New Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock ‘not entirely convinced’ on more powers for Wales

The new Welsh secretary has said he is not yet “entirely convinced” of the case for giving more powers to the Welsh government, although he remains “open to the conversation”.

Stephen Kinnock said he wants a “collaborative relationship” with the Plaid Cymru administration, with the Welsh and UK governments “working in tandem”.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has repeated calls for powers over policing and the Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales.

Kinnock said any constitutional changes should be judged on the outcomes they would deliver.

Aberafan Maesteg MP Kinnock was appointed Welsh secretary by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Monday.

Speaking to BBC Wales, during a visit to a council-run community centre in Cardiff, Kinnock said his priority would be to act as “a strong voice for Wales at the cabinet table”.

His comments came after First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth renewed calls for powers over policing, justice, rail and the Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales.

“I think we have to be evidence-based and it’s really important to look at what are the costs and benefits of making change,” said Kinnock.

He argued that policing works across the England-Wales border and warned changes to the Crown Estate could “potentially destabilise the system” and have a “chilling effect” on investment.

“Would the Welsh people really benefit from a change? That’s an open question. I’m not entirely convinced.”