Monday, January 26, 2004
Labour man sparks off debate
Well, at least one senior Labour Assembly Member is prepared to debate openly the need for more powers for the Assembly and the reform of the Barnett formula. Environment Minister Carwyn Jones has broken ranks today with a clear call to arms for the pro-devolutionists within Welsh Labour. It signals some interesting times both before and after the publication of the Richard Commission report into this issue. This event is to be followed by a Special Welsh Labour Conference to decide the party's response. The danger is that once this Conference has voted for a resolution then all further debate will be stymied. That must not be allowed to happen. The future of devolution is of much wider significance than the battle for the soul of the Labour Party. Those like Carwyn must fight on whatever the decision.
