National Assembly for Wales

The National Assembly for Wales (or NAW) (Welsh: Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) is a devolved assembly (not a full legislature) with power to make regulations in Wales, and also is responsible for most UK government departments in Wales.

History

It was established following a referendum on September 18 1997. The Labour Government's proposals for devolution were passed by a majority of just 0.6% of the 50% of the Welsh electorate who took part. The endorsement came 18 years after Welsh voters defeated similar proposals by a majority of

Related Topics:
Referendum - September 18 - 1997 - Devolution

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After three years of using their powers AMs complained the settlement was too limited and confusing. In July 2002 the Welsh Assembly Government established an independent commission, with Lord Richard (former leader of the House of Lords) as chair, into the powers and electoral arrangements of the National Assembly in order to ensure that it is able to operate in the best interests of the people of Wales. The Richard Commission reported in March 2004. It recommended that the National Assembly should have powers to legislate in certain areas, whilst others would remain the preserve of Westminster. It also recommended changing the electoral system to the single transferable vote (STV) which can produce more proportional representation http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/topstories/wales.htm.

Related Topics:
Welsh Assembly Government - Lord Richard - House of Lords - Single transferable vote - Proportional representation

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In the white paper Better Governance for Wales - published on 15 June 2005 - the UK Government rejected Richard's recommendation to change the electoral system, whilst proposing a half-way house between the status quo and the National Assembly having full Scottish Parliament-style legislative powers.

Related Topics:
Better Governance for Wales - 15 June - 2005

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• The current number of Labour Party AMs is 29, after Peter Law stood against the Labour candidate in Blaenau Gwent in the General Election 2005 and was automatically expelled from the party.