These pages contain all the latest news of Cymru Yfory – Tomorrow’s Wales, and any news stories relevant to our aim and objectives. It also includes a calendar of events relating to Welsh Governance for your information.
09.02.10 Assembly Members vote yes in historic vote on referendum Members of the National Assembly for Wales have voted in favour of a referendum on the legislative powers of the Assembly.
The motion, recommending a referendum, was proposed by the Welsh Government, following the report of the All Wales Convention, published in November 2009.
Today(9 Feb) more than the 40 Assembly Members needed to “trigger” the request for a referendum voted in favour of the motion.
“This is an historic day in the journey that is devolution in Wales,” said Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd-Elis-Thomas AM.
“It will now be up to the people of Wales, provided the Secretary of State for Wales agrees, to decide whether we move to the next phase of devolution.”
The Government of Wales Act 2006 (“the Act”) sets out the current law making process of the Assembly. The Assembly can pass legislation, known as “Assembly Measures”, in matters where the UK Parliament has agreed that it should have the powers to do so. The Act also allows the Assembly to request that a referendum should be held on whether we should move to the law making process which permits the Assembly to legislate in any devolved area without reference to Westminster.
Now the Assembly has voted in favour, the First Minister will notify the Secretary of State for Wales. The Secretary of State for Wales now has 120 days to draft a piece of legislation (“ draft Order”) which would include the question of the referendum and the date.
That draft Order would then have to be agreed by 40 Members of the Assembly and approved in both the House of Commons and House of Lords.
08.02.10 Cross-party Consensus is Brilliant News says Tomorrow’s Wales The cross-party backing for the ‘trigger vote’ on a referendum for proper law-making powers for the National Assembly is brilliant news, says Tomorrow’s Wales. “This means that AMs have put the needs of the people before party politics. It sets the scene for the consensus-building approach that can deliver a resounding Yes vote in the forthcoming referendum,” said Archbishop Barry Morgan, who chairs Tomorrow’s Wales. Caroline Oag, who has recently joined the Tomorrow’s Wales executive said:“Giving the National Assembly proper law-making powers is a matter of simple democratic common sense. It is about providing the people of Wales with the tools for the job in those policy areas for which the Assembly already has responsibility. It is about making change simpler. The current arrangements on the other hand tend to lead to the Assembly getting bogged down in process rather than implementing policies that can make people’s lives better. “The next task is to lay the foundations of an effective Yes Campaign which needs to be launched soon after the general election. Tomorrow’s Wales is holding a series of meetings throughout Wales to establish local groups and to provide information on the key issues relevant to the referendum. It is also strengthening its supporters’ network through electronic and other means of communication. “All those who are interested in Welsh democracy and choice before us are welcome to contact us."
04.02.10 Q+A debate - The Future of Wales? The Welsh Liberal Democrats are holding a Q+A debate on the future of devolution, chaired by John Osmond of the IWA and featuring panellists from all four parties this Friday (February 5) at 8pm at the Grand Theatre, Swansea.
On the panel will be Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mike German, Welsh Conservative AM David Melding (both members of the Cymru Yfory Executive), Labour AM Alun Davies, Plaid Cymru AM Dai Lloyd and a representative from True Wales.
All are welcome to attend what promises to be a lively debate.
03.02.10 Welsh law process 'unaccountable'
The system by which Welsh laws are currently made is "unclear and unaccountable", a constitutional expert has argued.
Alan Trench of University College London (UCL) appeared before MPs on the Welsh Affairs Select Committee. Alan is also a member of Cymru Yfory's Executive Committee.
He voiced criticisms of the legislative competence order or LCO process, saying it lacked clarity for voters.
LCOs are the means by which the assembly's requests for new powers are scrutinised in turn by AMs and MPs.
(Source: BBC Wales Politics)
03.02.10 Assembly Committee says yes to belt-up powers for the school bus
The National Assembly for Wales should be able to require, by law (Assembly Measure), local authorities to only use home to school transport, which conforms to the highest safety standards.
That’s the view of the Assembly’s Legislation Committee No.3 which has backed the Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) Transport Order.
It would allow the Assembly to insist on the use of single decked vehicles fitted with seatbelts and CCTV on all school transport contracted by local Authorities.
03.02.10 More powers to the Assembly to strengthen the effectiveness of school governance
The National Assembly for Wales should be given further power so that it can bring in new laws to strengthen the role of school governors.
That’s the view of the Assembly’s Legislation Committee No.4 who have backed the proposed Legislative Competence Education Order 2010.
The order will give the Assembly the power to make laws(Assembly Measures) in areas including support and advice for governors, governors training and the relationship between governors’ effectiveness and school performance.
At present the National Assembly does not have the powers to make Measures to address these issues.
03.02.10 Welsh Ministers should be able to suspend ‘Right to Buy’, says Assembly Committee
Welsh Housing Ministers should be able to legislate to suspend the ‘Right to Buy’ council stock in areas where there’s a shortage of social housing.
That’s the view of the National Assembly of Wales’ Legislation Committee No.2 who have backed the proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Housing and Local Government) Order 2010.
It follows a previous order, laid in 2007, which was scrapped after concerns were raised about the legalities of some aspects.
12.01.10 Assembly to "hold debate on referendum for full law-making powers on February 9"
The Western Mail reports that "First Minister Carwyn Jones confirmed this morning that a debate will be held in the Assembly on February 9 on a referendum on full law-making powers for the Assembly.
"This follows the publication last year of the report of the All Wales Convention chaired by former UN ambassador Sir Emyr Jones Parry which concluded a referendum could be won.
"Before Westminster can agree to a referendum the support of two-thirds of AMs is needed – meaning that the Labour-Plaid Cymru coalition will need the votes of members of other parties. Pre-debate talks will begin shortly."
Mr Jones said: “In order for that to pass it needs the support of parties beyond the Government parties. We will be discussing here what their view is of a formal vote over the course of the next week or so.”
11.12.09 An encouraging week This week has been a landmark one in Welsh politics for two main reasons – we have had a change of First Minister and a change of Cabinet. In the context of these events we have also seen some encouraging signs for the case for primary lawmaking powers for the National Assembly. During his last day as First Minister on Tuesday, Rhodri Morgan said he would be available to do“ anything that could boost the ‘Yes’ campaign” when a referendum on primary powers is called and a ‘Yes’ campaign is formed. As the results of October’s YouGov poll showed, Mr Morgan’s approval ratings are unprecedentedly high after ten years in office, and his support would be invaluable for the ‘Yes’ campaign whenever it is formed. During his farewell speech he also drew attention to the progress Wales has made in ten years since devolution, saying that “the time has come for us to be able to use the past 10 years to show that (the National Assembly is) a responsible body, and that we are growing in confidence…I believe that the Assembly has demonstrated that it is ready to take the next step”. The results of another opinion poll on devolution were published on Wednesday, which added to the growing body of polls that suggest that the public attitude in Wales is in favour of the National Assembly being granted primary law-making powers. The Denbigshire Free Press conducted the poll through fieldwork in North Wales and telephone polling across two days at the end of November, drawing on a combination of face-to-face questioning and calls to residents across Wrexham, Flintshire , Rural Denbighshire & Gwynedd, Coastal Denbighshire & Conwy as well as Newtown and Welshpool in a bid to ensure as representative a sample as possible. Respondents were asked the single question: “Do you support more law-making powers for the Welsh Assembly?”. 55% of those questioned said Yes, while 25.2% said No and 19.6% were undecided. You can see the full results of the poll here. During an interview on Friday, new First Minister Carwyn Jones said he thought that a referendum on primary law-making powers for the Assembly was “undoubtedly winnable”, adding that he was “committed to the One Wales agreement and we will be working now together (with Plaid Cymru) to examine the way forward in terms of ensuring that the referendum happens”. The Assembly is now in recess until the new year, when we can expect to see a debate in the Senedd on the All Wales Convention’s report.
