It is only a letter but there is a deadline and so far the First Minister has not put pen to paper. The BBC report that Carwyn Jones has not yet sent a letter asking for the referendum process to begin.
The BBC explain that after AMs voted by 53 to zero on Tuesday, 9 February, in the so-called “trigger” vote to start the formal process towards holding a referendum on further law making powers for the national assembly then under the Government of Wales Act, the first minister must, “as soon as is reasonably practicable after the resolution is passed”, ensure that notice in writing of the resolution is given to the Welsh Secretary.
The Welsh secretary then has 120 days from the day after the letter is received to draw up the order which will enable the referendum to go ahead. This order includes all the details of the referendum, including the date, the exact question, and the funding that will be provided for the official Yes and No campaigns.
The Welsh Government have declined to comment on why the letter has not been sent within the previous seven days but say that it will now be despatched within 24 hours.
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams was in a generous mood. She said an efficient and pro-active government would have had the letter drafted and ready to send immediately following the vote.
She added: “In the spirit of cross-party co-operation, my office is more than happy to draft the letter to the secretary of state if it means things can get moving.”
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