- 03/03/2014
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Categories: Latest News, Press Releases
Swansea East AM Mike Hedges has today welcomed the second publication of a report commissioned by the UK Government into the future of Welsh devolution.
Earlier today, the Commission on Devolution in Wales (“Silk Commission”) published their second report and recommendations into what further powers and responsibilities should be devolved to the National Assembly and Welsh Government in the near future.
The Silk Commission, which is chaired by Sir Paul Silk and comprises of representatives from all four main political parties, concluded in their report that powers over large scale energy consents, policing, youth justice, road safety and public transport should be devolved to the Assembly. The Commission has also recommended a restructuring of the current “conferred powers” model, moving to a “reserved powers” model to reduce the scope of confusion over which powers are devolved.
Commenting on today’s Silk Commission Report, Labour AM for Swansea East Mike Hedges said:
“What’s pleasing to note is that the Silk Commission, which has cross-party support, recognises and endorses the principle that decisions affecting Wales should be taken in Wales wherever possible – something that I fully support.
“I’m particularly pleased to see that the Commission has backed the idea of moving to a ‘reserved powers’ devolution model, as is the case in Scotland and Northern Ireland, along with devolving powers over policing and road safety, including speed limits. These are three issues that I have been campaigning for to be devolved since entering the Assembly in 2011.
“Today’s report has given us a real blueprint for future reform, which I believe will both strengthen the accountability of the Assembly as well as strengthen Wales’ position within the UK.”
