Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Welsh Devolution

12 December 2023 · 1 other contributor · 5,049 words

Opened by Rob Roberts Ind Delyn

Responding minister: Fay Jones

Wales

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rob Roberts raised concerns about welsh devolution in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Roberts expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Welsh devolution over 25 years, citing declines in health, education, and housing.
  • Mr Roberts asked the government to allow a referendum on the continuation of Welsh devolution and questioned its financial viability.
  • The minister highlighted UK Conservative Government's progress in Wales, including investments in infrastructure and business support.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Roberts called on the government to allow for a referendum on the continuation of Welsh devolution and asked what positive outcomes and benefits it has brought that would otherwise not have been possible. He also questioned why Wales cannot have another referendum like those in Scotland (2014) and the UK (2016), particularly since devolution was never explicitly supported by the majority of the population.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rob Roberts Ind Delyn

Mr. Roberts expressed significant concerns about the effectiveness of Welsh devolution over the past 25 years, noting that Wales has fallen behind other parts of the UK in nearly all policy areas and has experienced declining voter turnout for elections. He cited examples from health, education, and housing to illustrate the perceived failures of devolved governance. The cost of maintaining the Senedd and its operations was highlighted as a concern, with Roberts questioning whether the financial investment had led to tangible improvements.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jonathan Lord Con Delyn

    Asked the Minister for an assurance that further powers will not be given to a Welsh Administration until there is proven public support and the existing powers are worthy of.

Government Response

Fay Jones

Congratulated the hon. Member for Delyn on securing the debate, highlighting progress made by the UK Conservative Government in Wales including four towns funds, city and regional growth deals, £1 billion for north Wales main line electrification, specific government investment in all local authorities, backing Welsh business and economy, delivering a better future for communities. Emphasized commitment to devolution through successive Conservative Governments' actions such as delivering full lawmaking powers referenda, two Wales Acts, tax and borrowing powers, transforming the National Assembly into the Welsh Parliament. Stressed the need for focusing on economic growth rather than extra devolution or creating more Senedd Members, citing cost concerns. Acknowledged legitimate concerns about public service performance but noted support for devolution from people in Wales through referenda outcomes. Highlighted issues like PISA results and mentioned specific examples of unproductive spending by the Welsh Labour Government.

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