The clearest guide to Plaid\u2019s immediate priorities is its \u201cfirst 100 days\u201d<\/a> programme for government. This was published during its February 2026 conference. It includes calls for a new devolution bill to be passed in the UK parliament giving Wales the same devolved powers as Scotland and new funding arrangements for Wales.<\/p>\n The party\u2019s manifesto<\/a> provides more detail on its package of constitutional demands. These include further powers over taxation, policing and justice, welfare, broadcasting, renewable energy, migration and the Crown Estate.<\/p>\n During the election campaign, Plaid deliberately played down its longer-term goal of Welsh independence in an effort to broaden its appeal beyond pro-independence voters. But now in government, the party will want to begin laying the groundwork for a longer-term constitutional change.<\/p>\n Its manifesto proposes a new national commission for Wales to prepare for a document exploring the challenges and opportunities that independence could bring for Wales. For Westminster, this may evoke comparisons with the SNP government\u2019s Scotland\u2019s Future<\/a> which was published ahead of the 2014 independence referendum.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In the aftermath of the election, Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said he intended to \u201ctake the fight\u201d<\/a> to the UK government as first minister. It reflects the party\u2019s campaign promise to \u201calways stand up for Wales\u201d.<\/p>\n Plaid has also pledged to \u201creset\u201d<\/a> relations with Westminster. The UK Labour 2024 manifesto<\/a> also committed to a \u201creset\u201d of the UK government\u2019s relationship with the devolved governments. <\/p>\n Structures<\/a> intended to improve co-ordination between the UK and devolved governments were introduced in 2022 under the then Conservative UK government. These included a council bringing together the prime minister and devolved leaders, alongside policy-focused inter-ministerial groups.<\/p>\n The outgoing Welsh Labour government argued<\/a> that relations had improved since Labour entered power in Westminster in 2024. But it also pointed to examples of \u201climited or uneven engagement\u201d across some policy areas. <\/p>\n \n Our research<\/a> has raised questions about the UK government\u2019s willingness to make full use of the intergovernmental arrangements. <\/p>\n Plaid now wants those arrangements strengthened and placed on a firmer legal footing. In particular, it supports recommendations<\/a> made by the Independent Constitutional Commission on the Future of Wales<\/a> in 2024 to give intergovernmental structures a statutory basis, rather than relying largely on political convention. <\/p>\n The party also wants stronger protections for the Sewel convention<\/a>. This is the principle that Westminster should seek consent before legislating in areas of policy that have been devolved.<\/p>\n Plaid\u2019s victory could also reshape relationships between the three devolved governments. Co-operation between Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland has often been limited. This reflected their different political leaderships and constitutional settlements. But following the 2026 elections, parties supportive of greater national self-determination now lead all three governments.<\/p>\n That raises the prospect of more co-ordinated pressure on Westminster. Rhun ap Iorwerth has already signalled he wants to pursue greater cooperation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n One probable area of shared interest is the UK\u2019s relationship with the EU. As debates over trade, regulation and economic alignment continue, devolved governments may seek a stronger voice in shaping UK-EU policy. Plaid\u2019s manifesto argues Wales should have a \u201cseat at the table\u201d<\/a> in discussions directly affecting Welsh interests. <\/p>\n Plaid was able to use Labour\u2019s years of partnership with the previous Welsh government to argue that the UK government had become increasingly indifferent<\/a> towards Wales. <\/p>\n \n Another reset in UK-devolved relations<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n Read more:
\n After a complete collapse, where does Welsh Labour go from here?<\/a>
\n <\/strong>
\n <\/em>\n<\/p>\n
\nA new alignment among devolved governments<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n Read more:
\n The Welsh Conservatives survived the Senedd election \u2013 now they must decide what they stand for<\/a>
\n <\/strong>
\n <\/em>\n<\/p>\n
\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/282436\/count.gif\")
<\/p>\n