Democratic devolution, granted under popular vote in 1999, was a watershed in the devolution process and a fundamental change to the governance of
Wales.
The assembly has achieved much for the people of Wales. In the five short years since the establishment of the Welsh assembly, change has echoed through society as the Labour-led government has implemented a progressive agenda with strong emphasis on social justice and securing long awaited change in Wales to breathe new life into communities and enterprise after the bleak years of Conservative rule.
The assembly has carried forward a strong, progressive programme in key areas notably education and health. In what is becoming a distinctive made in Wales’ approach to education, we have abolished testing at early key stages, scrapped elitist league tables and are currently piloting the Welsh baccelaureate qualification.
In health, we are described by prominent academics as leading the field with our public health agenda, and the Wanless Report has provided policy makers with a blueprint to create a modern and sustainable health system in Wales for future generations.
Five years after the ‘yes’ result of the referendum, a future blueprint for devolution has now been developed by Welsh Labour.
The Richard Commission on the powers and electoral arrangements of the national assembly for Wales was established in July 2002. After five years of existence, a review of Wales’ devolution settlement was necessary to measure the success of the current structure and to give future devolution direction. The five commissioners on the panel were charged with reviewing two aspects of the assembly, the adequacy of its powers and its electoral arrangements.
The recommendations were published this spring. The first called for the maintenance of the status quo. The second was a new model of ‘framework-legislative devolution’ which would see no amendment to the Government of Wales Act. This was seen as a pragmatic and sensible approach to long-term change in a still evolving institution. The final option was, in effect, to create a Parliament for Wales with more members, a new electoral system and the option of tax varying powers it was seen to be, in essence, a Nationalist wish list and wholly unrepresentative of the opinion of the majority of people in Wales.
Improvement of governance in Wales, goes hand in hand with improving the life of our communities. This is the cornerstone of devolution under a Labour government – to deliver prosperity to the people of Wales through policies underpinned by social justice, and representative of the needs of Welsh communities.
As the party of government in Wales Labour has developed a practical route
map for devolution. Working within, and not against, the political
landscape. Proposals have been laid which we in the party believe to be a
sensible and popular option for Wales.
The party has openly stated that it supports the extension of the assembly’s
existing secondary legislative powers under framework legislation. A number of the proposals put forward by the party would require amendments to the Government of Wales Act, which would be published following a consultative white paper.
The party intends to address the ‘Clwyd West question’, whereby a defeated constituency candidate can ‘chicken run’ to a safe list seat as was seen with the four candidates in Clwyd West, who are all sitting AMs.
Labour, working in partnership, both in Cardiff and Westminster has smoothed the path of devolution, overcoming overlaps within the settlement. The party has consistently undertaken to pursue a combined effort at both levels of government to enact bills and ensure continued legislative co-operation.
One early step to reform would be the framework legislation in Westminster. In drafting England and Wales primary legislation in the existing devolved areas, the UK government would delegate to the Assembly the maximum discretion in making its own provisions in Wales. This is a valuable way of strengthening the assembly’s legislative capacity and policy autonomy. It would give the assembly wider powers on a, topic by topic, bill by bill basis and further builds on the approach recently taken within the assembly.
Whispering within party walls continue to advocate full primary law
making powers in areas already devolved. This would mean a second referendum as a result of fundamental changes such powers would prescribe.
The approach advocated by the party, however, reflects public will,
political experience and the recommendations of the Richard Commission.
The proposals encompass political thought, practical delivery and build on the foundations of devolution that has delivered for Wales. This route map
builds on the precedent set for pragmatic extension of the powers and the
policy-making capacity of the assembly.
Constitutional navel-gazing is not on the agenda. Delivering social justice
and redistributing policies for our communities are the raison d’être of the
Labour party. And as the second chapter on Welsh devolution nears
completion, these proposals underpin and strengthen our ability to make
Wales a better country.