25.11.09 Tomorrow’s Wales welcomes joint statement from Rhodri Morgan and Ieuan Wyn Jones
Cymru Yfory / Tomorrow’s Wales welcomes this evening’s joint statement from Rhodri Morgan and Ieuan Wyn Jones, which affirms that “all options for the timing of a referendum remain open”, and that “nothing has been ruled in or ruled out, including, if it proved practical, a referendum in the autumn”.
As the political parties reach a decision, Cymru Yfory / Tomorrow’s Wales will be redoubling its efforts during the coming months to prepare the ground for a referendum and a successful Yes campaign.
15.07.09 Tomorrow's Wales at the National Eisteddfod: Devolution and the Future of Wales Tomorrow's Walesand the Electoral Reform Society will jointly host a panel debate at this year's National Eisteddfod at Bala, on the topic 'Devolution and the Future of Wales'.
The event will take place on Friday 7th August between 11.00am - 12.00pm at the Sbardun stand on the Eisteddfod Maes. The debate will be chaired by Meri Huws, Chair of the Welsh Language Board and member of the Tomorrow's Wales Executive, and on the panel will be:
Rebecca Williams, Electoral Reform Society Council member; Hywel Ceri Jones, former Chair of the European Policy Centre; Elin Wyn, Tomorrow's Wales Development Officer
The event will provide an opportunity to explore issues of importance for the devolution process over the coming period and will include opportunities for the audience to express their views and question the panelists.
We very much hope that you will be able to join us.
05.06.09 Launching the Declaration for Welsh Democracy
On Wednesday 10th June 2009 at 1.00pm, Tomorrow's Wales will be launching a Declaration for Welsh Democracy on the steps of the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay.
The Declaration already has a hundred signatories, including many prominent Welsh people, and on Wednesday we will be asking the public to support the Declaration too.
The aim of the Declaration for Welsh Democracy is to highlight the issues at stake in the debate on Wales’ constitutional future and to win public support for law-making powers for the Assembly.
If you are in the area on Wednesday, please call by to show your support. If you can't be there, as of Wednesday you will be able to sign up to the Declaration on the Tomorrow's Wales website.
19.05.09 The new National Assembly for Wales: Building on Experience One-day Conferences
Monday 13 July, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Thursday 16 July, All Nations Centre, Cardiff
In July 2007, Tomorrow's Wales published a booklet ‘The New National Assembly for Wales - a guide’. The booklet remains an unique information resource, providing a 'layman's guide' to the workings of the National Assembly for Wales, allowing ordinary people to understand how their Assembly works and how they can engage with it and influence its decisions.
Two years after the current devolution arrangements came into effect, Tomorrow’s Wales is planning to update the guide, and we have been fortunate to secure support from the Big Lottery Fund to do so.
The two “Building On Experience Two Years On” conferences will see practitioners who have had first hand experience of how the Assembly has functioned over the past two share their experiences and insights, providing a valuable learning opportunity for those who want to learn more about how the Assembly works and how the Assembly’s powers and procedures have developed over the past two years.
Contributions to the conferences will feed into the updated edition of the Assembly Guide.
Who should attend? Anyone who wants to learn more about the powers and procedures of the National Assembly for Wales and how they have developed over the last two years, particularly those from civil society who are interested in engaging with the National Assembly for Wales or who have done so and want to benefit from the experience of others and share their own experiences.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The conferences will include contributions from:
Michelle Matheron and Jennifer Bradbury, WCVA Voices for Change Project;
Marie Navarro, Cardiff Law School and Wales Legislation Online;
Geraint Talfan Davies, Member of Tomorrow’s Wales Executive and Chair of the Institute of Welsh Affairs;
A speaker from the National Assembly for Wales.
Afternoon workshops will provide further opportunities for discussion and sharing of experience.
BOOKING YOUR PLACE
These conferences are free to attend with places allocated on a 'first come first served' basis. You can book your place by completeing the booking form and returing it to the address provided.
29.04.09 Tomorrow’s Wales expresses concern over Convention’s misleading explanation
Leading members of pro-devolution group Cymru Yfory – Tomorrow’s Wales have written to the Chair of the All-Wales Convention to express their concern over how the Convention is defining the choice that will face the people of Wales in a referendum on primary law-making powers.
Over recent months, both in its public events and literature, the Convention has defined the choice between staying with Part 3 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 and moving onto Part 4 as being between (1) receiving the power to legislate step by step over a period of time and (2) taking all of the powers in one go.
Cymru Yfory’s concern about the Convention explaining the difference in this way is two-fold. Firstly, by choosing to define the options thus there is a real danger that Part 3 will be seen as moderate, sensible and easier for the Assembly to cope with and for moving to Part 4 to be seen as a daring leap into territory that an inexperienced Assembly would find difficult to cope with. Further, the Convention’s over simplistic explanation gives the impression that Part 3 is a systematic and smooth process of transferring powers gradually: something that is most certainly not the case, and fails to refer to the complex, time-consuming and inefficient nature of the process of conferring powers on the Assembly via LCOs.
Secondly, this definition suggests that the same outcome will be reached in the end, whether we stay with the Part 3 process or move onto Part 4, and fails to explain that no matter how long we remain with Part 3 it can never give the range of powers, the stability or the clarity of Part 4. By downplaying the difference in this way, the Convention is giving the impression to the Welsh public that the choice before them in a referendum will be a relatively insignificant one and a question only of when not if the Assembly should have primary law-making powers.
The Convention is therefore in danger of spreading apathy where it should be getting people interested and encouraging debate. From listening to the Convention, supporters of giving the Assembly primary law-making powers could logically come to the conclusion that they need not bother voting in the referendum as the powers will come eventually anyway.
A spokesperson for Cymru Yfory said:
“We have written to Sir Emyr and made our concerns public in the hope that the All Wales Convention will look again at how it goes about explaining the difference between Part 3 and Part 4 to the people of Wales. As the Convention’s own research shows, the public’s level of understanding of this issue is very low, and there is therefore a massive responsibility on the Convention to be giving people all the facts and not over-simplifying the issue as it has been doing.”
“We hope Sir Emyr will take note of our concerns and take steps to ensure that people are aware that the referendum is about a real choice that will have far-reaching, long-term consequences for the Assembly’s ability to legislate for the good of the Welsh people.”
