Thursday, May 24, 2012
A difference of opinion
Today's Western Mail reports on yet another row over process that has erupted between the Welsh Government and their UK counterparts.
The paper quotes a senior Welsh Government source who claims that on the last two occasions when they met, David Cameron had told Carwyn Jones that the Assembly election system would not change without the consent of the people of Wales, we sought clarification from 10 Downing Street.
However this is disputed by 10 Downing Street whose spokeswoman said: “We have always been clear that we would consult on any changes to electoral arrangements for the Welsh Assembly which is what we are doing through this Green Paper.”
Personally, I am inclined to believe Number 10 and to think that Carwyn Jones heard what he wanted to hear. This is because no Minister would give such a categorical assurance in a way that would undermine their own authority.
But what is the fuss about anyway? I don't recall Labour AMs demanding that their permission be sought when Peter Hain fiddled with the system in 2006.
The paper quotes a senior Welsh Government source who claims that on the last two occasions when they met, David Cameron had told Carwyn Jones that the Assembly election system would not change without the consent of the people of Wales, we sought clarification from 10 Downing Street.
However this is disputed by 10 Downing Street whose spokeswoman said: “We have always been clear that we would consult on any changes to electoral arrangements for the Welsh Assembly which is what we are doing through this Green Paper.”
Personally, I am inclined to believe Number 10 and to think that Carwyn Jones heard what he wanted to hear. This is because no Minister would give such a categorical assurance in a way that would undermine their own authority.
But what is the fuss about anyway? I don't recall Labour AMs demanding that their permission be sought when Peter Hain fiddled with the system in 2006.
