So Gordon Brown says at the Welsh Labour Conference that there are no 'Wales only fixes' to devolution, yet the day after he announces that he wants to take a fresh look at new powers for the Scottish Parliament, including that of tax raising powers. Now, if this isn't double standards I do not know what is. But this isn't surprising of course. This is merely following the same old pattern that the Labour party have adopted towards devolution- one solution for Scotland, and another minor, watered down version for Wales.
The situation is a little different now however, in that both Nationalist parties are in Government in one form or another. The SNP are in Government alone in Scotland, and are way ahead in the polls. This has led Labour to scurry around in a frenzy, thinking of a way to win back the ground that they have so clearly lost to the SNP. Trying to appear to appease the Nationalists may well be one way of taking ownership over the National question, and of seeking to dispel the excitement over a referendum on Independence. It could work to their advantage, or it could indeed backfire, and make the SNP gloat even more so! The majority of Labour MP's from Scotland are still fighting the devolution agenda, but that is only to be expected, as much like their colleagues in Wales, they realise that they are losing their power base, and their capacity to be recognised on a UK level.
In Wales however, coalition Government and the Labour Unionist wing's determination to fight against further devolution for Wales means that Labour in London are much more cautious in their attitudes towards further powers for Wales than in Scotland( Gordon Brown also does not hail from this neck of the wood, which is another reason for his lack of enthusiasm for Wales)
Paul Murphy's words over the weekend regarding the Convention are case in point, so too are Peter Hain's former remarks, although they are unimportant now. Our devolution settlement was a hotch potch of ideas rammed together, and so it has progressed as such unfortunately. It is only until we have a Parliament for Wales that we can hope for clarity, and continue to strengthen Wales and its Government.
There is another establishing committee of the All Wales Convention tomorrow in London. I doubt whether Gordon Brown will make any shock announcements regarding Welsh devolution to coincide with this meeting. All that I hope for is that we can ensure that the Convention is a success and that it is not undermined by regressives in the Labour party in Wales who are intent upon its downfall. Yet again, we must look to Scotland for inspiration, and find the confidence to push on with the progression of the debate surrounding more powers for Wales, and a referendum to follow.
1 comment:
Brown's position is not inconsistent as you suggest. He says that for a range of topics - security, pensions and macro-economic policy were three of the areas he cited - the UK was the appropriate level of government.
That applies to Scotland as well as Wales. What he is saying for both countries is that he is open to further devolution. But since Scotland already has a more devolved settlement that necessarily means looking at areas - in this case fiscal powers - not under consideration for Wales. For Wales he has signalled his support for primary powers - the opposite of the position you describe.
I would like to see some fiscal devolution for Wales, yet this does not seem to be Plaid Cymru policy. Perhaps you could therefore explain your objection here?
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