MEMBERS OF ALL WALES CONVENTION ANNOUNCED
THE members of the All Wales Convention Executive Committee were announced today by First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.
“We have been seeking a cross section of Welsh life and Welsh opinion who can tap into the views of ordinary Welsh people. I believe we have achieved that balance,” said the First Minister.
“I am confident that with the skilful chairing of Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the committee will gel as a group, get around all parts of Wales and ask the big questions about a referendum and what the ordinary people of Wales need to know about the key issues.”
The Deputy First Minister said: “I’m delighted that we have succeeded in attracting people of a high calibre from all corners of Wales to serve on the Convention.
“These people have a vital job to do in creating a debate across the country on the future governance of our nation. They will assess the levels of support for devolving law-making powers to our National Assembly in line with the commitment made by this Government in the One Wales agreement. I look forward to hearing their conclusions next year.”
Setting up the All Wales Convention is an Assembly Government One Wales commitment.
The coalition partners are committed to campaign for a successful outcome to a referendum once it is called under the terms of the Government of Wales Act 2006.
The Executive Committee has 16 members, plus the Chairman, former British Ambassador to the United Nations Sir Emyr Jones Parry, and is made up as follows:
Four members of the public appointed through an open competition process.
Eight appointed from nominations received from key Welsh organisations.
Four members nominated by the main political parties..
Appointed through open competition
Joan Asby of Narberth, Pembrokeshire: Joan has 30 years experience of supporting community engagement in local regeneration. She is the Chief Officer of PLANED, (Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development). She has served on the Welsh Assembly Governments’ Rural Partnership for Wales, its Social Enterprise Joint Working Group and 2020 Stakeholder Group. She was a founder member and Chair of her local community centre, Bloomfield House, Narberth and of Wales Rural Forum.
Nicholas Bennett of Cardiff: Nick was born in St Asaph, brought up on Anglesey and educated at Aberystwyth University. He is a member of the OFCOM Advisory Panel for Wales and is a member of the Welsh Language Board and of Glas Cymru. Nick was appointed Chief Executive of Community Housing Cymru in 2006 and has been a founding executive director of both an economic development consultancy and public affairs agency. Nick has recently attended the JFK Executive Education programme “Innovations in Governance” at Harvard University.
Sally Hyman of Baglan, Port Talbot: Sally is the former Headteacher of Bedwellty Comprehensive School. Now retired, she is Chair of RSPCA Cymru and Llys Nini animal centre. She is also involved in voluntary community initiatives including the Guides and works with other groups and charities including Environmental Wales and Shaw Trust.
Shereen Williams of Newport: Shereen is a recent migrant to Wales and represents a part of the mosaic of Wales’ communities. As Director of the Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisation in Wales, she works with various faith and racial groups and supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities. Shereen is currently carrying out research on disabled communities in Wales.
Organisations
Faith Forum: Aled Edwards has had a career with the Church since 1979. He is currently employed as the Chief Executive Officer of CYTUN and is to be received as a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards at this year's National Eisteddfod in Cardiff. He is a member of the National Assembly for Wales Faith Forum, Chair of Displaced People in Action (Refugee Charity) and a member of the Wales Committee of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. He wasa born in Trawsfynydd and went to school in Blaenau Ffestiniog. He now lives in Pontypridd.
Funky Dragon: Laura Hayes is a member of Funky Dragon representing Rhondda Cynon Taff Youth Council. Laura has finished her A Levels and is hoping to go to University next year. She has been active in achieving her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and as a school councillor, achieving an OCN in Effective Communication and Listening. She lives in Gilfach Goch.
Wales CBI. Harry Ludgate is the Wales CBI representative and is currently employed by the Dow Corning Corporation as a consultant. He has worked for the organisation for many years as Chief Information and Corporate Vice President, and has extensive knowledge of global business. He lives in Barry.
Wales Council for Voluntary Action: John R Jones is currently the Chief Officer of Medrwn Môn, the County Voluntary Council for the Isle of Anglesey. Educated in Anglesey and at the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth, John worked briefly for a solicitor’s firm in Cardiff before returning to Anglesey. He has worked in the voluntary sector for over 25 years. John’s first language is Welsh and he is committed to developing bilingual communities.
