THIS year is going to be a bit of an electoral marathon here in Wales. In May, we go to the polls to elect Members to the National Assembly in Cardiff, and we will at the same time have the opportunity to vote in the referendum about changing the voting system for Westminster.
Before that though, here in Wales we will have another referendum. On March 3 this year we will have the opportunity to vote on how the National Assembly goes about making laws for people here in Wales.
It helps to put the situation in a little context to begin with. At present, the Assembly has the ability to make laws in about 20 different areas, from transport to health, education to the environment.
However, in some parts of each area, new laws cannot be made without going to Parliament in Westminster and asking permission each and every time.
This convoluted and drawn out process not only hinders the Assembly to improve the lives of people here in Wales, but it is also expensive and cumbersome.
A ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum in March will not give the Assembly “extra” powers. What it will do is mean that laws that only affect the people of Wales are made here in Wales. Whatever you are told, a yes vote will not mean the Assembly will be able to raise extra taxes.
It will not mean that defence and foreign affairs become the responsibility of the Assembly, and it does not mean that Wales will become a nation independent of the United Kingdom. What it will mean is that the Assembly will be properly equipped to get to grips with the problems facing people’s everyday lives.
It will also mean no more excuses for the Welsh government. No more laying the blame squarely with London all of the time.
They will be given the tools to get the job done, and if they don’t, then the responsibility will rest solely with them.
A yes vote on March 3 will begin the next chapter of devolution for our nation, and that is why I will be voting ‘yes’.
If you want to know more about the referendum, there is plenty of information on the National Assembly for Wales website www.AssemblyWales.org or you can contact my office, either in Brecon or in Cardiff Bay.