Four parties unite with plan of 'ambitious reform' for Wales

The First Minister Carwyn Jones said he was pleased that all four Parties in the Assembly have been able to come together in a positive spirit to agree a way ahead for Wales, saying "we are calling for an ambitious set of reforms to the devolution settlement in Wales that would, if implemented, have very wide public support.

“I trust that the UK Government will listen to this very clear statement from Wales and will respond accordingly, starting with talks on a fairer funding agreement for Wales. If we can secure a funding floor that addresses the well-known problems with our block grant, that would unlock the door to further and more ambitious financial reforms.”

1. Welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment that Wales will be at the heart of the debate on the future of the United Kingdom;

2. Calls for bilateral talks that are informed by the Holtham and Silk 1 Commissions’ findings, including an updated assessment of the current level and likely future direction of Welsh relative funding;

3. Calls for those talks, which should begin immediately and be completed by January 2015, to have a particular focus on fair funding, with the goal of securing rapid implementation of a funding floor which both addresses underfunding in a way that is consistent with Welsh needs and halts future convergence;

4. Calls for the UK Government to:
a. ensure that the same powers are given to Wales regarding the devolution of Corporation Tax if they are provided to Northern Ireland and Scotland;
b. devolve Air Passenger Duty for direct long-haul flights;
c. review the level of the borrowing powers afforded to Wales in the Wales Bill; and
d. work with the Welsh Government to enable it to issue its own bonds;

5. Seeks recognition that if a decision is taken to hold a Referendum on tax varying powers, this should reflect the view of the people of Wales;

6. Seeks confirmation that the Reserved Powers model will be instituted for Wales;

7. Calls on the UK Government to give the National Assembly for Wales the power to determine its electoral arrangements;

8. Calls on the UK Government to make progress on Silk 2;

9. Affirms that these matters should be taken forward in legislative proposals, published before the end of the current Westminster parliamentary session.

Welsh Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies AM welcomed the move said: "co-operation between all political parties on this hugely important issue is wholeheartedly welcome.

“A lasting settlement that is driven by the people of Wales and which benefits communities right across our country is absolutely essential. This is about improving lives. It is not about the pipe dreams of politicians caught up in a Cardiff bubble.

“This agreement reflects the accountability and responsibility that we all know must form a central part of future devolution.

“I welcome the work of William Hague’s commission and it is now important that Wales fits properly into that debate, as I am confident it will. It is also important that the funding work undertaken by Holtham is updated and a revision of figures provided.

“There will always be differences between our parties - but on this issue – it is important we make progress, and this agreement reflects that.”

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats welcomed the agreement saying: “The Scottish referendum has presented all nations of the United Kingdom with an opportunity to express what powers they believe are needed to help build a stronger economy and fairer society. Since before the referendum, I have argued that for Wales’ voice to be heard, it is essential that all parties work together and, where possible, speak with one voice. I am therefore pleased we have agreed this motion today.

“It is critical that we make sure Wales is not marginalised whilst the UK’s political structures evolve and change. The UK Government must deliver for Wales and ensure these vital changes to our democracy are put in place without delay.”

Plaid Cymru too welcomed what they called a "step forward for Wales". Party leader Leanne Wood said: “I very much welcome the fact that as leaders of Wales’ main parties, we’ve been able to reach agreement on the next steps for Wales’ national development.

“It is vital that as Scotland and England press forward with reform, Wales is not left behind and hindered with third-rate devolution.

“The motion agreed between our parties today represents a significant step forward and Plaid Cymru believes this must lead to Wales taking its place as an equal nation, with self-government that will allow its people to prosper and its communities to flourish.

“Plaid Cymru has always maintained that action on significant devolution for Wales should not be subject to undue delay and we are pleased that this is reflected in the timescale for delivery and agreed by all parties today.

“By working together to find common ground and agree on a way forward for the good of Wales, the nation is best placed to ensure meaningful powers and we expect this to be respected by the United Kingdom Government and we look forward to their cooperation in delivering on the aspirations of the people of Wales.”