Politics

20 years since Wales said ‘yes’

Published

8 years ago

September 22, 2017

Carwyn Jones: 'We must rely on the abilities of all'

TWO decades since Wales said ‘yes’ in the referendum to create the National Assembly, a group of young people for whom the institution has always been a feature of their lives, visited the Senedd on Monday (Sept 18) and met the Llywydd, Elin Jones AM.

Representatives of the ‘devolution generation’ took part in a Question and Answer session with the presiding officer and were given a tour of the National Assembly building in Cardiff Bay.

SUPPORT FOR DEVOLUTION GROWS

In 1997 Wales went to the polls and voted to establish the National Assembly for Wales.

Since then the Assembly gained primary law-making powers through the Government of Wales Act 2006 before Wales voted again in 2011 to unlock further powers from Westminster.

Wales Acts in 2014 and 2017 have seen the Assembly’s responsibilities widen further to include tax-raising powers for the first time in almost 800 years.

Landmark laws passed by the Assembly include adopting a system of presumed consent for organ donation and minimum staffing levels on hospital wards, while a petition calling for a ban on single-use carrier bags led to a 5p charge which has greatly reduced their use and been adopted across the UK.

To mark the occasion around 70 young people took part in a question and answer session with the Llywydd of the National Assembly, Elin Jones AM, where topics including voting age, a youth parliament and the future of the Assembly were discussed.

Elin Jones AM said: “Support for devolution and the National Assembly has grown significantly in Wales. In 1997 the vote in favour was very close, but a BBC Wales St David’s Day poll in 2017 had 73% of people either saying the Assembly’s powers should be increased or were sufficient.

“Our priority for the future is to ensure that we have a parliament that is well-equipped to represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales and hold the Welsh Government to account; a parliament that is an equal of its counterparts across the UK.”

How Assembly legislation has changed Wales and the UK:

Wales was the first UK nation to restrict smoking in enclosed public places
Wales was the first UK nation to have a national conversation about changing organ donation law and to pass legislation bringing in the soft-opt-out system. Now Scotland and England are looking to follow
The Nurse Staffing Act, introduced by Kirsty Williams AM was the first legislation of its kind in the UK and Europe, requiring the NHS to take steps to calculate and maintain nurse staffing levels in adult acute medical and surgical inpatient wards
A member-proposed measure by Ann Jones AM, now Deputy Presiding Officer, required all new homes built in Wales to be fitted with a sprinkler system
The 5p charge on single use carrier bags was originally proposed via the Petitions Committee process and went on to become legislation through the Assembly. Wales went on to become the first country in the UK to introduce a charge on single use carrier bags in October 2011. Others have followed
At a time when public confidence in politicians was at its lowest, the Assembly took the radical step in 2008 to review its arrangements for determining Members’ pay and allowances. The independent Remuneration Board was established in 2010 to determine the remuneration and allowances for Members of the National Assembly for Wales
In 2013 the Assembly passed a law that cemented both English and Welsh as the Assembly’s official languages placing a statutory duty on itself to provide services to Members and the public in the official language of their choice

20 YEARS AND 20 QUOTES

“Devolution is about harnessing the power of community – the diverse community that is the United Kingdom, and the national communities that through devolution can take their futures in their own hands.”

A quote from Tony Blair who in 1997 led Labour back to power for the first time since 1979 in a landslide victory. The Labour manifesto included a commitment to holding a referendum on the creation of a Welsh Assembly.

“There are some variations across social groups in Wales. Women clearly support a Welsh Assembly – by 37 to 29 – while men oppose one by 43 to 38.

“There is strong majority support for devolution among those aged 18 to 34, while a majority of those voters aged over 65 oppose an assembly.”
An extract from the results of a Guardian/ICM poll taken a week before the referendum vote.

“Good morning, and it is a very good morning in Wales.”

This is how Ron Davies, Secretary of State for Wales in 1997 and leader of the Yes campaign started his speech when the result was announced.
“When you win a national campaign by less than seven thousand votes it makes every last leaflet, every last foot-step, every last door knocked, worthwhile.”

Leighton Andrews, former Assembly Member and Welsh Government Minister, reflects on the Yes Campaign in a recent blog for the IWA. 50.3% of those who voted in the referendum supported devolution – a narrow majority in favour of 6,721 votes.

Following the referendum, the UK Parliament passed the Government of Wales Act 1998. The Act established the National Assembly as a corporate body – with the executive (the Government) and the legislature (the Assembly) operating as one. The first Assembly elections were then held on 6 May, 1999.

