Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General – in the Senedd at 2:27 pm on 14 March 2018.
The Member acknowledges that the issue isn't straightforward. There are divergent views on this issue. He will be aware of the Welsh Government's position, as set forth in the Government of Wales draft Bill that itself put in the public domain. It is perfectly evident that being the only legislature that we can think of that does not have its own jurisdiction poses very significant challenges, and very significant constraints on the exercise of the devolved powers that we have, and in fact has shaped the devolution settlement in a way that is not helpful to the people of Wales. Had we had different jurisdictional arrangements, then some of the limitations that we face would not be in place and we would be able to use our powers more broadly and, perhaps, more effectively in some areas. So, I think it has to be seen against that backdrop.
There are many ways of ensuring that we maintain the current dependability, reliability and reputation of the jurisdiction that we exercise here in Wales, as well as that exercised in England. None of that is imperilled by a distinct or separate jurisdiction, and I think part of the journey that we're on in this commission is to explain and consider that in a way that is expert and independent, and underpins a better understanding amongst people in Wales of the virtues of having a distinct and, in due course, a separate jurisdiction.