Wales TUC: Paul O’Shea was born and brought up in Tredegar. He then moved to Manchester to study Politics and Social Science at the city’s university. He has worked for UNISON since 1980 and is their current Welsh Secretary. Paul has also been a Board Member of the Somerset Learning and Skills Council, a non executive Director of the Training and Enterprise Council and a founding executive committee member of Tomorrow’s Wales, the group established by the Archbishop of Wales to campaign around the report of the Richard Commission. He lives in St Mellons, Cardiff.
Wales Women’s National Coalition: Shân Ashton is currently the Director of Postgraduate Studies and Lifelong Learning at Bangor University. Her main research interests are women, work and enterprise, rural and community development and regeneration and women in politics. She has a commitment to rural and community futures and equality and diversity. Shân is bilingual and lives in Capel Curig in North Wales.
Young Farmers Clubs: Rhodri Evans graduated from Aberystwyth with a degree in agriculture and is now a full-time farmer. He sits on the Wales and National YFC Board of Management and has recently been appointed as a non-executive director of Hybu Cig Cymru. Rhodri is also a Community Councillor and lives in Tregaron, Ceredigion.
Welsh Local Government Association: The WLGA will also have a seat on the Executive Committee and a nomination will be announced in due course.
Political nominees
Labour: Alex Aldridge has been a member of Flintshire County Council since 1995, representing the Flint Coleshill Ward. He was Council Leader from 2005-06. He served on Clwyd County Council from 1991, and is also a member of Flint Town Council. He is also a former leader of the Welsh Local Government Association. A former Corus worker at Shotton, he was also a previous chair of the then Clwyd Fire Service and its successor, the North Wales Fire Authority.
Plaid Cymru: Marc Phillips is Head of BBC Children in Need in Wales. He has a long history in the voluntary sector having, at various times, been Chief Executive of Tenovus, Director of Dyfed Association of Voluntary Services, and Mid Glamorgan Organiser for Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Marc Phillips was Chair of Plaid Cymru between 1996 and 2000. He is a current member of the Welsh Language Board.
Conservative: Paul Valerio. Born in 1940, Mr Valerio has also served on the Richard Commission. He was the first Lord Mayor of Swansea in 1982, and was a Conservative member of the City Council between 1968-1996. He also served as Leader of the Conservative group. A former Deputy Chairman of the Welsh Conservative Party, he was also the Conservative Assembly Candidate for Swansea West in 1999. He lives in Reynoldston, Gower.
Liberal Democrats: Rob Humphreys is Director of the Open University in Wales. He held posts previously as Director for Wales of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, and lecturer in adult education at Swansea University. He was appointed to the first and second Rees Reviews of higher education student support and funding and later to the Graham Review of part-time higher education funding. He is a past President and Chair of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. He was born and brought up in Montgomeryshire and now lives in Swansea.
Notes for Editors
The first meeting of the All Wales Convention Executive Committee is scheduled to take place in Cardiff on Monday, July 14. Further details will be issued in due course.
Showing posts with label All Wales Convention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All Wales Convention. Show all posts
Friday, 4 July 2008
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Convention on a parliament for Wales
I hear that there is going to be an announcement on those who will be sitting on the All Wales Convention later today/ tomorrow. It'll be interesting to see who is on it, and how they intend to go about their work. As far as I'm concerned, its important that the members of the group get to work straightaway, and canvass opinions on the future powers of the National Assembly.There is a general acceptance that the Assembly should have the same powers as Scotland ( of course we should have had such powers in 1999..)
The fact that there are differing structures and varying forms of devolution in the UK is a joke, and has meant that progress has been far slower- with a lack of consistency throughout the UK. With the Tories opening the floodgates yesterday on the discussion of stopping Welsh MPs voting on English legislation, it only goes to show that the current system is rife with difficulties.
We now have to look forward to the imminent work of the Convention, and how we can shape the agenda to ensure that there is a yes vote on a Parliament for Wales. No doubt there are MPs at Westminster intent on ensuring that a referendum does not go ahead, therefore there must be a large scale campaign to undermine such self interest and self protection from the MPs.
