Government of Wales Bill

I want to place on record my personal support for the Bill and that of the Welsh Affairs Committee, which I have the privilege of chairing. In Committee, I presented several constructive proposals and criticisms on behalf of the Welsh Affairs Committee. We noted the Government’s responses and it is important to acknowledge that we are taking an important—some may call it modest—step forward. Nevertheless, as a strong and long-standing supporter of democratic devolution, I believe that it is a critical step forward for the people of Wales. I am proud on behalf of not only the Welsh Affairs Committee but my constituency and the people of Wales to say that the Bill constitutes a major step for democracy in Wales and in the whole of Britain.