The First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth has called on Andy Burnham, to agree a new "partnership for growth” between Wales and the UK government.

The first minister has set out calls for greater co-operation and less duplication between the two governments, with the aim of delivering improved growth for Wales and the UK.    

The two leaders are due to meet later this month.

In a speech at Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre, ap Iorwerth said: "I will invite the Prime Minister to agree a new partnership for growth between our 2 governments - a practical agreement about how our 2 governments work together to unlock Wales's economic potential.

"An agreement which ensures that respect flows both ways. An agreement which commits my government to engaging positively and constructively with the UK government to seize opportunities for growth. In return, we expect the UK government to accept that when powers are devolved, the Welsh Government decides how that is done.

"Consider some of the opportunities before us - floating offshore wind, the future of Welsh steelmaking, the development of our ports, and AI and digital industries. Each represents a major opportunity for jobs, investment and growth, and each requires action from both governments.

"My message to the Prime Minister will be a simple one - let us spend less time designing new programmes and duplicating activity. Let us spend more time unlocking opportunity and supporting investment, and more time delivering the growth we both want to see in all parts of our respective nations."