I believe that a yes campaign should start now, in conjunction with the Convention. The timeline is as such that I believe that it is necessary for us to be pushing ahead with gathering information as to the population's opinions, but at the same time, ensuring that leading up to a referendum people care about the issues, and that they feel that they are part of the wider campaign for the development of Wales as a Nation.
One of the flagship elements of the One Wales agreement is the referendum on a parliament for Wales, therefore we have a clear duty to ensure that it takes place, and that it is successful.
The fact that there are differing structures and varying forms of devolution in the UK is a joke, and has meant that progress has been far slower- with a lack of consistency throughout the UK. With the Tories opening the floodgates yesterday on the discussion of stopping Welsh MPs voting on English legislation, it only goes to show that the current system is rife with difficulties.
We now have to look forward to the imminent work of the Convention, and how we can shape the agenda to ensure that there is a yes vote on a Parliament for Wales. No doubt there are MPs at Westminster intent on ensuring that a referendum does not go ahead, therefore there must be a large scale campaign to undermine such self interest and self protection from the MPs.
I believe that a yes campaign should start now, in conjunction with the Convention. The timeline is as such that I believe that it is necessary for us to be pushing ahead with gathering information as to the population's opinions, but at the same time, ensuring that leading up to a referendum people care about the issues, and that they feel that they are part of the wider campaign for the development of Wales as a Nation.
One of the flagship elements of the One Wales agreement is the referendum on a parliament for Wales, therefore we have a clear duty to ensure that it takes place, and that it is successful.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Confensiwn Cymru gyfan/ All Wales Convention
News release on the All Wales Convention from the Government. If there's any spelling mistakes don't blame me;-)
First Minister of Wales Rhodri Morgan said the net would be cast far and wide to ensure committee members truly represented every aspect of Welsh life.
During a joint press conference with Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones and Chairman of the Convention Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the First Minister said this was an important step forward for the Convention.
He also announced the setting up of the All Wales Convention website – file://www.allwalesconvention.org/ – which will keep the public up-to-date with its work.
“Setting up the All Wales Convention to prepare the way for a referendum on full law-making powers is number one in our One Wales commitments for this Assembly term,” he said.
“I am determined that members of the Executive Committee reflect all aspects of modern Wales; that they come from all backgrounds and all parts of Wales to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard during this important national debate.”
The Deputy First Minister said:
Sir Emyr said:
“The Convention website, launched today, will undoubtedly be a key tool for communicating with people throughout Wales. But this is only one of the tools we will use to communicate. I want the Convention to use a wide variety of different methods to communicate and engage directly with people across the country.”
The Executive Committee will have up to 16 members, plus the Chairman. Members will be recruited in three ways.
Four members will be appointed by inviting the four main political parties in Wales to each nominate a representative. These will be non-elected party members.
Eight members will be appointed through nominations from key Welsh organisations. The organisations invited to nominate members are the Wales TUC; Confederation of British Industry; Welsh Local Government Association; Wales Council for Voluntary Action; Funky Dragon; Faith Communities Forum; Young Farmers Clubs and Llais Merched.
Up to four members of the public will be appointed through an open competition process.
The First Minister said:
“But the Convention as a whole will encourage participation from all stakeholders and indeed the entire Welsh public,” he said. “We would urge all stakeholders who have not been invited to nominate to encourage their members to play a full role by contributing their views to the Convention.”
Members of the public who want to serve on the Convention should request an application pack by either visiting www.allwalesconvention.org, emailing publicappointments@wales.gsi.gov.uk or telephoning 029 2082 6330. Completed applications must be submitted by Tuesday, May 27.
For further details please contact Nia Jones at the All Wales Convention on 029 2080 1380 or Alan Morris at the Welsh Assembly Government on 029 2082 1870.
SEARCH BEGINS FOR MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE
ALL WALES CONVENTION
ALL WALES CONVENTION
THE starting pistol was today fired in the race to find up to 16 people to serve on the Executive Committee of the All Wales Convention.
First Minister of Wales Rhodri Morgan said the net would be cast far and wide to ensure committee members truly represented every aspect of Welsh life.
