Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales

Wednesday 13 March 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Marco Longhi asked about discussions with the Welsh Government on the Independent Commission's final report, which was set up by Welsh Labour Ministers and funded by Welsh taxpayers.
  • Marco Longhi inquired if it is concerning that the Welsh Labour Government considered Welsh independence despite issues like NHS waiting lists and educational standards, suggesting these should be addressed with existing powers.
  • Patrick Grady questioned whether the Conservative party's opposition to devolution in Wales means they do not want to see any powers extended, to which the response was that the respondent campaigned against the Senedd but accepted referendum results.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi
Wales
Context

The Independent Commission's final report on the constitutional future of Wales, funded by Welsh taxpayers but set up and reporting to Labour ministers, has raised concerns.

Question

What discussions have been had with the Welsh Government regarding the Independent Commission's final report on the constitutional future of Wales?

Answer from David Davies

The not very independent commission was set up by Welsh Labour Ministers and reports to them, but it was paid for by Welsh taxpayers. Its report contained more constitutional navel gazing and calls for more powers, with no address of problems inflicted on Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific discussions with the Welsh Government, which were not addressed.

How: Constitutional Navel Gazing, Calls For More Powers

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Q2 Marco Longhi
Scotland
Context

The Independent Commission described Welsh independence as viable despite majority support for remaining part of the UK. This concerns the MP, who believes it would be damaging to the economy and public services.

Question

Is not a so-called “independent” commission describing Welsh independence as viable concerning given most people in Wales want to remain part of the Union? Does my right hon. Friend agree that any further exploration of this idea must be ruled out by the Labour Welsh Government?

Answer from David Davies

I completely agree; it is concerning that the Welsh Labour Government considered independence despite clear issues like NHS waiting lists, educational standards, business rates, and speed limits. They should address these priorities with existing powers.

Not addressed: The questioner asked for agreement on ruling out further exploration of independence, which was not directly addressed.

How: Nhs Waiting Lists, Educational Standards

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland Wales Democracy & Elections
Context

The Conservative party's reluctance to extend powers to the Senedd or Scottish Parliament is questioned, with a reference to historical opposition.

Question

Is it not true that the Conservative party never wanted devolution in Wales or Scotland and therefore does not want to see any powers extended?

Answer from David Davies

I campaigned against the Senedd but accepted referendum results. I suggest SNP members should respect referendums on independence from UK or EU as well.

Not addressed: The questioner asked about the Conservative stance on extending devolved powers, which was not directly addressed.

How: Acceptance Of Referendum Results

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