First Minister of Wales steps down: First Minister writes to Mark Drakeford

Dear Mark,

I am writing to record my appreciation and thanks as you step down as First Minister of Wales. 

I have very much valued your partnership as we have grappled with the consequences of Brexit and in particular as we have had to deal with a UK Government that has increasingly used it as a pretext for eroding devolution settlements that were the result of decades long campaigns in Scotland and Wales and eventually established with popular sovereignty in 1998. 

I have greatly admired your passionate determination to stand up for Wales in our discussions with the UK Government around the Inter-Governmental Relations table – and particularly at meetings of the British Irish Council.   I am also grateful for your willingness to speak out in Scotland’s defence, most recently in relation to the Deposit Return Scheme and against the first ever use of s35 powers to veto our Gender Recognition Reform legislation – ensuring that a unified devolved voice, that transcended party lines was clearly heard, if not always heeded by our Westminster colleagues.  

Scotland has benefited greatly from your leadership, friendship and partnership – you truly can be described as a friend of Scotland. 

I know from my own short time leading the Scottish Government something of the pressures of being First Minister, so as you leave to begin a new chapter, please accept my heartfelt thanks and my very best wishes for whatever lies ahead.    

Humza Yousaf