During a joint press conference with Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones and Chairman of the Convention Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the First Minister said this was an important step forward for the Convention.
He also announced the setting up of the All Wales Convention website – file://www.allwalesconvention.org/ – which will keep the public up-to-date with its work.
“Setting up the All Wales Convention to prepare the way for a referendum on full law-making powers is number one in our One Wales commitments for this Assembly term,” he said.
“I am determined that members of the Executive Committee reflect all aspects of modern Wales; that they come from all backgrounds and all parts of Wales to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard during this important national debate.”
The Deputy First Minister said:
“Getting the right people onto the Executive Committee is extremely important. We want it to be balanced and reflect Wales in the 21st Century.
“We are looking for applications from people in all walks of life – anyone who has an interest in guiding the direction of the Convention and playing a part in moving Wales forward.”
“We are looking for applications from people in all walks of life – anyone who has an interest in guiding the direction of the Convention and playing a part in moving Wales forward.”
Sir Emyr said:
“I’m looking forward to welcoming and working with committee members from all parts of Wales. I am confident that we will find members with a wide range of talents and experience, who will be able to work together to set the direction of the Convention’s work.
“They will have the opportunity to be part of an exciting process, from stimulating the debate across Wales, to analysing what we hear from the Welsh public, and using their judgment to ensure that the report we deliver at the end of the day covers all aspects of our remit.
“They will have the opportunity to be part of an exciting process, from stimulating the debate across Wales, to analysing what we hear from the Welsh public, and using their judgment to ensure that the report we deliver at the end of the day covers all aspects of our remit.
“The Convention website, launched today, will undoubtedly be a key tool for communicating with people throughout Wales. But this is only one of the tools we will use to communicate. I want the Convention to use a wide variety of different methods to communicate and engage directly with people across the country.”
The Executive Committee will have up to 16 members, plus the Chairman. Members will be recruited in three ways.
Four members will be appointed by inviting the four main political parties in Wales to each nominate a representative. These will be non-elected party members.
Eight members will be appointed through nominations from key Welsh organisations. The organisations invited to nominate members are the Wales TUC; Confederation of British Industry; Welsh Local Government Association; Wales Council for Voluntary Action; Funky Dragon; Faith Communities Forum; Young Farmers Clubs and Llais Merched.
Up to four members of the public will be appointed through an open competition process.
The First Minister said:
“We realise we cannot invite every stakeholder with an interest in the Assembly and Assembly Government to nominate someone to sit on the Executive Committee.
“But the Convention as a whole will encourage participation from all stakeholders and indeed the entire Welsh public,” he said. “We would urge all stakeholders who have not been invited to nominate to encourage their members to play a full role by contributing their views to the Convention.”
Members of the public who want to serve on the Convention should request an application pack by either visiting www.allwalesconvention.org, emailing publicappointments@wales.gsi.gov.uk or telephoning 029 2082 6330. Completed applications must be submitted by Tuesday, May 27.
For further details please contact Nia Jones at the All Wales Convention on 029 2080 1380 or Alan Morris at the Welsh Assembly Government on 029 2082 1870.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Come the Referendum....
Peter Black says on his blog today that we should get on with the Yes campaign for a Parliament for Wales. I couldn't agree more, but wasn't it the Lib dems who said a while ago that they didn't want a vote on a Parliament on the same day as the next National Assembly elections? Seems a bit disjointed, but now that the Lib dems are changing tactics ( again) and trying to out Welsh Plaid Cymru and the 'Welsh' Conservatives at the moment ( what with Eleanor Burnham's reference to the LCO system as 'swimming through custard') then this doesn't surprise me.
The Convention is set to start its work in the summer, and I see no reason why the Yes campaign cannot start organically regardless of the timeline of the Convention. Surely everything that we are seeking to do in the National Assembly( at least here in Plaid Cymru) is to try and show how and why we need a full legislative Parliament for Wales?
Yes, the current system is complicated and long-winded- but let us not forget that this was instigated as a way to appease the Labour party internally. Again, it was the Unionist vs Devolutionist fight in the Labour party that took precedence over endorsing the findings of the Richard Commission. That is why we are where we are today.
