06/11/2009
Cameron Backs Greater Welsh Devolution
A Tory government would not stand in the way of a Welsh referendum to give the country's Assembly more legislative powers, David Cameron said today.
Ending speculation on his party's position, Mr Cameron said Conservatives would back a poll, if a request was made by assembly members.
Speaking from north Wales, the Tory leader said economic matters should remain the country's main focus.
Under 2006 rules, two thirds of the assembly must back calls for a referendum on increased law making rules.
The final decision then rests with the Welsh Secretary in Westminster.
Shadow Secretary of State Cheryl Gillan has previously refused to be drawn on the matter.
Tories were accused of planning to block any popular will within the assembly.
The current legislative system sees law making powers imparted to the Welsh Assembly on a case-by-case basis.
Westminster essentially has control over the process, which many have described as complicated.
A report from the All Wales Convention is expected to be published later this month. It will outline to the Welsh government whether AMs should request a referendum.
A lack of understanding of the local institutions by members of the public is said to have bolstered campaigns for change.
The assembly government is committed to a referendum on the issue by May 2011.
YouGov previously suggested a small majority would back a 'yes' vote at the polls.
(PR/BMcc)
Ending speculation on his party's position, Mr Cameron said Conservatives would back a poll, if a request was made by assembly members.
Speaking from north Wales, the Tory leader said economic matters should remain the country's main focus.
Under 2006 rules, two thirds of the assembly must back calls for a referendum on increased law making rules.
The final decision then rests with the Welsh Secretary in Westminster.
Shadow Secretary of State Cheryl Gillan has previously refused to be drawn on the matter.
Tories were accused of planning to block any popular will within the assembly.
The current legislative system sees law making powers imparted to the Welsh Assembly on a case-by-case basis.
Westminster essentially has control over the process, which many have described as complicated.
A report from the All Wales Convention is expected to be published later this month. It will outline to the Welsh government whether AMs should request a referendum.
A lack of understanding of the local institutions by members of the public is said to have bolstered campaigns for change.
The assembly government is committed to a referendum on the issue by May 2011.
YouGov previously suggested a small majority would back a 'yes' vote at the polls.
(PR/BMcc)
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10 February 2010
Welsh Assembly Backs Law Referendum
The Welsh Assembly has backed a call from the First and Deputy First Minister for a referendum on greater devolved law making powers. First Minister Carwyn Jones will now formally write to the Welsh Secretary of State requesting a referendum to provide additional legislating responsibilities to the Government.
Welsh Assembly Backs Law Referendum
The Welsh Assembly has backed a call from the First and Deputy First Minister for a referendum on greater devolved law making powers. First Minister Carwyn Jones will now formally write to the Welsh Secretary of State requesting a referendum to provide additional legislating responsibilities to the Government.
04 February 2010
Welsh Ministers Seek More Powers
Wales' First and Deputy First Minister have called for a referendum on increased devolution from Westminster. A motion on a referendum will be debated by Welsh Assembly members next week. First Minister Carwyn Jones said the vote would fall under the Government of Wales Act.
Welsh Ministers Seek More Powers
Wales' First and Deputy First Minister have called for a referendum on increased devolution from Westminster. A motion on a referendum will be debated by Welsh Assembly members next week. First Minister Carwyn Jones said the vote would fall under the Government of Wales Act.
13 August 2013
Strong Support For Welsh Devolution
A new poll shows a growing majority of the Welsh public support increased powers for National Assembly for Wales, indicating the desire for further legislative powers to be devolved from Westminster.
Strong Support For Welsh Devolution
A new poll shows a growing majority of the Welsh public support increased powers for National Assembly for Wales, indicating the desire for further legislative powers to be devolved from Westminster.
14 May 2010
'First Class' Halted By Welsh Secretary
The new Welsh Secretary of State has said she will no longer use first class rail travel. Cheryl Gillan revealed the change as she met Labour First Minister Carwyn Jones, Head of the Welsh Assembly Government, at his Cardiff Bay office. The Cardiff-born minister and her officials will also travel 2nd class.
'First Class' Halted By Welsh Secretary
The new Welsh Secretary of State has said she will no longer use first class rail travel. Cheryl Gillan revealed the change as she met Labour First Minister Carwyn Jones, Head of the Welsh Assembly Government, at his Cardiff Bay office. The Cardiff-born minister and her officials will also travel 2nd class.
03 April 2013
Chancellor Supports M4 Road Improvements
Chancellor George Osborne has said the proposed M4 relief road in South Wales is one of the most important road schemes in the UK. However he added that the idea of motorists paying a toll to drive on the motorway did not come from the UK Government. The Welsh Government has dismissed the idea of imposing a toll.
Chancellor Supports M4 Road Improvements
Chancellor George Osborne has said the proposed M4 relief road in South Wales is one of the most important road schemes in the UK. However he added that the idea of motorists paying a toll to drive on the motorway did not come from the UK Government. The Welsh Government has dismissed the idea of imposing a toll.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.