Archbishop pushes for Welsh power

-20/04/06

A pressure group fronted by the Archbishop


Archbishop pushes for Welsh power

-20/04/06

A pressure group fronted by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, is seeking to alter the Government’s plans to strengthen the powers of the Welsh Assembly.

The news comes as the Government was defeated over its plans for the Welsh Assembly yesterday in the House of Lords.

The group, Tomorrow’s Wales, was set up to support the recommendations of the Richard Commission, which called for a Scottish-style parliament for the country.

The group has prepared a series of amendments to the Government’s proposals for the Assembly. Ministers want the Assembly to draw up its own laws, subject to Westminster approval, with the Richard model only following after a referendum, reports the Western Mail.

Tomorrow’s Wales, which has enjoyed cross-party support, has explicitly rejected Welsh Secretary Peter Hain’s claim that the Government of Wales Bill, which reached its Committee stage in the House of Lords yesterday, settles Wales’ constitutional future for a generation.

Dr Morgan carries perhaps greater authority on such matters than other bishops as he does not have a seat in the Lords, and therefore can not be accused of being an “unelected” peer who is holding up an elected Government’s plans. This is an accusation being made against the House of Lords after the government was defeated in a vote about how Welsh assembly members are elected last night.

The Archbishop is calling for a specific timetable for holding a referendum on a Scottish-style parliament. The Government wants to avoid making such a commitment, saying there would need to be a “consensus” on the issue first, as well as votes in Westminster and Cardiff Bay.

Dr Morgan also wants to see the number of Welsh Assembly Members increased from 60 to 80.

The Government of Wales Bill is due to finish its passage through the Commons and Lords before the summer.

Dr Morgan, said; “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.”

He said he agreed to chair Tomorrow’s Wales after being approached by different political groups. He is acting in a personal capacity rather than as head of the Church in Wales.

He added, “We are in agreement that a full legislative parliament 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.”


Archbishop pushes for Welsh power

-20/04/06

A pressure group fronted by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, is seeking to alter the Government’s plans to strengthen the powers of the Welsh Assembly.

The news comes as the Government was defeated over its plans for the Welsh Assembly yesterday in the House of Lords.

The group, Tomorrow’s Wales, was set up to support the recommendations of the Richard Commission, which called for a Scottish-style parliament for the country.

The group has prepared a series of amendments to the Government’s proposals for the Assembly. Ministers want the Assembly to draw up its own laws, subject to Westminster approval, with the Richard model only following after a referendum, reports the Western Mail.

Tomorrow’s Wales, which has enjoyed cross-party support, has explicitly rejected Welsh Secretary Peter Hain’s claim that the Government of Wales Bill, which reached its Committee stage in the House of Lords yesterday, settles Wales’ constitutional future for a generation.

Dr Morgan carries perhaps greater authority on such matters than other bishops as he does not have a seat in the Lords, and therefore can not be accused of being an “unelected” peer who is holding up an elected Government’s plans. This is an accusation being made against the House of Lords after the government was defeated in a vote about how Welsh assembly members are elected last night.

The Archbishop is calling for a specific timetable for holding a referendum on a Scottish-style parliament. The Government wants to avoid making such a commitment, saying there would need to be a “consensus” on the issue first, as well as votes in Westminster and Cardiff Bay.

Dr Morgan also wants to see the number of Welsh Assembly Members increased from 60 to 80.

The Government of Wales Bill is due to finish its passage through the Commons and Lords before the summer.

Dr Morgan, said; “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.”

He said he agreed to chair Tomorrow’s Wales after being approached by different political groups. He is acting in a personal capacity rather than as head of the Church in Wales.

He added, “We are in agreement that a full legislative parliament 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.”