18.02.09 Tomorrow’s Wales Development Officer Post
Cymru Yfory / Tomorrow’s Wales seeks to appoint one or two Development Officers to assist in building greater civic engagement in shaping the next phase of devolution in Wales.
This is an open application process to attract candidates with understanding and experience of Welsh affairs, who are committed to securing greater active participation of Welsh citizens in building the governance arrangements which can better meet the needs and aspirations of Welsh people.
Click here to download a job description and further information.
04.02.09 New Leaflet on The Future of Wales
Tomorrow’s Wales today publishes a leaflet that sets out clearly the benefits to Wales of move to give the Assembly primary law-making powers, with the aim of mobilising people to make their support for further powers known to the All Wales Convention.
The leaflet outlines the differences between the current flawed arrangements under Part 3 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 and the settlement that Wales would have under Part 4 of the Act following a ‘Yes’ vote in a referendum. It explains how Wales would be better off by having a system of government which is clearer, and more democratic, efficient, accountable and stable.
Also included is a ‘Myth-Busting’ section which sets the matter straight on some of the misinformation being spread by those who are opposed to moving Wales forward, and who are unable themselves to put forward a single reasonable argument for why the current settlement is the best for Wales.
The leaflet will be distributed widely via the internet and email, and will be handed out by Tomorrow’s Wales at future Convention events. It has also been designed so that it is easy to print and duplicate and so Tomorrow’s Wales urges all those who support our aim of securing primary law-making powers for the Assembly to make use of it and to distribute it to their friends, colleagues and networks.
If you would like to receive hard copies of the leaflet through the post, please email Tomorrow’s Wales.
21.11.08 Case for primary powers overwhelming says Tomorrow’s Wales The case for giving the National Assembly for Wales primary law-making powers is overwhelming and a matter of simple common sense since the present arrangements are inherently unable to provide good governance for Wales. That is the conclusion of a document of evidence submitted by Cymru Yfory / Tomorrow’s Wales to the All Wales Convention and which is published today.
Tomorrow’s Wales’ submission looks at both the workings of current arrangements as set out under Part 3 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 and at the arrangements that would be brought into effect by the bringing into force of Part 4 of the Act and judges both sets of arrangements against five fundamental principles which we believe any satisfactory constitutional settlement must satisfy. These are based to a large extent on the principles of good governance identified by the European Commission in its 2001 White Paper on Good Governance and are that the settlements must be: - stable; - effective and efficient; - comprehensible and transparent; - encourage maximum participation; - respect the autonomy of the National Assembly.
It is Tomorrow’s Wales’s conclusion that the current devolution model does not live up to the standards of good governance and cannot constitute a lasting settlement. Our submission provides evidence of how the experience of working under the terms of Part 3 to date proves that it does not meet the core principles that define an acceptable system of governance, and of the difficulties it causes in practice. A further concern is that the present arrangements are likely to deter people from becoming involved in matters of public concern, rather than encourage, it and that the present constitutional structure discourages rather then encourages public participation.
Implementing Part 4 of GOWA 2006 would bring about a vast improvement on the current arrangements under Part 3. The extension of power that implementing it would bring about would constitute considerable progress toward the criteria we have identified as being necessary for an acceptable devolution settlement for Wales.
By conferring a clear and broad range of legislative powers on the National Assembly, implementing Part 4 would provide a settlement that had a meaningful prospect of being stable. It would also, in the view of Cymru Yfory, significantly improve the stability, efficiency and effectiveness, comprehensibility and transparency of devolution in Wales as well as encouraging wider public participation in the Assembly’s activities. The autonomy of the National Assembly would also be respected under the new provisions. For these reasons, Cymru Yfory supports the move to implement Part 4 of GOWA 2006, and will support a Yes vote in a referendum.
However, it must be noted that GOWA 2006 is the outcome of pragmatic political compromises based on what was achievable at a particular point in time. As a result it has several imperfections that mean it should not be regarded as the end-point of the process of devolution in Wales. We believe that a number of significant improvements will be needed in order to meet the fundamental criteria that we have set out and that each of these changes could be made either before or after a referendum. These changes are: - an increase in the number of Assembly Members to 80; - a review of the voting method; - establishing Wales as a separate legal jurisdiction; - a move to the ‘reserved powers’ model used in Scotland; - a review of the Assembly’s fiscal powers.
We believe that the benefit from revisiting these issues would be great as we would then have a constitutional settlement that was fit for purpose and that could meet the test of time. We believe the Convention provides an unique opportunity for considered reflection on the constitutional future of Wales, and that its terms of reference give it the scope for a wider consideration that allows it to take into account issues beyond the confines of GOWA 2006. It should therefore take these issues into account as part of its work.
Chair of Tomorrow’s Wales, Archbishop Barry Morgan, said:
“Having looked at how the current arrangements have operated over the past 18 months we have come to the conclusion that there is no way that the present arrangements can constitute a lasting settlement as they do not, and cannot, meet the principles that define a good system of governance. There can be no justification for remaining with the current unsatisfactory arrangements under Part 3 of the Act when Part 4 is available and already on the statute book and would constitute a vast improvement on the present situation. The precise time for holding a referendum is a matter for others, but it is Cymru Yfory’s strongly-held view that the establishment of a satisfactory system of democratic governance for Wales should not be long delayed.”
08.10.08 Tomorrow’s Wales welcomes debate on Yes Campaign Looking ahead to today’s debate on a Yes Campaign tabled by Peter Black AM, Tomorrow’s Wales – the movement established in 2004 to campaign for the implementation of the Richard Report – has welcomed the fact that the issue is being discussed by AMs, but says that there is no need to wait for a Yes Campaign before making the case for primary powers. A spokesman for the movement said: “While Part 4 of the government of Wales Act 2006 does not go as far as we would like, we firmly believe that it constitutes a vast improvement on the current settlement and are fully supportive of the One Wales government’s policy of holding a referendum by 2011.” “If that referendum is to be successful, and if the misinformation that is already being spread by devolution’s enemies is not to win the day, we believe it is vital that supporters of a Welsh parliament with primary legislative powers start making the case for that at once. The question of when a Yes Campaign should be launched and how it should be constituted is one that needs to be discussed. However, the current absence of a formal Yes Campaign does not prevent those who support further devolution from putting forward the arguments for it, both to the Convention and the public at large, and we urge them to join Cymru Yfory in doing so.”
24.07.08 ‘Primary Legislative Powers’ For Wales after a Referendum The third in a series of devolution briefing papers published by Tomorrow’s Wales puts the spotlight on the nature of the ‘primary legislative powers’ that the National Assembly for Wales would get after a ‘Yes’ vote in a referendum. The ‘Primary Legislative Powers’ For Wales after a Referendum paper highlights the differences between the current settlement and what is on offer under Part 4 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, and also looks at how the Assembly’s new powers would differ from those of the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly. As Wales gears up for a constitutional debate through the All-Wales Convention, the Devolution Briefing Papers series covers a wide range of issues relevant to the future of devolution in Wales and are intended to inform the debate. Previous papers have looked at the differences between Part 4 of the Government of Wales Act and the Richard Commission recommendations, and on the ‘unfinished business’ of devolution which would remain unresolved even after a successful referendum. A Tomorrow’s Wales spokesperson says: “There is a potential for confusion over the exact nature of the powers that will be conferred on the Assembly under Part 4 of the Act, with phrases such as ‘full legislative powers’ and ‘Scottish-style Parliament’ being used without those terms being properly defined or qualified. The aim of this paper is to set out clearly what powers the Assembly would have under Part 4 and, just as importantly, what powers it wouldn’t have. While Tomorrow’s Wales firmly believes that conferring primary legislative powers on the National Assembly would be a very positive step, we think it’s important that people understand that it will still leave Wales with an inferior set of powers compared to Scotland and Northern Ireland.” All three papers published so far in the Devolution Briefing Paper series are available to download from the Tomorrow’s Wales website.
