Murphy's devo-realism is holding Wales back - Roger Williams (Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Liberal Democrats)

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Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Liberal Democrats <Brian.Thomas@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk>

Murphy's devo-realism is holding Wales back - Roger Williams

December 3, 2008 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Commenting on the Wales Office statement on framework powers, which revealed that just two bills will contain framework powers, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"After the furore over the affordable housing LCO, you would have thought the Wales Office would have realised the necessity of using framework powers to boost devolution, but this statement shows that either the Westminster Government aren't prepared to grant powers or the Labour-Plaid government aren't asking for enough. "The additional powers in the Marine Bill are welcome, and in line with what we have proposed, but the powers in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill seem distinctly unambitious. "We identified potential new powers on business rates, policing, building regulations, equal status for Welsh Language, and possibly even the powers the Assembly want on affordable housing. "Paul Murphy prides himself on being a devo-realist, but I think he's been very unrealistic over the sort of powers that should result from the devolution settlement.

"This was a big opportunity to give the Assembly the powers they need and deserve, but this opportunity has gone begging."