Welsh FM warns UK breakup ‘real possibility’ as Starmer faces heat

Wales’ Labour leader has issued a stark warning about the future of the United Kingdom, whilst refusing to rule out the possibility that Sir Keir Starmer could be forced from Number 10 before Christmas.

Eluned Morgan appeared on Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, where she was questioned about recent comments from Scotland’s SNP First Minister John Swinney. He had suggested that May’s crucial elections could mark the “end of the road” for the Prime Minister if Labour suffers poor results.

When asked if she agreed with Swinney’s assessment, Baroness Morgan didn’t hold back: “That will be a decision for the parliamentary group. But I do think there will be pressure on the Prime Minister inevitably if Labour performs badly.”

The elections on 7th May will see voters head to the polls across Wales and Scotland’s parliaments, as well as English councils. For Labour in Wales, the outlook appears particularly challenging. The party has governed Wales in some capacity for over 25 years since the Senedd’s establishment in 1999, but that dominance now looks set to crumble.

Recent YouGov polling revealed a dramatic collapse in Welsh Labour support, with the party languishing in fourth place on just 10%. Plaid Cymru leads the way with 37%, followed by Reform on 23% and the Greens on 13%.

Asked whether the UK could break up if nationalist leaders end up controlling all devolved authorities, Morgan delivered a sobering response: “I think there’s a real possibility of that. I think it’s time people woke up to that as a possibility.”

She continued: “The elections in May could have profound implications, not just for the people of Wales and their public services, but also for the situation in the whole of the United Kingdom. The danger is real.”

The scenario she outlined would see Swinney retain power in Holyrood, whilst Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill already serves as First Minister in Northern Ireland’s power-sharing executive.

Meanwhile, Morgan yesterday announced plans for a pay boost affecting teaching assistants, cooks and other key workers.