08.05.08 All-Wales Convention launches new website and search for Committee members
First Minister Rhodri Morgan, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones and Chairman of the Convention Sir Emyr Jones Parry this week launched the All-Wales Convention's new website, as well as announcing the beginning of an open competition to recruit four of the Commission Executive Committee's 16 members. The other members will be drawn from the four main political parties in Wales, as well as through nominations from key Welsh organisations such as the Wales TUC, the CBI and the WLGA.
07.05.08 Historic New Law Passed by National Assembly for Wales
History has been made at the National Assembly for Wales this week with the passing of the first ever Assembly Measure, the NHS Redress (Wales) Measure 2007. The Measure will make it easier and quicker for patients to claim compensation when treatment provided by the NHS in Wales has been negligent.
This is the first ever piece of primary legislation made by the National Assembly, the first Welsh law to be passed since Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good) passed laws in the tenth century and the first bilingual law ever to be passed in Britain.
The Measure will now be submitted to HM The Queen for approval by Her Majesty in Council. Once Royal Approval is received the Measure will become law in Wales.
Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, The Assembly’s Presiding Officer said: “I am proud to have chaired the first ever final stage debate on a proposed Assembly Measure and to have overseen the passing of the first law to be made in Wales since the days of Hywel Dda. That this has happened within a year of the Government of Wales Act becoming law is a tribute to the Assembly and Welsh Ministers and to the UK Parliament – all have shown themselves willing and able to rise to the task of making the new legislative process work.
“I am pleased with the way we have risen to the challenges of the new law-making Constitution of Wales since last May. We have seen the introduction of Measures, and a series of Proposed Legislative Orders, to obtain powers, by Welsh Ministers and by individual AMs.”
07.05.08 Tomorrow's Wales Devolution Briefing Papers During the last month, Tomorrow's Wales published the first two in a series of Devolution Briefing Papers. The aim of the series is to look at a wide range of issues relevant to the future of Welsh devolution as Wales gears up for a constitutional debate through the All-Wales Convention.
The first paper in the series, entitled ‘The Richard Commission Recommendations and the Government of Wales Act 2006’, looked at how the current devolution settlement differs from what the Richard Commission recommended, and the implications of the failure to implement the Richard recommendations for devolution in Wales.
The second paper, ‘Wales’s Constitution: What Next After a Referendum?’, looks at those issues in the devolution settlement that would remain unresolved, even if the Assembly does gain primary legislative powers after a referendum. The issues discussed in the paper include the number of AMs, the role of the Secretary of State for Wales, a separate legal jurisdiction for Wales, the electoral system, how the Assembly is financed and the model of legislative powers used.
We will publish further papers in the series between now and the summer. In the meantime, we would be most pleased to receive any feedback on the papers published so far and suggestions for topics that could be covered in future. Please send your comments to cymruyfory@stratamatrix.co.uk.
10.04.08 A Convention for the Future? The Way Ahead for Welsh Democracy
Last night the Chair of Tomorrow's Wales, Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan, delivered a lecture at Cardiff Law School. The lecture provides a critique of the current devolution settlement, outlines the movement's vision for the future of Welsh devolution, and its hopes for the All-Wales Convention.
The lecture is now available on the Tomorrow's Wales website. You can access it by clicking here.
02.04.08 Wales’s Constitution: What Next After a Referendum? The second in a series of devolution briefing papers published by Tomorrow’s Wales puts the spotlight on the “unfinished business” of devolution that would still need to be addressed even if a ‘Yes’ vote was achieved in a referendum. As Wales gears up for a constitutional debate through the All-Wales Convention, the briefing papers cover a wide range of issues relevant to the future of devolution in Wales.
This second paper, entitled ‘Wales’s Constitution: What Next After a Referendum?’, highlights the inadequacies that will remain even if Part 4 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 is implemented following a successful referendum. A Tomorrow’s Wales spokesperson says: “The implementation of Part 4 would result in ‘unfinished business’ – and these issues need to be looked at sooner rather than later. We do not believe that Part 4 provides a lasting, stable settlement any more than does Part 3 which is currently in operation. While advocates of the Government of Wales Act 2006 have claimed it would settle Wales’ constitution for a generation, in fact it leaves several major problems unresolved.” Many of the outstanding issues were addressed by the Richard Report published in the Spring of 2004, which provided a comprehensive and coherent blueprint for a long-lasting devolution settlement for Wales. In many cases it is the failure to implement these recommendations in full through GOWA 2006 which accounts for the unfinished business which remains, and which means that another Government of Wales Act will be necessary in the near future, whatever the referendum result. The issues include:
The number of AMs:The 2006 Act leaves the number of Assembly Members at 60, and provides no mechanism for increasing the number to take account of the Assembly’s increased responsibility. The National Assembly has few members in comparison to other similar bodies, including those in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and the Richard Commission recommended that there should be 80 AMs in a legislative Assembly.
The role of the Secretary of State: Under the 2006 Act, the Secretary of State for Wales will retain the right to attend and participate in Assembly proceedings and receive all papers and documents. The Secretary of State for Scotland has no such powers regarding the Scottish Parliament. Once devolution of legislative powers is achieved, there is no justification for such a prerogative, which could be used by a hostile UK government to interfere in devolved affairs.
A Separate Legal Jurisdiction for Wales: as Wales uses its powers to do different things compared to England and a body of distinctive Welsh law builds up, it will become increasingly difficult to make the single ‘England and Wales’ jurisdiction work. Creating a separate legal jurisdiction for Wales, as exists for Scotland and Northern Ireland, would resolve these problems.
Other issues covered in the paper are the electoral system, how the Assembly is financed and the model of legislative powers used.
02.04.08 A Convention for the Future? The Way Ahead for Welsh Democracy
On 9 April 2008, Tomorrow's Wales Chair Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales, will deliver a public lecture at Cardiff Law School entitled A Convention for the Future? The Way Ahead for Welsh Democracy.
The lecture will start at 6.00pm, with a drinks reception from 5.15pm.
Please inform the Law School of your intention to attend by contacting John Ryder on Law-lectures@cardiff.ac.uk. Further information, including a map, is available here.
