A recent poll shows widespread public desire for enhanced cooperation between Westminster and the devolved administrations, with Welsh respondents expressing more approval for devolution than for UK government performance
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The relationship between the UK government and the devolved administrations remains a central issue for voters in Scotland and Wales. A poll carried out by More in Common for PolicyWISE between January 30 and February 10 asked residents about how the devolved parliaments interact with Westminster and which priorities should guide their new administrations.
The results show a clear preference for closer working ties: the vast majority of respondents across both nations want improved cooperation rather than continued friction.
In Wales, the data highlight a curious contrast in public attitudes. While only around 36% of Welsh respondents said that devolution has been a good thing, just 16% viewed the Westminster-based government as beneficial for the nation.
The poll therefore suggests that although devolution’s track record is assessed modestly, many people still see it as preferable to the current UK government model.
Where cooperation ranks and public expectations
The survey revealed overwhelming demand for joint action: an impressive 95% of those polled in Scotland and Wales want stronger collaboration between their administrations and Westminster.
Despite this near-unanimous desire for partnership, only one in five people in Wales — roughly 20% — believe the devolved governments and Westminster currently work well together. A far larger segment, about 68%, feel the relationship is inadequate and in need of improvement.
Perceptions of Westminster’s role
Respondents in both nations frequently described Westminster as acting mainly as a government for England, with 43% in Scotland and 42% in Wales holding that view. Many Welsh respondents (around 52%) also said Westminster is not sufficiently clear when policy decisions affect England only. These perceptions add urgency to calls for clearer demarcation of responsibilities and more transparent communication from UK-wide institutions.
Policy areas where coordination matters most
The poll asked people in Wales which two reserved issues — that is, matters for Westminster — should require the closest cooperation with the devolved governments. Immigration topped the list at 37%, followed by energy policy at 31%, trade at 25%, and relations with the EU at 24%. These priorities reflect public concern about both immediate practical matters, such as border and trade arrangements, and strategic issues like energy security.
When naming the top three challenges the incoming devolved administrations should tackle, respondents in both Scotland and Wales converged on the same set of issues: the cost-of-living, support for the NHS, and immigration. This consensus underscores that, irrespective of constitutional differences, voters expect tangible action on everyday pressures and public services.
Public appetite for constructive politics
The poll also explored how people in Wales would like their First Minister to engage with Westminster. A plurality — about 30% — said they wanted Eluned Morgan to adopt a constructive approach and work with the UK government even if that requires compromise. Across both nations there was a preference for collaboration on the devolved governments’ top priorities rather than rigid confrontation or symbolic resistance.
These findings arrived in the context of a national pledge by the UK Labour government following its election to pursue a “partnership in power” between London and devolved administrations. For many voters, the evidence suggests that rhetoric alone will not be enough: they want concrete mechanisms for joint decision-making, clearer lines on what is an England-only matter, and better communication when policies diverge.
The practical priorities they identified — from managing energy and immigration to easing household budgets and bolstering health services — point to an agenda where effective intergovernmental relations will be essential for delivering results.