So lets move on, be positive about the Referendum, and enthuse the people of Wales about the importance of the Assembly becoming a Parliament. OK, so the Ian Lucas's and the Don Touhig's of this World probably don't have constituency offices brimming with letter on the constitutional question at face value, but when we delve into the issues, then the importance of enhancing the powers of the Assembly becomes clear.
People want to know why the National Assembly can't decide to keep the Post Offices open, why we can't change the regressive immigration and asylum policies of London Labour. People want to know why we can't make decisions on planning applications above 50MW, and why the Assembly can't reach the child poverty targets alone. There are many things that we can do currently as an Institution, but for the sake of clarity and consistency, as well as for the sake of enshrining the rights of the people of Wales- we must campaign for a successful outcome to this referendum.
The Convention is set to start its work in the summer, and I see no reason why the Yes campaign cannot start organically regardless of the timeline of the Convention. Surely everything that we are seeking to do in the National Assembly( at least here in Plaid Cymru) is to try and show how and why we need a full legislative Parliament for Wales?
Yes, the current system is complicated and long-winded- but let us not forget that this was instigated as a way to appease the Labour party internally. Again, it was the Unionist vs Devolutionist fight in the Labour party that took precedence over endorsing the findings of the Richard Commission. That is why we are where we are today.
So lets move on, be positive about the Referendum, and enthuse the people of Wales about the importance of the Assembly becoming a Parliament. OK, so the Ian Lucas's and the Don Touhig's of this World probably don't have constituency offices brimming with letter on the constitutional question at face value, but when we delve into the issues, then the importance of enhancing the powers of the Assembly becomes clear.
People want to know why the National Assembly can't decide to keep the Post Offices open, why we can't change the regressive immigration and asylum policies of London Labour. People want to know why we can't make decisions on planning applications above 50MW, and why the Assembly can't reach the child poverty targets alone. There are many things that we can do currently as an Institution, but for the sake of clarity and consistency, as well as for the sake of enshrining the rights of the people of Wales- we must campaign for a successful outcome to this referendum.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
The future of devolution
I'm not sure why Ian Lucas has chosen to comment at this point in time about the need for a review of the way devolution is working on a UK level. The terms of reference for the All Wales Convention has been discussed in full during the meeting of the establishing committee, to which sources tell me, Ian Lucas MP failed to attend on numerous occasions. Surely that was the place to make such opinions known, not via the Western Mail over a month later?
He comments that 'The All Wales Convention, by its very nature, cannot resolve these issues because it relates to Wales alone yet it is dependant upon the UK Parliament to achieve its goals.
“When it reports, we do not know the political context in which it will tell us its views. What we do know, however, is that politics in the UK as a whole will impact on whatever it does suggest.”
Yes, unfortunately, we know that any suggestions by the Convention must be accepted by the UK Parliament, but this is common knowledge, and the whole purpose of the Convention is to gather a wide variety of Welsh opinion in making key recommendations to the UK Parliament over the future set up of devolution in Wales. We are under no illusions that reform can happen in any other way, but we need to ensure that the Convention is successful, and that the people of Wales have faith in its processes.
Again, Ian Lucas is right that we will not know the political context when the Convention reports ( I assume he means that after a General election the Tories could be running the show in London) but again, we cannot use this as an excuse to water down the aspirations of the All Wales Convention and that which it has been mandated to perform. The MP protests too much, and in my opinion he is trying to find a way to water down the running, and the affect of the All Wales Convention before it has started.
It is not for us in Wales to push for anything more or anything less than a Convention that will re asses the powers of the Welsh Assembly, and create the environment where a Referendum in 2011 is clearly a reality. An investigation in to the Scotland Act is on its way, and no doubt there will be further calls to look at English regional control in the future.
We must get on with the work of the Convention here in Wales without hesitation. If the UK Parliament is uneasy with its findings and its conclusions, then so be it- democracy will be at work.
He comments that 'The All Wales Convention, by its very nature, cannot resolve these issues because it relates to Wales alone yet it is dependant upon the UK Parliament to achieve its goals.
