It’s not difficult to come to the conclusion;
that since the advent of devolution, that the package of powers we have been
given in Wales is second rate when compared to both Scotland and Northern
Ireland. With the publication of new legislative proposals (Thursday 22nd January) for further Scottish devolution, a new going-rate
for powers has been set and Wales should settle for nothing less that parity
with Scotland.
This is a simple matter of basic fairness.
Wales is every bit as much a nation as Scotland and we should expect to be
treated on the basis of equality. If we settle for second best, then there are
also significant consequences for Wales. Scotland will have powers to block
fracking for example; Welsh communities will be left to the tender mercy of
Westminster. Scotland will have a greater say on how the money it raises is
spent while in Wales we will continue to lack the levers to turn around our
economy and create jobs.
A recent poll suggested a clear majority agree
with Plaid Cymru that our nation should have parity of powers with Scotland. All
the other party leaders should join Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru’s Leader to work
to secure the will of the people and a devolution package that respects Wales
and gives our people the tools that other nations take for granted.
The status quo or doing nothing is not an
option. If we choose that course then the gulf between the strength of our
self-government and that of other countries within these islands will only continue
to widen and to undermine Wales' position and hindering our ability to act in
Wales' interests on a wide range of issues.
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