6. Debate on the Report of the Special Purpose Committee on Senedd Reform — Reforming our Senedd: A stronger voice for the people of Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:34 pm on 8 June 2022.

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Photo of Rhys ab Owen Rhys ab Owen Plaid Cymru 4:34, 8 June 2022

This is a case of levelling up the Senedd so that it fits the modern, confident, self-governing Wales of today. The number 96 will be futureproof, as Huw Irranca-Davies alluded to. Whilst Andrew R.T. Davies performedly announces that Welsh Conservatives will always—will always—oppose devolution of justice, we know that his bosses in London will be happy to overrule him at any point. Indeed, Boris Johnson, when he was the London mayor, wanted greater powers over criminal justice devolved to him.

It was disappointing to hear the comments about a referendum from the Conservative benches. Haven't they heard of another democratic tool, a well-used democratic tool over the years—elections, the ballot box? And in the last Senedd election, the Welsh public overwhelmingly supported parties that wanted a larger, stronger Senedd. Andrew claims that his party's standing up for democracy. Well, I think it's very odd that standing up for democracy involves limiting the number of elected Members, limiting the amount of scrutiny in this place and preventing a more representative Parliament. That's a new one for me.