Vaughan Gething, a front runner for Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, has set out his vision for the future of Welsh devolution.

As First Minister, Vaughan Gething would seek more powers for Wales, and share more powers within Wales. Vaughan said: “If I am elected Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, responsibility for the Crown Estate is the most important set of new powers our future Welsh Labour Government would seek for the Senedd. It is the single area of policy that, if devolved, would bring the most benefit to people’s pockets in Wales – and to the planet.

Renewable energy from Wales must bring benefit to people in Wales, and devolving the Crown Estate to Wales is crucial to achieving that.”

MPs and actors join devolution call

Comments from the prospective new First Minister follow a meeting held by two UK Parliament MPs, Beth Winter and Liz Saville Roberts, with the support of actor Michael Sheen, to launch a new campaign focused on devolving the Crown Estate to Wales.

The MPs were due to give an update on the Cross Party Bill in Parliament to Devolve the Crown Rights as well as a screening short video messages of support from actors Michael Sheen and Jerome Flynn.

The event drew 230 people and aimed to pull together individuals and organisations in a joint campaign demanding the devolution of the Crown Estate with the profits directed into a Sovereign Wealth Fund, managed by the Welsh Government, for community benefit.

Michael Sheen. Photo: BBC

The Crown Estate

The Crown Estate is a collection of land and assets owned by the Crown, but managed by an independent trust. Its profits are returned to the UK Treasury.

The Crown Estate owns about 65% of the Welsh foreshore and riverbed. In 2020-21, the value of the estate went from £96.8m to £603m, reflecting the value of the land for renewable development and other projects, Nation-Cymru said.

Since 2016, the Crown Estate has been devolved in Scotland.

Click to view the short videos from Michael Sheen and Jerome Flynn.

The Crown Estate (Devolution to Wales) Bill can be read here.