WELSH Labour has revealed some of its promises ahead of the party’s manifesto launch this week.

Among the party’s pledges are giving the vote to 16-year-olds by May 2016, devolving powers to policing and fracking in Wales.

The party is also promising more powers for Wales over transport, and plans to introduce a reserved powers model, meaning that powers should be assumed to be devolved unless they are specifically reserved to the UK Government.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Over the past five years we have shown the difference a Labour government can make to the lives of people. Protecting Wales from the worst of the Tory cuts, we have stood up for those that need our support most.

“To deliver the fairer society we want now and in the future, we must rebalance our institutions moving power closer to communities.

“Labour is at one with the people of Wales in wanting a strong set of powers that allow our nation to shape its own destiny, but with the social and economic advantages that the Union still provides. Our manifesto moves Wales onto a more permanent devolution settlement.

“This election is a choice not just between a Labour and a Tory government, but between two very different visions of Wales’ future.”

Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said: “Our plans for further devolution to the Assembly shows clearly that Labour are committed to rebalancing Britain and moving power closer to communities.

“These proposals map out a historic new chapter in Wales’ devolution journey, creating a lasting settlement allowing us to advance social justice, improve equality of opportunity and create a fairer society for all.”