

PolicyWISE were delighted to co‑host a timely discussion with the think tank, Enlighten, on the future of devolution in Scotland and Wales and how both nations can learn from one another through stronger, evidence‑led cross‑nation co‑operation.

With potentially disruptive elections on the horizon in both nations this May, the political landscape is shifting. Polls indicate that Welsh Labour could finally be out of government in Wales with Plaid Cymru riding high, while the growing support for Reform is reshaping traditional voting behaviour across both Scotland and Wales.

Against this backdrop, our conversation explored the big questions:
• What might the outcomes of these elections mean for policy, governance, and intergovernmental relations?
• Has devolution delivered as effectively as it could over the last 25 years?
• Where are the shared challenges, and where do the nations diverge?
• What could better collaboration between governments, parliaments, and parties look like in practice?
• And how can Scotland and Wales genuinely learn from each other’s experience to improve outcomes for people in both nations?

PolicyWISE was especially encouraged by the positive response to our work examining the status and future of intergovernmental relations in the UK, reflecting our ambition of strengthening cross-nation evidence sharing and practical policy learning. 

Dewi Knight, Director of PolicyWISE commented: “This discussion reaffirmed the appetite among political leaders and policymakers for more structured, constructive, and mutually beneficial co‑operation across the UK’s devolved landscape. We will continue to work with all governments and policymakers to help them work together on the big challenges facing us all.”

The outstanding panel of former party leaders and ministers included:

  • Adam Price, Leader of Plaid Cymru (2018–2023) and MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
  • Kezia Dugdale, Leader of Scottish Labour (2015–2017) and Associate Director, Centre for Public Policy, University of Glasgow
  • Paul McLennan, SNP Minister for Housing (2023–2025) and MSP for East Lothian
  • Lee Waters, Welsh Labour Deputy Minister for Climate Change (2021–2024) and MS for Llanelli

You can watch the full discussion here: Devolution in Scotland and Wales