WalesHome.org

YOU GO out for lunch once too often and all hell breaks loose…

As a public service here on WalesHome.org, and at the risk of being accused or regurgitating press releases or copying the content of other blogs, here is the statement from Welsh Labour on the progress of devolution released at lunchtime.

JOINT STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO ALL WALES CONVENTION REPORT
GARRY OWEN, Chair Welsh Labour
RHODRI MORGAN AM, First Minister
PETER HAIN MP, Secretary of State for Wales

1. We welcome the detailed report by the All Wales Convention and reaffirm Welsh Labour’s commitment to primary legislative powers for the Welsh Assembly (under Part 4 of the 2006 Act), and to campaign for these in a succsessful referendum.

2. Because a ‘No’ vote in a referendum could set back devolution for several decades, triggering the referendum process needs to be based on a firm prospect that public opinion is ready to respond positively in the referendum.

3. Our internal policy process has already begun: Welsh Labour’s Welsh Joint Policy Committee has met, prioritised the need to campaign for a General Election victory, and agreed to start considering the All Wales Convention report in detail as a prelude to stepping-up wider Party consultation with AMs and MPs, councillors, trade unionists and members as soon as the General Election is over.

The timing was evidently inspired by Bethan Jenkins’ interesting article this morning, which is well worth a read. And the statement the First Minister is about to make to Plenary. Will try and blog later on what is about to be said…

In the meantime, sample what Betsan Powys, Gareth Hughes and Vaughan Roderick think about it all.