Open warfare has broken out over Peter Hain’s claims that he has discussed postponing a referendum on further powers beyond 2011 with senior Plaid Cymru member.
This morning the Plaid Cymru AM, Leanne Wood has waded in to categorically deny that the Secretary of State’s version of events. She has challenged Mr. Hain to say who he’s talked to and when. Plaid Cymru’s National Chair, John Dixon has also written on his blog, saying that he ‘simply cannot believe what (mr. Hain) is saying.’
Leanne says that the Welsh Secretary is trying to keep his devo-sceptic MPs happy, but risks destabilising the Welsh government in the midst of recession. She goes on to assert that what Mr. Hain says counts for little as it is the Assembly alone that decides when the referendum will be held. ‘And his opinion is likely to count for even less after the next UK general election… ‘
Clearly Leanne is anticipating a Conservative victory at Westminster or at best a hung Parliament, but she is wrong to say that the timing of a referendum is entirely in the hands of the Welsh Assembly. Parliament must vote for it too and so implicitly no realistic vote will be taken in Cardiff Bay without the nod of Westminster Ministers.
It would be useful if Ieuan Wyn Jones himself could comment on Mr. Hain’s claims of ‘an understanding’ on the referendum date. Then at least, we will know what has been agreed and who with.
Related posts:
