7. Debate: Report of the Commission on Justice in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:09 pm on 4 February 2020.

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Photo of Gareth Bennett Gareth Bennett UKIP 6:09, 4 February 2020

Diolch yn fawr. 

The point is we know that Lord Thomas and Carwyn Jones are singing from the same hymn sheet, but what has their song got to do with the people of Wales? Where is the democratic consent for these greater powers for the Assembly? Devolution of justice was not proposed in the last Welsh Assembly Labour manifesto of 2016, and it wasn't even proposed in Welsh Labour's general election manifesto just a few short weeks ago.

According to polls published in the last week, only a third of voters in Wales want more powers to flow here, so there is no democratic mandate for the transfer of more powers to this Assembly. Yet, the parties of the left, Labour and Plaid Cymru, who are in agreement—[Interruption.] Who are in agreement—[Interruption.] The parties of the left, Labour and Plaid Cymru—[Interruption.] The parties of the left, Labour and Plaid Cymru, who are in agreement once again today, are always calling for more devolution. Today, I will be opposing the motion and supporting the Brexit Party amendment, and I would say one thing to the Members here today who feel enthused about this report: be careful what you wish for.