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MAXIMUM POWERS MUST BE SOUGHT IN QUEEN'S SPEECH - WELSH LIB DEMS

November 17, 2009 3:52 PM

Speaking ahead of the Queen's Speech, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP has today called for Wales to be given the maximum powers possible from the legislation.

Framework powers have been suggested as a faster and more efficient way to devolve powers as an alternative to LCOs, which can take a couple of years to pass.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for the following powers to be included within the Queen's Speech based on the Bills announced in the Draft Legislative Programme:

Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

· An amendment to devolve power over electoral reform in local government.

Digital Economy Bill

· Powers over broadband to create a mechanism to speed up broadband provision.

Energy Bill

· Power to decide on energy consents over 50MW.

Flood and Water Management Bill

· Legislative powers over flood and water management.

Improving Schools and Safeguarding Children Bill

· Powers over school governance and funding streams.

Policing, Crime and Private Security Bill

· Legislative competence over police authorities.

Commenting, Roger Williams said:

"Even non-controversial LCOs can take two years to get on to the statute book, so where there are opportunities to use framework powers to devolve power we must do so.

"In the past the Welsh Assembly Government seems to have been reticent about asking for new powers, and the last Queen's Speech was a massive missed opportunity for Wales. We cannot afford to let that happen again, particularly when we know that in six months time we could have a Government that is hostile towards allowing Wales new powers.

"Nick Clegg is right to say that much of this legislation is about writing the Labour manifesto ahead of the election, and we know much of what is proposed tomorrow will run out of time.

"If there is going to be a Queen's Speech we need it to take Wales forward by using every opportunity to increase the powers available to the Assembly."

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