20.03.08 First Devolution Briefing Paper Published Tomorrow’s Wales has today published the first in a new series of devolution briefing papers. Entitled ‘The Richard Commission Recommendations and the Government of Wales Act 2006’, today’s paper is the first in a series that will be published over the coming weeks and months as Wales gears up for a constitutional debate through the All-Wales Convention. The papers will cover a wide range of issues relevant to the future of devolution in Wales. Tomorrow’s Wales was set up in 2004 as an all-party, cross-sectoral movement to campaign for the implementation of the Richard Commission’s recommendations which were published in the spring of that year. The first paper in the series therefore looks at how the current devolution settlement differs from what the Richard Commission recommended, and the implications of the failure to implement the Richard recommendations for devolution in Wales. The next paper in the series, to be published next week, will look at the ‘unfinished business’ that will still need to be resolved, even if Part 4 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 is implemented after a successful referendum.
29.02.08 Assembly to Senedd: The Convention and the Move to Primary Powers
During April of this year, Tomorrow's Wales and the Institute of Welsh Affairs will co-host a series of half-day seminars looking forward to the launch of the All-Wales Convention and the implications of a move towards further devolution of powers.
Entitled Assembly to Senedd: The Convention and the Move to Primary Powers, the conferences, to be held in Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Cardiff will provide an opportunity to debate the issues that Sir Emyr Jones-Parry and the Convention will need to consider if the commitment given by the One Wales coalition to hold a referendum by 2011 is to be realised and a Yes vote secured.
All four conferences have a programme of speakers of the higest calibre, including Sir Emyr Jones-Parry himself at the Cardiff event. The conferences will also provide an opportunity for attendees to debate with AMs and MPs what they believe to be the most important issues as Wales sets out on the next stage of the devolution journey.
Friday 4 April 2008, Wrexham Speakers: Meri Huws (Chair), Ian Lucas MP, Prof Laura McAllister, Aled Roberts Click here for full programme
Friday 11 April 2008, Carmarthen Speakers: Cynog Dafis (Chair), Adam Price MP, John Osmond, Emyr Lewis Click here for full programme Monday 14 April 2008, Aberystwyth Speakers: Cynog Dafis (Chair), Alun Davies AM, Lord Elystan Morgan, Prof Roger Scully Click here for full programme
Tuesday 29 April 2008, Cardiff Speakers: The Archbishop of Wales (Chair), Sir Emyr Jones Parry, John Osmond, Prof Laura McAllister, Helen Mary Jones AM, Alun Davies AM, Mike German AM, Glyn Davies, Emyr Lewis Click here for full programme
Booking your place The reserve your place, please download the booking form and return to the address provided at least two weeks before the event(s) you wish to attend takes place. Places fill up quickly, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
11.02.08 Seminar: The Principles of Legislation, 5 March 2008 * How should legislators maintain a balance between primary and secondary legislation?
* In what circumstances should law-making powers be delegated to the Government – and what sorts of powers should not be delegated?
* How should legislators carry out effective scrutiny of these matters?
These are some of the questions that will be addressed at a Seminar co-hosted by Tomorrow's Wales and the Law Society on the 5th of March 2008.
The speakers at the seminar will be Alan Trench (Research Fellow, Edinburgh University), Professor Keith Patchett (Cardiff Law School) and Kay Powell (Law Society Wales) with Geraint Talfan Davies in the Chair. The three presentations will be followed by a discussion session with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
The event is sponsored by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM.
The seminar will be held in the Media Briefing Room in the Senedd Building, Cardiff Bay at 18.00pm on 5 March 2008.
Please let us know your intention to attend by emailing cymruyfory@stratamatrix.co.uk. Please note any special dietary requirements.
07.02.08 Another milestone in Welsh constitutional history
The first draft Legislative Competence Order, regarding Additional Learning Needs, has been approved by the Assembly.
Written notice that the draft Order has been approved by the Assembly will now be sent to the Secretary of State for Wales. The Secretary of State will then either lay the draft Order before each House of Parliament, or give notice in writing to the First Minister of his refusal to do so and reasons why. If the draft Order is laid before Parliament it will be subject to a debate on the floor of both Houses. If approved by both Houses the draft Order will be recommended to be approved by Her Majesty in Council.
Once approved, further legislative competence would be conferred on the Assembly in Field 5 (Education and Training) within Schedule 5 to the Government of Wales Act 2006. The Assembly would then have power to bring forward its own laws, known as Measures, in the field of education and training for persons with additional learning needs.
05.02.08 Welsh Liberal Democrats refuse to back referendum on election day
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Mike German has declared his party's support for a 'yes' vote in a referendum on further powers for the National Assembly for Wales, but not if that referendum were to be held on the same day as the 2011 Welsh General Election.
Mr German said: 'It is clear to me that holding a referendum on the same day as the election is the worst possible way forward for Wales. Voters would see parties campaigning together for more powers, while attacking each other on every other issue.'
In Mr German's view, cross party co-operation is the key factor in achieving a 'yes' vote, but said that his efforts to arrange an early meeting of all four main parties had been 'thwarted' by the Labour/Plaid coalition, despite Conservative leader Nick Bourne being supportive of such a meeting. Mr German said though that Rhodri Morgan and Ieuan Wyn Jones had informed him that 'such a meeting would be better held once the Establishing Committee (for the Emyr-Jones Parry Convention) has completed its work.'
According to Mr German however, 'no time should be lost in setting the groundwork for a 'yes' campaign, and I will be pressing this again as soon as the Establishing Committee reports.'
31.01.08 NHS Redress (Wales) Measure passes first stage
The first Assembly Measure has completed the first stage of progress, with the Assembly reaching agreement on the general principles of the proposed NHS Redress (Wales) Measure 2007 during Plenary on Tuesday (January 29). Now that the general principles of the Measure have been agreed, stage two of the process, which officially began the day after the completion of stage one, will scrutinise the measure in greater detail.
02.01.08 2008 New Year Communiqué
Tomorrow’s Wales issues this statement as an independent body which has a broad base of support, committed to ensuring government for Wales which is democratic, responsible and accountable to the people of Wales.
During 2008, a national Convention, chaired by Sir Emyr Jones Parry, will start its work. It has been set up under the One Wales coalition agreement to prepare for a referendum on giving Wales full law-making powers, as envisaged in the Government of Wales Act 2006.
Tomorrow’s Wales is eager to cooperate with the Convention and to continue to work with civil society across Wales in building a democratic, responsible and accountable framework for the government of Wales, in which the division of powers between Parliament and the National Assembly is clear and transparent.
In the context of this historic development, Tomorrow’s Wales/Cymru Yfory:
• welcomes the commitment of the One Wales Government to a referendum to bring into force the primary law-making powers set out in the Government of Wales Act 2006;
• calls on the National Assembly and the Welsh Assembly Government to use all the existing powers available to it to their maximum potential, as well as seeking the comprehensive range of legislative powers that will help to improve the lives of the people of Wales, taking into account developments across the whole of the UK;
• urges the National Assembly to inform civil society throughout Wales regularly of the steps it has taken, and of any difficulties it encounters, in ensuring the full implementation of the new Act;
• welcomes the establishment of the Convention, to be chaired by Sir Emyr Jones Parry, and calls on it to consult widely with civil society throughout Wales to promote better understanding of the issues involved and to broaden support for a clearer and more transparent legislative framework that meets the needs of Wales in the 21st century.
