A MULTI-NATIONAL WESTMINSTER

The emergence of distinct aspirations from the nations means the Westminster establishment must now adapt and modernize. Plaid Cymru - Party of Wales leader Leanne Wood has unveiled her party's three-point plan for a 'multi-national UK'.

Her three priorities for the 'multi-nationalisation' of the UK are:

•   Parity of powers and resources for Wales with Scotland;

•   The introduction of STV for elections to the House of Commons;

•   A new UK Council of Ministers comprising the devolved governments and UK government to deliberate on UK-wide policy.

Party of Wales leader Leanne Wood said:

“This Westminster election is unprecedented in not simply being multi-party, but also multi-national, with Wales and Scotland a central feature due to our respective national parties.

“But we must ensure that the new multi-national nature of politics is not ended once the votes are cast; Westminster cannot go back to business as usual on 8th of May.

“The establishment must now respect the demands of the nations. For Wales, Plaid Cymru seeks parity of powers and resources for Wales with Scotland. That would end our third-rate devolution framework and an additional £1.2 billion a year for services and the economy in Wales.

“It is also time to deliver a democratic House of Commons. According to the Voter Power Index, the average voter in has only 0.3 votes. This is due to the archaic first-past-the-post system. The introduction of STV would lead to a House of Commons that reflects, proportionately, the democratic wishes of people everywhere.

“The sovereignty of Westminster has ended. Parliaments and assemblies across these islands are the democratically-elected national bodies and sovereignty now rests with people. The establishment must now recognise the realities of post-devolution UK and replace the talking shop that is the Joint Ministerial Committee with a UK Council of Ministers.

“This body could bring together the governments to deal with matters that affect communities and nations across the UK and should facilitate differences of opinion as well as fostering co-operation on matters of mutual interest.

“This election could potentially be the most exciting UK election in Wales. With a strong mandate for Plaid Cymru, we can win equality for Wales and a new politics for all.”