UK Labour shouldn’t work with nationalists who want to break up UK, says Welsh secretary
Stephen Kinnock says Plaid Cymru's support for independence would make a coalition untenable.
LIVERPOOL, England — Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock has warned that Labour would struggle to collaborate with Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru after the next general election if no single party secures a clear majority. Addressing the POLITICO Pub at Labour Party conference, Kinnock stated that he could not envision any situation where cooperation with a party seeking the disintegration of the United Kingdom would be meaningful.
Joining the Cabinet in July, Kinnock acknowledged that the center-left nationalist force shares a desire for Wales' best interests, but he pointed out that Labour regained control of the Welsh parliament, or Senedd, from Labour in May, ending a 27-year rule. He argued that since taking control of the Welsh government, Labour has returned to its usual ways.
Kinnock believes Plaid Cymru's true intentions have become apparent after its leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, met with Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill to explore joint efforts for independence. Recent opinion polls, following the ascension of Andy Burnham to the premiership in July, indicate no current party would achieve an overall majority post-election.
However, Kinnock cautioned that Plaid Cymru's potential demands for support in the Commons, including acceptance of nationalism and separatism, could render such an arrangement unsustainable, as it contradicts the Labour party's commitment to preserving the union.
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