Keir Starmer: Leaked memo says ministers can go against Wales and Scotland

Sir Keir Starmer told senior UK ministers they should be prepared to go against the wishes of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland's governments when taking decisions, a leaked memo has revealed. The prime minister warned against showing too much respect to the administrations, telling his cabinet to feel confident spending money in each of the countries "even when devolved governments may oppose this". The memo, written in December and obtained by Plaid Cymru, follows a row last year when Welsh Labour politicians criticised the UK government for funding a town centre improvement project in Wales. BBC Wales understands Downing Street rejects Plaid's accusation the letter undermines devolution. A Downing Street source told the BBC the UK government is "committed to upholding this devolution settlement with mutual respect and partnership". They added: "We make no apologies for being determined to deliver for people across all four nations of the UK." The memo was raised in the Welsh Parliament on Tuesday, where Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the Labour party had "turned against devolution" and criticised First Minister Eluned Morgan's loyalty to Sir Keir. In the memo Sir Keir wro