Tomorrow’s Wales will itself organise a series of consultation sessions/seminars during 2008 drawing on the Richard Report as a point of reference. It will also monitor closely and comment on the implementation of the legislative arrangements now coming into effect, to ensure they are used effectively, in accordance with established principles of representative government, and with respect for the autonomy of the National Assembly in carrying out its responsibilities assigned under the Act.
We invite all those who approve the views and intentions of Tomorrow’s Wales as set out above to express their support.
Tomorrow’s Wales
Tomorrow’s Wales was established in 2004 to encourage support for the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Richard Commission on the Powers and Electoral Arrangements of the National Assembly for Wales. It is chaired by the Archbishop of Wales, The Most Rev Dr Barry Morgan. Since 2004 the movement has sought to keep the Richard recommendations on the political agenda. It has also succeeded in connecting with and informing civil society concerning constitutional change in Wales and the opportunities for engagement with government and the National Assembly under the new powers granted through the Government of Wales Act 2006.
21.12.07 Labour-Plaid All-Wales Convention Steering Group meets for first time The steering group of Labour and Plaid Cymru AMs and MPs charged with drawing up a timetable and terms of reference for the All-Wales Convention met at Westminster for the first time this week. The group's first task was to appoint Helen Mary Jones AM and Nick Ainger MP as joint chairs. Other Labour members of the group are the MPs Nia Griffith, Jessica Morden and Ian Lucas, along with AMs Lynne Neagle, Alun Davies, Christine Chapman and Jeff Cuthbert. Plaid's representation comprises of AMs Helen Mary Jones, Alun Ffred Jones, Dai Lloyd and Nerys Evans; MPs Elfyn Llwyd, Hywel Williams and Adam Price, as well as the former AM and MP Cynog Dafis. The Convention, chaired by the UK's former ambassador to the UN Sir Emyr Jones Parry, is expected to start work proper in June.
01.11.07 Tomorrow’s Wales calls for Convention to ‘do what’s best for Wales’ Cymru Yfory- Tomorrow’s Wales has welcomed the fact that the Labour – Plaid Cymru coalition government is moving ahead with its commitment to establish an All-Wales Convention by appointing Sir Emyr Jones-Parry as Chair. However the movement, established in 2004 to campaign for the implementation of the recommendations of the Richard Commission, reiterates its call for the Convention to both include a wide representation of Welsh society, and have a broad remit, if it is to be a worthwhile exercise. Many of the Richard Report’s recommendations – made after a wide-ranging consultative and evidence-taking process – remain unimplemented. These include proposals to increase the number of Assembly Members to eighty – an idea which is gaining more and more support as the Assembly’s workload increases and AMs find it increasingly difficult to carry out all their functions effectively. The Richard Commission also recommended looking again at the Assembly’s electoral system and said that tax-raising powers were desirable for a legislative Parliament.
Tomorrow’s Wales believes that now is the right time to revisit these questions and the All-Wales Convention is the right body to do it – as long as its membership is broad and representative of Welsh society.Tomorrow’s Wales therefore calls on Sir Emyr Jones-Parry, the Welsh Assembly Government, and those AMs and MPs involved in the process of establishing the Convention not waste this historic opportunity, and establish a Convention with a broad remit so that we can have the constitutional debate that Wales so needs to establish a durable devolution settlement. Chair of Tomorrow’s Wales, The Most Rev. Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales said:
“Naturally, Tomorrow’s Wales welcomes the fact that the coalition government is moving forward with its commitment to establish an All-Wales Convention as promised in the One Wales document. For the Convention to be a success, we believe that it must be inclusive of all sections of Welsh civil society so that the greatest possible input of views is secured. Further, we believe it essential that the Convention’s terms of reference allows it to go beyond the narrow confines of the Government of Wales Act 2006, and looks again at such issues as the Assembly’s powers, the number of members and the electoral system. The Richard Commission made recommendations on these matters which have still not been implemented: it should be the Convention’s role to look again at these questions in view of recent experience to ensure that Wales has the best possible system of government.” He continued: “We believe that to move forward under the terms of the Government of Wales Act 2006 alone would mean a massive missed opportunity to establish a durable settlement for Wales based on cross-party and cross-sectoral consensus. If it is to have a lasting impact, the Convention must do what is best for Wales, not what is politically convenient for Labour and Plaid Cymru. That means looking at issues like the number of members, the electoral system and tax-raising powers.”
03.09.07 Assembly already looking to extend its powers
The National Assembly for Wales returns from recess in two weeks, and among the first duties AMs will perform is to scrutinise three Proposed Legislative Competence Orders (LCOs) that have already been laid before them.
The LCO is a new device introduced under the Government of Wales Act 2006, by which legislative power over specific matters can be transferred to the Assembly from the Westminster Parliament. This is done by amending Schedule 5 of the Act, which lists the legislative competences of the Assembly in twenty policy fields. An LCO does not in itself introduce legislation for Wales; rather, it provides the means for the Assembly to introduce legislation within the legislative parameters set out by the LCO. Draft LCOs must be approved by the Assembly and by both Houses of Parliament before the powers are transferred.
While an LCO can be proposed by either the Welsh Assembly Government, Assembly Committees or individual members, all three currently before the Assembly have come from the Government. They are:
Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) Order 2007 (Relating to Additional Learning Needs)
This is the first ever LCO to be laid before the Assembly, and it will give the National Assembly the power to legislate on the matter of additional learning needs. You can read the proposed LCO and a document explaining its purpose here.
The Committee has launched a public consultation on the LCO, invited comments from the public on both the principle and specific content of the LCO. Responses must be made by Friday 21 September. Click here for more details on how to contribute.
Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (No.2) Order 2007 (Relating to Environmental Protection and Waste Management)
This Proposed LCO will allow the Assembly to legislate on matters of environmental protection and waste management. You can read the proposed LCO and a document explaining its purpose here.
The Proposed Evironmental protection and Waste Management LCO Committee has launched a public consultation on the LCO, invited comments from the public on both the principle and specific content of the LCO. Responses must be made by Friday 21 September. Click here for more details on how to contribute.
Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (No.3) Order 2007 (Relating to Vulnerable Children and Child Poverty)
This proposed LCO is very wide-ranging and includes proposals to transfer to the Assembly the power to make laws on fostering and adoption and on social care for children. Such broad definition of its scope could make the passage of this LCO through Westminster particularly interesting.
A Committee will be established by the Assembly in the near future to scrutinise the LCO. In the meantime, the proposed Order and an explanoratry document can be read here.
31.05.07 Cymru Yfory contribute to Welsh Affairs Committee's Inquiry Cymru Yfory has contributed to the House of Commons' Welsh Affairs Select Committee's inquiry on the Orders in Council process. The memorandum submitted by the Executive is accessible here. The verbatim transcript of the meeting is available to read here.
The Committee's Written Report is due to be published on Tuesday 5th June.
01.11.06 Sir Jeremy Beecham to address Tomorrow's Wales Conference
We are pleased to announce that Sir Jeremy Beecham has agreed to address the Tomorrow's Wales Conference 'The Emerging Assembly' on the 20th November 2006 at Cardiff University Conference Centre, Penylan.
