Fun and Games at Cardiff Bay
2 statements co-authored by the First Minister in response to the All-Wales convention report on power transfer from Westminster…..The first, issued jointly with Secretary of State Peter Hain and chair of Welsh Labour Gary Owen, reads thus:
“1. We welcome the detailed report by the All Wales Convention and reaffirm Welsh Labour’s commitment to primary legislative powers for the Welsh Assembly (under Part 4 of the 2006 Act), and to campaign for these in a succsessful referendum.
2. Because a ‘No’ vote in a referendum could set back devolution for several decades, triggering the referendum process needs to be based on a firm prospect that public opinion is ready to respond positively in the referendum.
3. Our internal policy process has already begun: Welsh Labour’s Welsh Joint Policy Committee has met, prioritised the need to campaign for a General Election victory, and agreed to start considering the All Wales Convention report in detail as a prelude to stepping-up wider Party consultation with AMs and MPs, councillors, trade unionists and members as soon as the General Election is over.”
That was in the morning – the second, issued jointly last night with Ieuan Wyn Jones, Plaid’s Deputy First Minister, says this:
“The Assembly Government once again reaffirms its commitment to the One Wales agreement in relation to a referendum on Part Four powers.
Both parties recognise the difficulties which would be created for a purposeful and united ‘Yes’ campaign, if that were attempted to be held during the run up to a General Election.
Both recognise that a successful ‘Yes’ campaign will rest on mobilising support from all political Parties in Wales, and from those who have no political affiliation.
Otherwise, all options for the timing of a referendum remain open. Nothing has been ruled in or ruled out, including, if it proved practical, a referendum in the autumn.”
Given a May General Election and a wider Party consultation it looks like Rhodri speaks with two tongues. Peter Hain is speaking to the assembly at 2.30 to (as we’d say pre Gorbachev) resolve the contradiction….
Rhodri and Ieuan are friends but What about Peter…?
Update – Betsan’s take on Hain’s speech
Update – Take from Scotland, and from Heledd whilst Syniadau crunches the numbers.
I agree with Gareth Hughes These changes don’t deserve a referendum.
Dewi,
how do you think the Plain People of Wales would vote if a referendum as held now?
It’s a bit of a daft issue to have a refendum on IMHO Sammy – just a technical change rationalising a law making process into something that makes a bit more sense in process terms. Doubtless a referendum would be debated on language and slippery slope et etc but I think we’d vote “Yes” as long as issues are patiently explained….
Sammy,
I can’t see the Welsh people voting to separate. They seem to be generally happy in their role as junior partner.
Would Ireland have been the same if one of the (3?) Home Rule Bills had been enacted?
Dewi,
What ever happened to the Welsh “Liberation Group” who went around burning holiday cottages and the like? Are they still around?
Never heard of Welsh “Liberation Group” – house burning campaign sort of …fizzled out – boom boom.
Dewi,
Can’t remember their name which is why I opted for a generic title.
joeCanuck,
re. “I can’t see the Welsh people voting to separate”
The referndum is not on separation its on extra powers.
re. “What ever happened to the Welsh “Liberation Group” who went around burning holiday cottages and the like? Are they still around? ”
They have gone away you know. There is a violent Welsh group now the Welsh Defence League (or something like that) who are not as ‘racist’ as the guys you are talking about as they want all foreigners out of Wales and not just the Englezes.
these are they – perhaps the other guys got caught out under anti-discrimination legislation
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/10/18/welsh-defence-league-show-true-colours-91466-24954821/
Meibion Glyndwr Joe – strange I couldn’t remember the name for a minute…
Thanks Sammy and Dewi.
Wiki says they have been inactive since the mid 1990s.
There are similar groups in Scotland – Settler Watch and Scottish Watch.
Added some updates