Thank you, Llywydd. Eighteen months ago, we established the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. We asked the commission to consider and develop options for fundamental reform of the constitutional structures of the United Kingdom, in which Wales remains an integral part. We also asked them to consider and develop all progressive options to strengthen Welsh democracy and to deliver improvements for the people of Wales. The commission's task was to produce an interim report by the end of last year, with a full report by the end of this year.

Before Christmas, I was pleased to inform Members that the commission had met the first of its objectives and had published its interim report. Today, I'd like to welcome that interim report, and I'd like to place on record my thanks to the commission’s co-chairs, Dr Rowan Williams and Professor Laura McAllister, and all the members of the commission for their work in producing the report. The interim report is a substantial one. It is an authoritative and well-evidenced document. There was an excellent public outreach and consultation process. While the commission’s work continues, it has come to an important conclusion: the status quo is 'no longer a stable basis for the future'.