Independence is a viable option but Wales would face a significant challenge in raising enough tax to pay for services, a Welsh Government commission has concluded. The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales also found that devolving more powers and creating a federal 海角视频 were also viable.
Chaired by academic Laura McAllister and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the commission was a Senedd election manifesto commitment from the Labour Party and was set-up in 2021.
The final sets out three alternatives for Wales’ constitutional future: independence, enhanced devolution and a federal 海角视频: but does not endorse any one option. It also called for devolution of policing, justice and rail infrastructure.
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Prof McAllister and Dr Rowan found independence would offer the potential for long-term positive change but Wales would face a significant challenge in the short to medium term. While experts disagree about the scale of the fiscal deficit, the most recent calculation by the Wales Governance Centre found a £14.4bn gap between tax and spending.
A federal 海角视频 would offer a desirable “middle way”, the commission found, with more potential benefits than enhanced devolution and less risk than independence. But the cross-party commission warned that federalism would face fundamental practical obstacles as it relies on an appetite for change in the rest of the 海角视频.
The commission found that enhanced devolution, which would see Wales gain further powers, would provide economic stability and lower risks. The report said it would be an evolution of the current model rather than radical change. Greater powers for devolved institutions is currently the most popular option among Welsh citizens, the commission found, but support varies by age and political affiliation.
Prof McAllister pointed out that almost a quarter of a century has passed since powers were first devolved as she called for a national conversation about Wales’ constitutional future.
She said: “Many citizens we have spoken to were not even born at the point that devolution began, while many others have seen changes to how Wales is run in the last 25 years and have opinions on what can be done better or differently.
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“Through our work, it became clear that the status quo is not sustainable and the needs of the people of Wales are not being met. If Welsh devolution, even as it stands, is to be protected, these changes must take place urgently. We can then look further ahead at these three possible routes for Wales’ future, each of which clearly have both challenges and opportunities.”
The 158-page report makes the following recommendations:
Democratic innovation : build capacity for democratic innovation and engagement
Constitutional principles : draft a statement of constitutional principles for Wales
Senedd reform : conduct a robust review of the impact of forthcoming reforms
Inter-governmental relations : ensure parity of esteem between 海角视频 governments
Sewel convention : require consent for any change to devolved powers
Financial management : remove constraints on Welsh Government budgeting
Broadcasting : give Wales a stronger voice on broadcasting policy
Energy : establish an expert advisory group and devolve the Crown Estate
Justice : devolve the justice system, starting with policing, probation and youth justice
Rail : transfer responsibility and fair funding for rail infrastructure to Wales
Dr Williams said the report is the result of two years of open discussion with the people of Wales as well as the advice of experts. This dialogue has been hugely valuable, but there is much more work to be done,” he said.
“We need to make sure everyone has a voice in deciding the future path of their nation – the national conversation we have begun has to continue beyond the life of this commission.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the report deserves careful consideration and the Welsh Government will be reviewing it in detail.
The Tories described the report as constitutional navel gazing, with Darren Millar, the party’s shadow constitution minister, calling for a laser-like focus on health and education instead.
Lauren McEvatt, the Conservatives’ representative on the commission, dissented from the recommendation on devolution of powers over the justice system.
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Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the groundbreaking report is a significant step forward in terms of the constitutional debate in Wales.
Commenting on the publication of the final report, Labour’s shadow secretary of state for Wales and Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens said: “This report is an important contribution to the Welsh Government’s considerations on the future of Wales and how its institutions can best serve its people.
“Labour is the party of devolution and we are committed to reinforcing the status of the Senedd, strengthening intergovernmental working and pushing power out of Westminster and into the hands of communities.
“A Labour government in Westminster and Cardiff Bay will work together in a true partnership, driving change after 14 years of Tory decline.”
海角视频 Government Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, Michael Gove said: “This report by the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales was commissioned by the Welsh Government, and it is for Ministers in Wales to respond directly to it.
“I am grateful to the Commissioners for the opportunity to meet with them last year where I reiterated the 海角视频 Government’s strong commitment to Wales and the Union.
“People and businesses in Wales want to see all tiers of government working effectively together to tackle the issues that matter to them: addressing the cost of living, growing the economy and delivering effective public services. Now is not the time to talk about constitutional changes, but working together effectively as one United Kingdom on the issues that matter most to communities across the country.
“Delivering on what matters to people and communities is exactly what the 海角视频 Government is focused on doing, whether through City and Growth Deals, delivering Freeports and Investment Zones in partnership with Welsh Government and working to develop a sustainable future for the steel sector in Wales.”