Government of Wales Bill

May I welcome you, Sir Alan, to what will unquestionably be the most exciting debate that we have had about Welsh constitutional matters so far this year? The amendments relate to nomenclature, and our first debate focuses on a point of principle that in many ways marks the dividing line between the different visions of devolution that each party has. The name of the Administration is fundamental to what it represents and the way in which it is perceived. We need to ask ourselves what we want the Administration to represent. For the Welsh Lib Dems, the answer is simple. We want a strong and autonomous Welsh body with primary powers. In other words, we want a Welsh Parliament: a Welsh Senedd. Wales is not just another region and its Administration should not be just another Assembly. We are not talking about the west midlands or the north-east—Wales is a proud nation, so its Administration should have the powers and a title that reflect its status. My worry is that we are in danger of blowing an historic opportunity. Of the four parties in Wales, only one is opposed to the devolution project. There is certainly only one that believes that giving more powers to the Assembly would be"““like giving a latchkey, a bank account, and shotgun to a 10 year old””" and that"““these people should not be trusted with more powers under any circumstances.””" Presumably, that shows the new progressive face of the Conservative party. I look forward to finding out how things might change during today’s debate, but that view seems to have more in common with Whitehall in the 18th century than Wales in the 21st century. The other two Opposition parties that are represented today believe that Wales is something more than a troublesome colony. The Government know full well that they should have followed the path drawn up by the Richard commission. Had they done so, they would have had our full support, but instead they have been timid when they should have been bold. We have tabled amendments that point the way to a powerful and capable Welsh Senedd. Using the title ““Senedd”” would be a sensible signal of the Government’s intent. If they are serious about fulfilling the devolution project and getting to the so-called stage 3, at which the Welsh political body would have primary law-making powers, they should be happy to use the name Senedd. Obviously, we look forward to hearing what Ministers have to say. I hope that we will get support from Plaid Cymru, and I will listen with great interest to what the Conservatives have to say. I should point out now that we would like to push this matter to a vote because of its iconic importance.