“The people of Anglesey in the slate quarries of Caernarfonshire used to be known as Pobol y Medra, because their answer to the question, ‘Can you do this?’ was ‘Medra’—‘I can. That must be our message throughout Wales. Let the whole of Wales become Pobol y Medra.”

Alun Michael, having just become the First Secretary of Wales on 12 May 1999.

“It is now the only legislature in the world that is perfectly balanced between men and women. We should note that. It is a message that should ring around the world.”

Rhodri Morgan, then First Secretary, following the 2003 Assembly elections when a world record was set by the Assembly through becoming the first legislative body with equal numbers of men and women.

“We popped in to admire the architecture and have a look around but were pleased to find that we could enter the public gallery and watch a live debate taking place. It was really interesting and enhanced our understanding of the place and the people working there. Definitely worth a visit.”

A review of the Senedd on TripAdvisor. The Senedd became the home of the National Assembly for Wales in 2006 and since then has welcomed more than one million visitors.

“We are moving into a new era, with new powers, and we have a wonderful opportunity to attempt to take the constitution of Wales forward in a new stage of devolution.”

Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, then Presiding Officer, speaking in 2007 following the legal separation of the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government as the Government of Wales Act (2006) came into force.

The 2006 Act also gave a way for the National Assembly to gain powers to make laws without the need for the UK Parliament’s approval, through a yes vote in a referendum.

“The rest of the world can now sit up and take notice of the fact that our small nation, here on the western edge of the continent of Europe, has demonstrated pride in who we are, and what we all stand for.”

Ieuan Wyn Jones, then Deputy First Minister and leader of Plaid Cymru, following the 2011 referendum where the Welsh electorate voted in favour of further powers to the National Assembly.

“Just fifteen years ago, it would have been unthinkable for politicians, elected by Welsh voters, to draft such legislation and put it on the statute books within such a short space of time.”

Dame Rosemary Butler, then Presiding Officer, comments on the first Assembly act to become law following the new powers granted by the 2011 referendum. The law, introduced by the National Assembly’s Commission, officially recognised both the Welsh and English languages as the official languages of Assembly proceedings.

“Good laws need to be formed through contributions and opinions from the people of Wales if they are to be truly democratic, transparent and accountable.”

David Melding AM, then Deputy Presiding Officer and Chair of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee. Just like Select Committees in Westminster, Assembly Committees are an integral aspect of how the Assembly holds the Welsh Government to account.

“An impressive feature of this Chamber has always been your commitment to accountability and transparency through electronic communication and the broadcasting of your proceedings. I know that the way you have addressed this commitment has stimulated interest in other and older parliaments.”

HM The Queen Elizabeth II commenting on the technology of the Siambr during one of the five official opening ceremonies. The Siambr is a fully electronic debating chamber. Every Member has an individual computer terminal, to enable them to research subjects for debate and to undertake work when not being called to speak. They also have access to headphones to amplify the sound in the Siambr or to use the simultaneous interpretation services provided.

“It’s modern democracy. There aren’t traditions, we’re not bound by anything that’s gone before but we’re trying to create the right processes that suit a modern democracy – getting the business done, making things happen.”

Dame Claire Clancy, who was the Clerk and Chief Executive of the Assembly from 2007 to 2017.

“It is vitally important that people with autism are able to participate fully in civic life and in their communities. Training and awareness can make a huge difference and I hope that the Assembly’s example inspires more public buildings and other organisations in Wales to work with us to become more autism friendly.”

Mark Lever, Chief Executive for the National Autistic Society, on the Assembly’s work to make its work and buildings autism-friendly.
“We’ve got to be world class and we mustn’t settle for anything else.”

Peter Hain, a Welsh Officer Minister at the time of the 1997 referendum, comments on the progress of Welsh devolution in 2014.

“You don’t come out the one time, you have to do it over and over again because there is still that assumption you are straight. Like somebody once said about devolution, coming out is more of a process than an event.”

Hannah Blythyn AM is the first openly lesbian woman to be elected to the National Assembly for Wales. The 2016 Assembly election saw also saw two gay men elected – Jeremy Miles AM and Adam Price AM.

As an employer, the Assembly has been included in the top five of Stonewall’s UK-wide LGBT Workplace Equality Index for the last three years.
“Now is the time for Wales to unite and to think clearly about our future. Even before yesterday’s vote I said that no one party had the monopoly on good ideas, and now more than ever, we must rely on the abilities of all.”

Carwyn Jones AM, the current First Minister, following the result of the Brexit referendum in June 2016.

