Devolution poll "great news" - Welsh Lib Dems

1.10.46pm GMT Wed 1st Mar 2006

A St David's Day poll which shows that the majority of people in Wales support more devolution is "great news on the first day of a new century of Welsh democracy" according to Mike German, Assembly leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

The poll, for BBC Wales, shows that over half of people in Wales support more devolution.

Mr German said: "The Welsh Liberal Democrats are in the mainstream of politics in Wales. The results of the poll show clear support for our party's position - a proper parliament for Wales.

"A full-law making parliament is the most popular option. The other parties are wedded to increasingly out of touch positions. The Tory party in the country has still to shed its anti-devolution, anti-Wales prejudice. Labour is so divided on the issue that it so only offering the people of Wales a hamstrung pseudo-parliament. Plaid - who have dropped their association with Wales from their name - cling to their out-moded aim of independence.

"This poll demonstrates that the people of Wales do not aspire to separatism. What they want is for Wales to have more control over its destiny, but retain the advantages of working within Britain."

Using the Royal Opening of the Senedd as an opportunity to promote his party's ambitions for the Assembly's new powers, Mr German added:

"In 2007 and beyond the Welsh Liberal Democrats will be committed to getting the broadest range of powers for Wales. Despite our reservations, we will be ambitious in our use of Orders in Council. They can be a bridge to a better future of Wales and we want the biggest and best tools to build that bridge. That means when we demand an Order in Council we be requesting the widest scope of powers for Wales. We have a lot to do for Wales and we need all the tools to do the job well. We can't have Westminster holding us back."

Diwedd/Ends.

Notes/Nodidau:

The results of the poll are available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4759946.stm

According to the poll, 20% want to abolish the assembly, 21% want to keep the status quo, 39% want a more powerful parliament (with full law-making and tax-varying powers), and 16% in favour of independence.