European 'no' votes could accelerate 'yes' to Assembly powers

11.20.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jun 2005

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly leader Mike German believes the rejection of the European constitution in France and the Netherlands should bring forward any referendum on more powers for the Assembly.

With the Labour Government now likely to shelve a UK referendum on the constitutional treaty, there is no reason why a referendum on giving the Assembly the powers it needs to do the job should be delayed.

Mr German said: "The 'no' votes in France and the Netherlands are a setback for Europe, but they could well create a major opportunity for Wales. With no referendum on Europe on the horizon, there are no barriers to prevent the Labour Governments in Cardiff Bay and Westminster from pressing ahead with a referendum on more powers for the Assembly.

"In poll after poll the majority of people in Wales have said time and again that they want the Assembly to have the powers to do the job. They want a law-making parliament just like Scotland, as recommended by the Richard Commission.

"If we will not be holding a referendum on the constitution treaty, then there is no reason why the devolution referendum in Wales could not be held as early as Spring next year.

"The people of Wales are tired of being treated as second class citizens, in relation to Scotland. They want an Assembly that can introduce a ban on smoking in public places, for example, without having to go cap in hand to Westminster for action. The French and Dutch No votes should pave the way to a 'yes' for Wales without delay."