8.3.3 Welsh Assembly and Government.

Background and Rationale for Devolution

Devolution in Wales was part of a broader movement within the UK to decentralize political power and recognize the distinct identities of its constituent nations. Unlike Scotland, Wales did not have a separate legal or educational system, but it had a strong cultural identity and a history of demands for greater autonomy. The Labour Party, historically dominant in Wales, played a crucial role in promoting devolution as a means to modernize the UK constitution and address the specific needs of the Welsh people.

The 1997 Devolution Referendum

The 1997 general election saw the Labour Party promise referendums on devolution for both Scotland and Wales. However, the support for devolution in Wales was more muted compared to Scotland, reflecting the different historical and cultural contexts.

• Referendum Results:
  • Yes: 50.3%
  • No: 49.7%
  • Turnout: 50.2% The narrow victory in the referendum led to the establishment of the Welsh Assembly (now the Senedd or Welsh Parliament) and Government, marking the beginning of Wales' journey towards greater political autonomy.

Wales Act 1998

The Wales Act 1998 was the foundational legislation that established the National Assembly for Wales (now the Senedd) and provided it with limited legislative powers. Initially, the Assembly had no primary law-making powers but could make secondary legislation and influence policy in certain areas.

• Key Areas of Responsibility:
  • Health: Oversight of the NHS in Wales.
  • Education: Management of schools and educational institutions.
  • Local Government: Responsibility for local councils and services.
  • Housing: Control over housing policy and social housing.
  • Environment: Authority on environmental protection within Wales.
  • Culture and Sport: Promotion and support of Welsh culture and sports. The Assembly's powers were primarily focused on administrative and policy implementation rather than creating new laws.

Wales Act 2016

The Wales Act 2016 significantly enhanced the powers of the Welsh Parliament, reflecting growing demands for greater autonomy and the success of devolution in Scotland.

• New Powers:
  • Income Tax: Power to vary income tax rates by up to 10p in the pound.
  • New Legislative Powers: Ability to pass primary legislation in a wider range of areas, including health, education, and local government.
  • Control Over Natural Resources: Authority over the management of natural resources, including water and energy.
  • Assembly Name Change: The National Assembly for Wales was renamed the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) to reflect its enhanced legislative role. The Act also clarified that the Welsh Parliament and Government are permanent features of the UK constitution, which can only be altered or abolished through a referendum.

Structure of Welsh Government and Parliament

Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru)

• Unicameral Legislature: The Welsh Parliament consists of 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs).
• Elections: MSs are elected using an Additional Member System (AMS), which combines first-past-the-post and proportional representation.
• Committees: The Senedd has several committees that scrutinize legislation, policies, and the actions of the Welsh Government.
• Powers: The Senedd has legislative authority over devolved matters, with reserved matters remaining under the control of the UK Parliament.

Welsh Government

• First Minister: The head of the Welsh Government, appointed by the Senedd, usually the leader of the largest party.
• Cabinet: Comprises ministers responsible for various portfolios such as health, education, and economy.
• Civil Service: Supports the Welsh Government in implementing policies and delivering public services.

Policies Implemented by the Welsh Government

• Free Prescriptions: Wales abolished prescription charges, making healthcare more accessible to all residents.
• Welsh Language Promotion: The Welsh Government has implemented policies to promote the use of the Welsh language, including making Welsh a compulsory subject in schools and increasing bilingual signage.
• Social Care: Wales has introduced more integrated social care services, with a focus on community-based care and support.
• Environmental Initiatives: Wales has been proactive in environmental protection, implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy.

Strengths of Devolution in Wales

1. Cultural Preservation: Devolution has allowed Wales to promote and protect its distinct cultural and linguistic identity, particularly through the promotion of the Welsh language.
2. Policy Flexibility: The Welsh Government can tailor policies to meet the specific needs of the Welsh population, such as free prescriptions and a focus on social care.
3. Increased Political Participation: Devolution has led to greater political engagement in Wales, with more people participating in Senedd elections and debates.
4. Responsive Governance: The Welsh Government can quickly respond to local issues, such as health and education, without waiting for decisions from Westminster.

Weaknesses of Devolution in Wales

1. Limited Financial Powers: Despite the increased powers granted by the Wales Act 2016, the Welsh Government's financial autonomy remains limited, particularly in areas like borrowing and budget control.
2. Asymmetrical Devolution: The different levels of devolution across the UK can create confusion and perceptions of inequality, particularly when comparing Wales to Scotland.
3. Political Tensions: Devolution has not fully resolved tensions between Wales and Westminster, particularly regarding funding and the distribution of resources.
4. Economic Constraints: Wales remains one of the poorer regions of the UK, and the Welsh Government may struggle to address economic challenges without greater fiscal powers.

The Influence of the Labour Party in Wales

Dominance of Labour

The Labour Party has been the dominant political force in Wales for much of the 20th and 21st centuries. Labour's commitment to devolution was instrumental in its establishment, and the party has consistently been the largest party in the Senedd since its creation.

• Policy Influence: Labour's dominance has shaped Welsh policies, particularly in areas such as health, education, and social justice.
• Electoral Success: Labour has maintained its position as the leading party in Wales, despite challenges from other parties, including Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives.

Challenges to Labour's Dominance

• Rise of Plaid Cymru: Plaid Cymru, the party advocating for Welsh independence, has grown in influence, particularly in rural and Welsh-speaking areas.
• Conservative Gains: The Conservative Party has made gains in recent years, particularly in the 2019 general election, reflecting shifting political attitudes in some parts of Wales.
• Labour Takes Back Conservative Gains: In the 2024 General Election, Labour won back previous Conservative gains and won 27 seats.

Why Devolution was Needed

Distinct Cultural Identity

Wales has a unique cultural and linguistic heritage, with the Welsh language being a key element of national identity. Devolution was seen as essential to preserving and promoting this identity, allowing Wales to govern itself in a way that reflects its cultural distinctiveness.

Political Autonomy

There was a growing desire in Wales for more control over domestic issues, particularly in areas like health, education, and the environment. Devolution provided a framework for Wales to manage these areas independently, ensuring that policies better reflect the needs and preferences of the Welsh people.

Modernization of the UK Constitution

Devolution in Wales was part of a broader effort to modernize the UK constitution, making it more flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of its constituent nations. By devolving powers to Wales, the UK government aimed to address regional inequalities and enhance the democratic process.

Current Political Beliefs in Wales

Support for Devolution

• Broad Support: There is broad support for devolution in Wales, with many people seeing it as essential to preserving Welsh identity and ensuring effective governance.
• Debate on Independence: While support for Welsh independence remains lower than in Scotland, it has grown in recent years, particularly among younger voters and in response to events like Brexit.

Role of Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru continues to advocate for Welsh independence and has gained support in recent years, particularly as a voice for those dissatisfied with the current devolution settlement.

Influence of the Conservative Party

The Conservative Party has made significant inroads in Wales, particularly in the 2019 general election, challenging Labour's dominance and reflecting a more diverse political landscape.

Economic Concerns

Economic issues remain a central concern in Welsh politics, with debates about how best to address regional disparities and the impact of Brexit on the Welsh economy.