NDM8624 Plaid Cymru Debate - Wales and the next UK government

NDM8624 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes:

a) the cross-party support in the Senedd for Wales to receive its fair share of HS2 consequential funding; and

b) the Welsh Government's previous commitment to the full devolution of justice and the Crown Estate assets in Wales.

2. Regrets the failure of both the UK Labour and Conservative Party manifestos to commit to deliver on the settled will of the Senedd and the Welsh Government on these matters.

3. Believes that this further demonstrates that the office of Secretary of State for Wales is outdated and does not effectively serve the interests of the people of Wales. 

4. Calls on the next UK Government to abolish the position of Secretary of State for Wales. 

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all after point 1 and replace with:

Welcomes the UK Government's commitment to the electrification of the north Wales railway line and the fact that Wales is the only growth deal nation in the UK. 

Believes this demonstrates that the office of Secretary of State for Wales effectively serves the interests of the people of Wales.

Calls upon the next UK Government to ensure that Wales's voice continues to be given prominence in the Cabinet via the appointment of a Secretary of State for Wales. 

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all after point 1 and replace with:

Notes the success of devolution over the past 25 years in delivering radical change for the people of Wales.

Calls upon the Welsh Government to work with any incoming UK Government to help deliver the recommendations of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales.

Agrees that successive Conservative UK governments have undermined Wales’s devolution settlement and notes with concern that the Conservative party's manifesto includes measures that would further undermine devolution, including repealing the Trade Union (Wales) Act which helps to protect public sector workers and expanding the Backing Drivers Bill to cover Wales.

Notes the importance of a constructive relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments.

Recognises the need for a UK Government that respects and advances devolution with the creation of a Council of Nations and Regions underpinned by strong intergovernmental working and a Secretary of State for Wales dedicated to Welsh affairs within the UK cabinet.

Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales: final report

Conservative Party manifesto