Government of Wales Act - Kirsty Williams comment
1.20.31pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 25th Jul 2006
Commenting following the final debate on the Government of Wales Bill in the House of Lords this week, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, said:
"This bill will not give Wales the powers it needs or deserves. However, the amendments the Welsh Liberal Democrats have secured will at least ensure that the Assembly's committees will now reflect the balance of power in the Assembly. It's a fairer system and Assembly Committees will function better as a result.
"This vote signals a step forward for devolution in Wales, but it falls far short of the great leap we expected when the Richard Commission published its report. The Labour Party has been timid, where the people of Wales expected them to be bold. They have wasted a golden chance to give Wales a brighter future.
"The Welsh Liberal Democrats have campaigned for many years for Wales to have its own parliament. The passing of this bill will be a sign that we have made progress, but the campaign is far from finished."
Notes:
The Government of Wales Bill is expected to receive royal assent this afternoon.
Under the new Act, the Assembly Government will be able, from May 2007, to draw up its own laws for the first time in devolved areas like health and education - provided Westminster agrees first. A Scottish-style parliament, however, could only be created after a referendum, which can only happen if two-thirds of AMs and a majority of MPs want one.
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