Andrew RT Davies: Plaid took same position as Tories for wrong reasons

THE LEADER of the Welsh Conservatives managed the notable feat of criticising a party which sided with his own to vote down a major piece of legislation last week.

As The Herald reported, the Public Health (Wales) bill failed to pass after voting was tied at 26 apiece, and the Presiding Officer, following tradition, cast her deciding vote against.

It was widely thought that Plaid Cymru would offer AMs a free vote, especially given that Elin Jones and Llyr Gruffydd had been instrumental in altering the original draft bill into a form which would be acceptable, with compromises on the controversial ‘e-cig ban’ being the most notable changes.

However, following a spectacularly mistimed jibe by Leighton Andrews, Plaid voted against the bill.

In doing this they joined the Welsh Conservatives and the Lib Dems, both of which had made Mark Drakeford’s approach to ‘vaping’ their main point of opposition.

However, Andrew RT Davies’ response was notably lacking in gratitude. Referring consistently to an ‘e-cigarette ban’ when the modified bill restricted vaping in playgrounds, nurseries, restaurants and public transport, he accused Plaid, who he described as ‘Labour’s little helpers’ of acting through wounded pride.

Mr Davies said: “We learnt two valuable lessons in the chamber yesterday evening as opposition parties came together to vote down Labour’s ill-judged e-cigarette ban.

“First, that Labour’s arrogance and sense of entitlement knows no bounds; co-operation to them amounts to getting their own way, and they’re more than happy to treat Plaid and Liberal AM’s as pawns on a chess table.

“But we also learnt something even more significant – Plaid’s biting point.

“Let’s be clear, Plaid’s decision to join us in opposing this legislation had nothing to do with the bill itself. They were motivated by pride, not principle.

“On numerous occasions throughout this Assembly term they have dutifully lined up to help Labour pass budgets and bills, starving the Welsh NHS of a billion pounds in the process.

“Plaid’s change of heart yesterday came about because they were embarrassed by Leighton Andrews’ arrogant jibe, not because they recognised the harm that a ban on e-cigarettes could have on those trying to quit smoking.

“And that’s why there has been something of a backlash from the organisations involved in drafting this legislation.

“We stood firmly opposed to the measures on e-cigs throughout the bill’s passage, and indeed we offered the Health Minister numerous opportunities to withdraw the section on e-cigarettes and proceed with a number of other important measures contained in the bill.

“Unfortunately, Labour’s arrogance was their un-doing, and you cannot allow poor legislation to pass – however well-meaning the rest of the measures in a Bill are.

“As for where this leaves us as we enter into the election period, it’s hard to say.

“Leighton Andrews embodies the contempt with which Labour hold Welsh democracy, and it’s high time that arrogant sense of an entitlement was cut down to size.

“Plaid were stung into action by a wounded sense of pride, but it remains to be seen whether Leighton’s jibe will have any meaningful long-term impact on their long-standing role as Labour’s little helpers.”

It remains to be seen whether these remarks will have any impact on the likelihood of a post-election alliance between Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives, which was hinted at by the new Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns this week.