“When it reports, we do not know the political context in which it will tell us its views. What we do know, however, is that politics in the UK as a whole will impact on whatever it does suggest.”
Yes, unfortunately, we know that any suggestions by the Convention must be accepted by the UK Parliament, but this is common knowledge, and the whole purpose of the Convention is to gather a wide variety of Welsh opinion in making key recommendations to the UK Parliament over the future set up of devolution in Wales. We are under no illusions that reform can happen in any other way, but we need to ensure that the Convention is successful, and that the people of Wales have faith in its processes.
Again, Ian Lucas is right that we will not know the political context when the Convention reports ( I assume he means that after a General election the Tories could be running the show in London) but again, we cannot use this as an excuse to water down the aspirations of the All Wales Convention and that which it has been mandated to perform. The MP protests too much, and in my opinion he is trying to find a way to water down the running, and the affect of the All Wales Convention before it has started.
It is not for us in Wales to push for anything more or anything less than a Convention that will re asses the powers of the Welsh Assembly, and create the environment where a Referendum in 2011 is clearly a reality. An investigation in to the Scotland Act is on its way, and no doubt there will be further calls to look at English regional control in the future.
We must get on with the work of the Convention here in Wales without hesitation. If the UK Parliament is uneasy with its findings and its conclusions, then so be it- democracy will be at work.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
More power for Wales.
I haven't mentioned that this week I took part in a Monmouth Young Rotary Interviewee competition which was held at Newport Civic Centre on Monday evening. I had to give a short speech on Independence for Wales, and was subsequently grilled by 6 young people about Independence. There was a mixed reaction to my stance, but some of the people who attended did tell me that they managed to learn more about Nationalism in one session than they had in 20 years!
I really enjoyed the night, but found it quite odd that before the young people interviewed me they almost all laid their stall against Independence, so I was ready for a negative questioning session. Nick Partridge from ITV Wales, one of the judges also noted this, and advised that Journalists ( at least publicly anyway!) should remain neutral on their own personal political opinion. I hope that other AMs will take part in such opportunities in the future, as it inevitably gives young people experience in their chosen future profession.
On the same night I was harangued on Independence, Ieuan Wyn Jones launched the local Government election campaign in Pontypridd. The main focus of the evening was Ieuan's reference in his speech on a Referendum, and his challenge to the cynics in Labour and the Tories who are trying their very best to undermine the viability of the referendum, and the Convention. I have read Glyn Davies's blog on this issue, and I would like to say that while he is entitled to question whether or not a referendum will happen before or at 2011, I believe that this is a commitment within One Wales that must be to be kept to.
As far as I know, the establishing committee for the Convention has run smoothly, and does not reflect the negative remarks made by Paul Murphy, Don Touhig and others. We take these discussions seriously as a Party, naturally, and I believe that Sir Emyr will not want to waste time in his involvement in the Convention if there is an assumption against success in this area.
I really enjoyed the night, but found it quite odd that before the young people interviewed me they almost all laid their stall against Independence, so I was ready for a negative questioning session. Nick Partridge from ITV Wales, one of the judges also noted this, and advised that Journalists ( at least publicly anyway!) should remain neutral on their own personal political opinion. I hope that other AMs will take part in such opportunities in the future, as it inevitably gives young people experience in their chosen future profession.
On the same night I was harangued on Independence, Ieuan Wyn Jones launched the local Government election campaign in Pontypridd. The main focus of the evening was Ieuan's reference in his speech on a Referendum, and his challenge to the cynics in Labour and the Tories who are trying their very best to undermine the viability of the referendum, and the Convention. I have read Glyn Davies's blog on this issue, and I would like to say that while he is entitled to question whether or not a referendum will happen before or at 2011, I believe that this is a commitment within One Wales that must be to be kept to.
As far as I know, the establishing committee for the Convention has run smoothly, and does not reflect the negative remarks made by Paul Murphy, Don Touhig and others. We take these discussions seriously as a Party, naturally, and I believe that Sir Emyr will not want to waste time in his involvement in the Convention if there is an assumption against success in this area.
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Gordon Brown- no 'Wales only fixes to devolution', but a different story for Scotland.
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.
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.