“I think young people should be involved in democracy, it will make so much difference to our country. We need to be progressive in our society, we need to make changes for the better – we can’t stay stuck in the past.”

Tooba Naqvi talking about why she believes there should be a Youth Parliament for Wales that works alongside the National Assembly.

Youth engagement has been a priority for the Assembly with 30,000 young people reached through school visits, outreach programmes and other activities.

“We are entering a period when fundamental changes will be made to the constitutional arrangements of the UK, the place of the devolved nations within it, and the ability of the Assembly to deliver for the people of Wales. As that process unfolds, I am determined to demonstrate and secure the Assembly’s role as a strong, effective Parliament for Wales.”

The current Llywydd, Elin Jones AM reacting to the UK Government triggering Article 50.

Let ‘difficult’ become simple, and ‘challenging’ become fun; and let us each day repeat the maxim: that ‘two men will come together sooner than two mountains.

An extract from ‘Y tŷ hwn’ (‘This House’) a poem by Ifor Ap Glyn commissioned by the National Assembly for Wales for the Official Opening of the Fifth Assembly.

Education

Pembrokeshire respiratory project praised at the Senedd

Published

49 minutes ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN INNOVATIVE Pembrokeshire scheme improving asthma care for primary school children has been recognised at an event held at the Senedd on Monday (Jan 27).

The Pembrokeshire Schools Respiratory Project, which has been running since 2023 across North and South Pembrokeshire school clusters, delivers in-school respiratory reviews and education sessions for pupils, parents and teaching staff. It is believed to be the first programme of its kind in Wales.

Samuel Kurtz met with project lead, Narberth-based pharmacist Dave Edwards, along with representatives from Asthma + Lung UK to mark the project’s success.

Mr Edwards said respiratory conditions place a significant burden on children and their families, as well as on the wider healthcare system.

“Our aim is to confirm diagnoses, educate pupils and parents about their condition, emphasise adherence and inhaler technique, and ensure every child has a personalised treatment plan that gives them good control,” he said. “This project demonstrates how local health initiatives can make a real difference.”

As part of the scheme, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils received sessions on the dangers of smoking and vaping, highlighting the impact of these habits on respiratory health. Parents and school staff were offered training aligned with the National Review of Asthma Deaths recommendations and delivered through the ‘Asthma Fit’ programme.

The sessions covered common childhood respiratory illnesses, recognising asthma symptoms, correct inhaler technique, the features of good asthma control, and the importance of having clear action plans for worsening symptoms.

Schools participating in the ‘Asthma Fit’ programme have introduced strengthened asthma policies, including appointing a designated asthma lead, maintaining an up-to-date inhaler register, implementing individual asthma action plans, and ensuring staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to attacks.

The project also aligns with national guidance, including the RCP’s National Review of Asthma Deaths report, NHS England’s National Bundle of Care for Children and Young People with Asthma, and the All Wales Paediatric Asthma Guidelines.

To date, 583 children have been reviewed, with more than 65% showing improved asthma control scores. Treatment has been optimised for 65% of pupils, contributing to fewer hospital and out-of-hours visits. The project has also delivered environmental benefits, with carbon savings estimated to be equivalent to more than 70,000 car miles.

In the Autumn Term 2025 alone, 75 pupils received reviews, personalised action plans and inhaler education.

Mr Kurtz said: “I am delighted to celebrate the success of this Pembrokeshire project in the Senedd. It has helped children, parents and schools manage asthma better, easing the burden on GPs and emergency care. Behind every statistic is a real child seeing real improvement.

“I am extremely proud that a Pembrokeshire-based project is leading the way in asthma management and acting as a flagship for other areas across the UK. I am also pleased to hear that plans are already in place to expand the initiative to more schools over the next two years — it thoroughly deserves continued support.”

News

Darren Millar rules out post-election pact with Reform or Plaid

Published

1 hour ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Tory leader says “only deal is with the people of Wales” ahead of May Senedd vote

THE LEADER of the Welsh Conservatives has moved to shut down speculation about post-election alliances, insisting he will not enter into any agreement with either Reform UK or Plaid Cymru following May’s Senedd election.

Speaking ahead of his party’s spring conference in Llandudno on Friday (Feb 13), Darren Millar is expected to tell members that the only mandate he is seeking is directly from voters.

He will say that if people choose the Welsh Conservatives at the ballot box, they will get a Conservative administration — not a coalition stitched together after the votes are counted.

His stance mirrors comments previously made by UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who has argued that parties discussing deals before polling day are not focused on delivering for the public.