The list of invited guests now includes: * Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas AM; * Author of the "Beyond Boundaries" Report Sir Jeremy Beecham; * Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Wales Nick Ainger MP; * Welsh Assembly Government Business Minister Jane Hutt AM; * Chair of the National Assembly’s Standing Orders Committee Jenny Randerson AM. * Distinguished Research Fellow of Cardiff Law School David Lambert and Principal Researcher Marie Navarro
Breakout sessions in the afternoon will also provide opportunities to explore the impact of the Government of Wales Act on a thematic basis.
Click here to access the latest information on the day's programme and to download the conference booking form.
If you need to know about the powers of the Assembly Post May 2007, changes in responsibilities, new Assembly procedures and structures, and the potential impact on your sector and organisation, the conference will be of interest to you.
The conference costs £75 (£55 conc)
Only completed registrations forms guarantee conference entry – previous expressions of interest are not valid.
20.10.06 Tomorrow’s Wales conference: 'The Emerging Assembly'
Programme details and the booking form for the Cymru Yfory / Tomorrow’s Wales conference The Emerging Assembly are now available. Taking place on November 20th in Cardiff, the prestigious line-up includes Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Wales Nick Ainger MP, Welsh Assembly Government Business Minister Jane Hutt AM and Jenny Randerson AM, Chair of the National Assembly’s Standing Orders Committee. Breakout sessions in the afternoon will provide opportunities to explore the impact of the Government of Wales Act on a thematic basis. If you need to know about the powers of the Assembly Post May 2007, changes in responsibilities, new Assembly procedures and structures, and the potential impact on your sector and organisation, the conference will be of interest to you.
Only completed registrations forms guarantee conference entry – previous expressions of interest are not valid.
17.10.06 Yfory’r Cynulliad : The Emerging Assembly Cymru Yfory Conference: 20 November 2006
What? A one day conference entitled “The Emerging Assembly” at Cardiff University Conference Centre, Penylan.
When? 20th of November, 2006.
Why? One day conference to include contributions by academics and politicians, and an opportunity for delegates to discuss questions, opportunities, shared hopes and problems arising from the new Welsh Governance structures May 2007 shall bring.
For whom? Anyone and everyone with a professional interest in Welsh politics and governance. The conference will provide further opportunity to learn about new Assembly powers, new procedures, and the role of Westminster in the new structure.
Registration? You can register your interest in the Conference now by emailing cymruyfory@stratamatrix.co.uk. Further details to follow.
You are of course welcome to send this information on to anyone else who may be interested.
17.10.06 Cymru Yfory contribute to Standing Orders Evidence Paper Cymru Yfory has contributed to the National Assembly’s Standing Orders Committee’s evidence gathering. Read our paper here which was submitted as part of the evidence presented by David Lambert and Marie Navarro of Cardiff Law School.
The verbatim transcript of the meeting is available to read here.
04.08.06 Procedure for Orders in Council
A paper detailing the likely procedure for Orders in Council has been produced by David Lambert and Marie Navarro of Cardiff Law School. This process will apply to law-making arrangements in Wales following May 2007's Assembly Elections following the enactment of the Government of Wales Act 2006. Read: Procedure for Orders in Council
27.07.06 Tomorrow's Wales Reaction to the passing of the Government of Wales Act 2006
Tomorrow's Wales today welcomed the passing of the Government of Wales bill as a key milestone in ensuring full primary law making powers for the National Assembly for Wales.
Working closely with Lords during the Bill's passage through parliament, the movement emphasised the need to ensure a settlement for Wales which embraces public participation, is transparent, and provides proper scrutiny to deliver quality legislation for the benefit of Wales.
Commenting today Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales said:
"Tomorrow's Wales exists to promote the key recommendations of the Richard Commission report - Wales deserves and needs primary law making powers. We are now in a race against time to ensure that Wales is ready for this, the latest development in its constitutional journey. New members have recently been brought onto our Executive Committee as we recognise that we now need to change our focus away from the Parliamentary process and towards raising awareness of the nature of the new structures of Welsh governance in Wales in general."
The emphasis will now turn to encouraging the people of Wales as well as members of the National Assembly to make effective and creative use of the new powers vested in the National Assembly, paving the way for the formal transmission of primary law making powers as soon as possible.
Tomorrow's Wales now calls for: *the Assembly and Assembly Government to ensure that there is capacity within the institution to develop policy and draft legislation, to draft the Assembly's timetable in such a way as to enable thorough and proper scrutiny of legislation *the political parties of Wales develop policy programmes specific to and making the most of the new arrangements for 2007 *Welsh communities, faith communities and civic society to engage with the process also, mindful of the opportunities for policy development which will now arise following the 2007 election.
A programme of activity including consultation with Welsh organisations and participation at national summer events is underway with a view to widening the discussion, ensuring understanding and encouraging participation in Welsh political and legislative life after the 2007 election.
Notes to editors: Members of the Executive, acting in a personal capacity:
Mr Siôn Brynach M.Litt Oxon Mr Deian Creunant Mr Cynog Dafis Mr Gerald Davies Parch Aled Edwards OBE Ms Philippa Ford Mr Michael German OBE AM Mr Milwyn Jarman QC Mr Saleem Kidwai OBE Mr David Lambert Mr Gethin Lewis Lord Richard Livsey of Talgarth Ms Katie-Jo Luxton Mr David Melding AM Parchedicaf Ddr Barry Morgan Lord Elystan Morgan Mr Jon Owen Jones Mr Paul O'Shea Mr Mike Ponton Mr Peter Price Most Rev Peter Smith Archbishop of Cardiff Mr Geraint Talfan Davies Mr Alan Trench Mr Paul Valerio Parch Gethin Abraham Williams
ENDS For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Dr Non Gwilym on 07779 645599.
09.05.06 Tomorrow's Wales Amendments
Tomorrow's Wales has prepared a raft of amendments to the Government of Wales Bill presently passing through Parliament. The key thrust of these amendments is to strengthen the National Assembly for Wales' ability to govern Wales properly and effectively. The 26 amendments can be viewed here
19.04.06 Tomorrow's Wales proposes amendments Today the Archbishop of Wales will be visiting the House of Lords and sitting in on the Lord's Committee Stage Debate on the Government of Wales Bill. In physically being there, he hopes that his presence will add weight to Tomorrow's Wales' proposed amendments, which the movement is hoping will be tabled by those peers who also feel strongly that Wales needs the means to be governed properly and effectively.
Tomorrow's Wales - the movement established by Archbishop Barry Morgan in July 2004 to promote the principles of the Richard Commission has prepared a raft of amendments to the Government of Wales bill presently passing through Parliament. The key thrust of all these amendments however is to strengthen the National Assembly for Wales' ability to govern Wales properly and effectively.
Amongst the 26 amendments drafted by Tomorrow’s Wales, the movement calls for an agreed timescale for holding a Referendum on Primary Powers. Such a timescale was a major recommendation of the Richard Report. Wales deserves nothing less, and Tomorrow’s Wales is fully supportive of that recommendation.
Commenting today, the Archbishop of Wales, Most Rev Dr Barry Morgan, said:
“I am looking forward to today’s debate on the Bill. Tomorrow’s Wales have considered its detail with particular interest. The Executive have worked closely on our proposed amendments, and are working with Lords to ensure the best possible settlement for Wales.
