Written Statement: Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee – 27 February 2025

I represented the Welsh Government at the eighth meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on 27 February 2025. 

The meeting was co-chaired by the Northern Ireland Executive First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.  A joint communique was published following the meeting, which contains full details of other attendees. The agenda enabled discussion of a range of issues including the ongoing review of the UK Internal Market Act, the Sewel Convention and UK legislation, the need for the UK and Devolved Governments to work together to safeguard assets of national importance, and continued engagement on the potential impact of global developments on the economy.

In relation to the discussion on the review of the UK Internal Market Act, I highlighted that I was encouraged by the signalled intent to make common frameworks the primary mechanism for collaborative consideration of policy differences. I am keen to work with UK Government and the other Devolved Governments in this context to reframe the UK internal market in a way which addresses our concerns with the UK Internal Market Act. In addition, whilst recognising it was not in the scope of the current review, I raised the importance of continued discussions at both ministerial and official level on the financial assistance powers contained within the Act.

As part of the discussion relating to the Sewel Convention and UK legislation, I welcomed the UK Government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen the Sewel Convention with the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). I reiterated that early, detailed, engagement would be important to ensure the renewed MoU takes a form that all governments are content with, and the Welsh Government stands ready to assist with this work. I took the opportunity to recognise the recent improved engagement and communication on the UK Legislation Programme. 

In the discussion on the use of technology in public sector reform, I encouraged deeper engagement at official level on the use of digital and technology in public service reform. Inter-operability should be considered during the design phase to allow, for example, health records and access to NHS apps to be available if people move within the UK. The Centre for Digital Public Services is an important delivery agent for the Welsh Government’s digital strategy and an innovation fund exists to promote new approaches to service delivery. The Welsh Government is interested in the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence into public services, including as a mechanism for ensuring health and social care services are equally accessible to rural communities. Artificial Intelligence is also an important part of our work on Welsh language technology. I raised the importance of continued work across governments, technology companies and wider partners to improve Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies being available bilingually. 

Finally, the Committee recommended that officials across all governments consider portfolio level working arrangements, with a view to ensuring that interministerial engagement is operating efficiently and effectively within the appropriate structures. Findings and recommendations will be presented to the Committee for agreement at a future meeting.

The Scottish Government is due to chair the next Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee, which is expected to take place in May 2025.

This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.