Portrait of Nigel Farage
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Nigel Farage on Devolution

Make devolution work (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Nigel Farage's current stance is to accept devolution but focus on making the existing devolved administrations function effectively.

Key Points

  • He has publicly stated his aim is to make devolution work in Wales, rather than seeking to abolish the Senedd.

  • Some internal party members had previously suggested that scrapping the Senedd would not be ruled out.

  • His proposed immigration agenda may provoke legal challenges from devolved governments concerning reserved powers and the Sewel Convention.

Summary

Nigel Farage has indicated that his party's ambition is to "make devolution work" in nations like Wales, asserting that he will not advocate for abolishing devolved bodies such as the Senedd, despite acknowledging disillusionment with the system's current failures under Labour governance. This position suggests an acceptance of the political reality that devolution has occurred, shifting the focus from abolition to operational improvement within the existing constitutional framework. He dismissed suggestions that his party would roll back the devolution settlement, stating that one must "accept the facts of life as they are, (devolution) has happened."

This stance appears to represent a tactical evolution from earlier, potentially more radical positions. While some within his party have suggested they would not rule out scrapping the Welsh Parliament, Farage has publicly distanced himself from that line. Furthermore, his proposals on immigration could lead to legal and political challenges with devolved governments, which could test the practical limits of the current settlement, potentially leading to Supreme Court references or disputes over the Sewel Convention if a Reform UK government attempts to implement reserved-matter legislation with devolved consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nigel Farage's current stated position is to accept devolution as a reality and focus on making the devolved administrations work effectively. He has dismissed calls to scrap institutions like the Welsh Parliament, contrasting this with past disillusionment over the devolved system's failures.

There is an indication of an evolution, as Farage has publicly stated his ambition is to 'make devolution work,' while reports suggested some within his party would not rule out abolition. He has since distanced himself from the abolitionist view in public statements.

Nigel Farage stated that he would not speak about getting rid of the Senedd, emphasizing that the party's job is to make devolution work in Wales. He attributed current disillusionment to the failure of the long-standing Labour government in the devolved nation.