In addition to our call for a referendum timetable, we are also concerned about the distinct lack of clarity regarding the scope of the executive powers held by the Secretary of State for Wales. In particular at stage two where he/she has the power to either approve or reject an Assembly request for an order in council.
We are in agreement that a full legislative parliament (stage three) should consist of 80 members, and advocate the adoption of an electoral system which backs the principle of proportionality. There is a danger however that the debate will be overshadowed by a need to agree on the exact nature of any future electoral system. We hope to gain further support for 80 members elected and the principle of proportionality during the Lords’ Committee Stage of the Bill.
The concerns outlined were all considered, and resolved by the Richard Commission Report. We do not agree that this is the end of the debate for a generation. Tomorrow’s Wales remains supportive of the thrust of Richard Commission’s recommendations and call for primary law making powers for the National Assembly for Wales. We invite others to join us in the goal of promoting this agenda.” ENDS Wednesday, 19 April 2006 For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Dr Non Gwilym on 07779 645599.
The new National Assembly for Wales: Building on Experience One-day Conferences
Monday 13 July, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Thursday 16 July, All Nations Centre, Cardiff
In July 2007, Tomorrow's Wales published a booklet ‘The New National Assembly for Wales - a guide’. The booklet remains an unique information resource, providing a 'layman's guide' to the workings of the National Assembly for Wales, allowing ordinary people to understand how their Assembly works and how they can engage with it and influence its decisions.
Two years after the current devolution arrangements came into effect, Tomorrow’s Wales is planning to update the guide, and we have been fortunate to secure support from the Big Lottery Fund to do so.
The two “Building On Experience Two Years On” conferences will see practitioners who have had first hand experience of how the Assembly has functioned over the past two share their experiences and insights, providing a valuable learning opportunity for those who want to learn more about how the Assembly works and how the Assembly’s powers and procedures have developed over the past two years.
Contributions to the conferences will feed into the updated edition of the Assembly Guide.
Who should attend? Anyone who wants to learn more about the powers and procedures of the National Assembly for Wales and how they have developed over the last two years, particularly those from civil society who are interested in engaging with the National Assembly for Wales or who have done so and want to benefit from the experience of others and share their own experiences.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The conferences will include contributions from:
Michelle Matheron and Jennifer Bradbury, WCVA Voices for Change Project;
Marie Navarro, Cardiff Law School and Wales Legislation Online;
Geraint Talfan Davies, Member of Tomorrow’s Wales Executive and Chair of the Institute of Welsh Affairs;
A speaker from the National Assembly for Wales.
Afternoon workshops will provide further opportunities for discussion and sharing of experience.
BOOKING YOUR PLACE
These conferences are free to attend with places allocated on a 'first come first served' basis. You can book your place by completeing the booking form and returing it to the address provided.
The new National Assembly for Wales: Building on Experience One-day Conferences
Monday 13 July, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Thursday 16 July, All Nations Centre, Cardiff
In July 2007, Tomorrow's Wales published a booklet ‘The New National Assembly for Wales - a guide’. The booklet remains an unique information resource, providing a 'layman's guide' to the workings of the National Assembly for Wales, allowing ordinary people to understand how their Assembly works and how they can engage with it and influence its decisions.
Two years after the current devolution arrangements came into effect, Tomorrow’s Wales is planning to update the guide, and we have been fortunate to secure support from the Big Lottery Fund to do so.
The two “Building On Experience Two Years On” conferences will see practitioners who have had first hand experience of how the Assembly has functioned over the past two share their experiences and insights, providing a valuable learning opportunity for those who want to learn more about how the Assembly works and how the Assembly’s powers and procedures have developed over the past two years.
Contributions to the conferences will feed into the updated edition of the Assembly Guide.
Who should attend? Anyone who wants to learn more about the powers and procedures of the National Assembly for Wales and how they have developed over the last two years, particularly those from civil society who are interested in engaging with the National Assembly for Wales or who have done so and want to benefit from the experience of others and share their own experiences.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The conferences will include contributions from:
Michelle Matheron and Jennifer Bradbury, WCVA Voices for Change Project;
Marie Navarro, Cardiff Law School and Wales Legislation Online;
Geraint Talfan Davies, Member of Tomorrow’s Wales Executive and Chair of the Institute of Welsh Affairs;
A speaker from the National Assembly for Wales.
Afternoon workshops will provide further opportunities for discussion and sharing of experience.
BOOKING YOUR PLACE
These conferences are free to attend with places allocated on a 'first come first served' basis. You can book your place by completeing the booking form and returing it to the address provided.
The new National Assembly for Wales: Building on Experience One-day Conferences
Monday 13 July, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Thursday 16 July, All Nations Centre, Cardiff
In July 2007, Tomorrow's Wales published a booklet ‘The New National Assembly for Wales - a guide’. The booklet remains an unique information resource, providing a 'layman's guide' to the workings of the National Assembly for Wales, allowing ordinary people to understand how their Assembly works and how they can engage with it and influence its decisions.
Two years after the current devolution arrangements came into effect, Tomorrow’s Wales is planning to update the guide, and we have been fortunate to secure support from the Big Lottery Fund to do so.
The two “Building On Experience Two Years On” conferences will see practitioners who have had first hand experience of how the Assembly has functioned over the past two share their experiences and insights, providing a valuable learning opportunity for those who want to learn more about how the Assembly works and how the Assembly’s powers and procedures have developed over the past two years.
Contributions to the conferences will feed into the updated edition of the Assembly Guide.
Who should attend? Anyone who wants to learn more about the powers and procedures of the National Assembly for Wales and how they have developed over the last two years, particularly those from civil society who are interested in engaging with the National Assembly for Wales or who have done so and want to benefit from the experience of others and share their own experiences.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The conferences will include contributions from:
Michelle Matheron and Jennifer Bradbury, WCVA Voices for Change Project;
Marie Navarro, Cardiff Law School and Wales Legislation Online;
Geraint Talfan Davies, Member of Tomorrow’s Wales Executive and Chair of the Institute of Welsh Affairs;
A speaker from the National Assembly for Wales.
Afternoon workshops will provide further opportunities for discussion and sharing of experience.
BOOKING YOUR PLACE
These conferences are free to attend with places allocated on a 'first come first served' basis. You can book your place by completeing the booking form and returing it to the address provided.
Panel debate - the Future of Wales? The Welsh Liberal Democrats are holding a Q+A debate on the future of devolution, chaired by John Osmond of the IWA and featuring panellists from all four parties this Friday (5th February), 8pm at the Grand Theatre, Swansea.
On the panel will be Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mike German, Welsh Conservative AM David Melding (who are both also Cymru Yfory Executive members), Labour AM Alun Davies, Plaid Cymru AM Dai Lloyd and a representative from True Wales.
All are welcome for what promises to be a lively debate.
5 June 2007
Royal Opening of the Third Assembly
3 May 2007
National Assembly for Wales General Election
20 November 2006 “The Emerging Assembly” Cymru Yfory Conference, Cardiff.