Reform dismissed as “not ready for power”

With opinion polls suggesting Reform could perform strongly in May, Mr Millar is set to acknowledge that some voters may feel drawn to the party, but he will question whether it is prepared to shoulder the responsibility of governing.

He is expected to argue that Reform has no credible pathway to running the Welsh Government, pointing to past controversies within its Welsh leadership and questioning the substance of its policy platform.

Reform’s UK leader, Nigel Farage, has previously suggested the party’s immediate aim is to become a significant opposition force rather than take office — a position the Welsh Conservatives say underlines its lack of readiness for government.

**Darren Millar: The Welsh Conservative leader has ruled out any post-election pact with Reform UK or Plaid Cymru ahead of May’s Senedd vote**

Plaid branded “focused on separation”

Turning to Plaid Cymru, Mr Millar will accuse the party of propping up Labour in the Senedd while attempting to present itself as an alternative.

He is expected to claim that Plaid’s long-term goal of Welsh independence overshadows its domestic agenda, arguing that constitutional change — rather than bread-and-butter issues — remains its central objective.

According to Mr Millar, a Plaid-led government would prioritise breaking away from the United Kingdom, a move he says would create economic uncertainty and put pensions, cross-border employment and public finances at risk.

Labour record under fire

The Welsh Conservative leader will also target Welsh Labour, which has governed Wales since devolution.

He is set to argue that after nearly three decades in power, Labour’s record on the NHS, schools and the economy has left Wales lagging behind other parts of the UK.

Among the issues likely to be raised are long NHS waiting lists, concerns about educational standards and rising unemployment figures.

Mr Millar will also reference recent remarks by First Minister Eluned Morgan about supporting the hospitality sector — comments that drew headlines — suggesting that economic challenges facing Welsh businesses run far deeper than consumer habits.

Election battle lines drawn

With polling indicating that the contest in May could be highly competitive, the Welsh Conservatives are positioning themselves as the only alternative to what they describe as “27 years of Labour failure”, while rejecting both nationalist and populist rivals.

Whether that message resonates with voters across Pembrokeshire and the wider west Wales region remains to be seen.

Health

NHS pay row erupts as ministers confirm 3.3% rise

Published

2 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Unions warn award amounts to real-terms cut as inflation remains above headline figure

NHS staff across Wales will receive a 3.3% consolidated pay increase from April 1, 2026, after the Welsh Government accepted recommendations from the 39th NHS Pay Review Body.

The uplift applies to all staff employed under Agenda for Change terms and conditions, including nurses, healthcare assistants, porters, cleaners and other frontline health workers.

Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Miles said the award followed independent economic advice and was above current inflation forecasts issued by the Bank of England and the Office for Budget Responsibility.

He said inflation was expected to fall progressively towards the two percent target by early 2027 and described the settlement as fair and responsible within the current financial climate.

Lowest-paid staff

The Welsh Government confirmed that its commitment to pay the Real Living Wage from April 2026 means the lowest-paid NHS staff will see increases ranging from 3.8% to 5.9%.

However, it was also noted that Bands 1 and 2 and the entry point of Band 3 will remain on the same pay rate from April because the previously announced living wage uplift already exceeds the Pay Review Body recommendation.

Ministers said discussions will continue alongside England and Northern Ireland on structural reforms to the Agenda for Change framework, with any agreed changes backdated to April 2026.

Union anger

The announcement prompted sharp criticism from health unions, who argue that with inflation currently at 4.2%, many staff will still see a reduction in real-terms pay.

The Royal College of Nursing described the award as “very disappointing” and said it falls short of commitments to restore nursing pay to 2008 levels.

RCN Wales Executive Director Helen Whyley said: “At a time when the cost of living remains high another real term pay cut is being imposed again on a workforce already stretched to its limits.”

She also criticised the continued use of the Pay Review Body process after unions had raised expectations of direct negotiations.

Meanwhile, UNISON Cymru said health workers are likely to be angry at what it called “another below inflation pay award”.

UNISON Cymru health committee chair Dawn Ward said some NHS staff were struggling with rising household bills and felt undervalued.

The union has called for Wales to move towards a Scottish-style model of direct pay negotiations between government, employers and unions.

Political pressure

The pay announcement is likely to intensify debate about NHS funding, recruitment and retention across Wales.

While ministers argue the settlement reflects economic forecasts and financial constraints, unions maintain that headline percentages do not reflect the pressures facing frontline staff.

With morale described as fragile and vacancies continuing across Welsh health boards, the dispute is expected to remain politically sensitive in the months ahead.