Öpik Questions Hain Over Assembly Minister's Anti-Devolution Comments

4.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 12th May 2006

"Instead of leaving the Assembly in power, Labour could leave Wales in limbo."

"Does Labour really believe in Welsh devolution?" That's the question Lembit Öpik MP, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, is asking Peter Hain after comments made by Assembly Finance Minister Sue Essex suggested Labour had no intention of giving the Assembly full law-making powers.

The comment came in a debate on Wednesday, discussing proposals which would see a referendum held on whether the Assembly should have full primary powers. Sue Essex said 'I do not think that anyone anticipates that that power [to hold a referendum] will be used at any time.'

Commenting today, Lembit Öpik, said:

"I'm writing to Peter Hain to clarify Labour's true intentions regarding devolution in Wales.

"It's surprising to say the least to hear Labour's Finance Minister say Labour has no intention of offering the people of Wales a referendum on law-making powers!

"The Labour high command have frequently told us that the Government of Wales Bill was a stepping stone to a full devolution settlement. But from Sue Essex's words, it seems the Government thinks this is the end of the line as far as Welsh devolution goes.

"The Richard Commission laid out a clear path for Wales to get full law-making powers by 2011, but Labour have ignored it. Instead of a proper devolution settlement we have a patronising, limited, and ridiculously convoluted Bill that sells Wales short. Labour have justified it by promising full powers after a referendum. But now it seems that instead of leaving the Assembly in power, Labour will leave Wales in limbo."

ENDS

Notes:

In response to a question on Wednesday about whether she had, "consulted colleagues about the necessity to fund a referendum on proposals to extend the powers of the Assembly?" Mrs Essex replied: No, I have not consulted them. That power will be in the legislation, but I do not think that anyone anticipates that that power will be used at any time.