53-0 in favour of referendum on legislative powers to the Welsh Assembly..
OK it’s not my prediction for Wales Scotland on Saturday (but won’t be far off…) but today the National Assembly have voted 53-0 in favour of a referendum to transfer legislative powers to Cardiff.
Here’s Betsan on the vote. Probably the most ridiculous referendum in UK history in terms of the constitution – but in terms of the Assembly’s power of delivery it’s critical. The process is that Secretary of State, Peter Hain, has 120 days in which to formulate the question and determine the date of the referendum – probably in October (Cameron has promised not to block a vote..)
Bring in on… BTW, here’s the opposition.
Tags: Wales
Thanks, Dewi. What would happen if the Northern Ireland Assembly were to vote unanimously in favour of adopting the euro? I know what the constitutional lawyers will say (‘Don’t be silly!’), but could Westminster get away with such a reply?
Posted by David Crookes
” 1.Thanks, Dewi. What would happen if the Northern Ireland Assembly were to vote unanimously in favour of adopting the euro? I know what the constitutional lawyers will say (‘Don’t be silly!’), but could Westminster get away with such a reply? ”
The British islanders would say “Adios”
What would happen if your ma was your da?
Dewi,
Who is behind that ‘no’ campaign?
Dewi
Problem is, both Cons and Labour MPs are divided, but mainly opposed, isn’t it? However it plays to Cons commitment to decentralise, so perhaps stands a better chance under Cons than Lab. I suppose the number of gains in the GE might affect the debate. Next problem, how quickly would Cameron move to reduce the overall number of MPs in the Commons? Would there be extra weighting against S,W and NI MPs because of devolution? On the one hand, this might delay the legislative powers project; on the other, make it more likely in the end.
Who is behind that ‘no’ campaign?
A body called “True Wales” headed by Ms Rachel Banner who is clever and articulate – but whose arguments bear no relevance to the issues at hand.
Brian – whatever the outcome of the referendum I see no reason for Cameron to maintain the over-representation of MPs from Wales – he might find it difficult to justify a further reduction than this however. NI of course was balanced up from 12-18 – any plans to reduce there do you know?
What would happen (st etienne, #3) if your ma was in the UUP and your da was in the Conservative party? What I had in mind when I asked the original question was a situation in which the UK’s regional assemblies might find themselves able to play off Europe against Westminster. If there was money to be had for doing so, they would all play off their grannies against the highest-bidding soup manufacturer.
In the old Stormont days, RoI coins were accepted all over Northern Ireland. Nowadays the euro is accepted by many shops in NI. If our MLAs decide that it would be profitable for NI to officialize a dual monetary standard, could Westminster fairly say, ‘No, you can’t!’? People who travel from NI to the RoI are getting more and more fed up with having to change their money into euros: and European tourists don’t get a great kick out of changing their money into sterling when they cross the Irish border.