Llywydd, the commission is taking forward its work at a time when the tensions in the wider constitutional structures of the United Kingdom are increasing and our inter-governmental relationship tested. In that context, it is not surprising at all that the commission has reached the view that neither the status quo nor unwinding devolution are viable options for further consideration. Nor is it surprising that the commission’s work is contributing to a real and growing momentum behind calls for constitutional change. Members will be aware of the report that was recently published by Gordon Brown’s commission on the future of the UK, which made a series of radical proposals for constitutional reform, and which references the work of the independent commission.

Llywydd, I believe that change is inevitable, and I believe that the commission’s work is, and will be, a vital contribution to the discussion already taking place. In my written statement, I encouraged Members, and indeed anyone with an interest in our constitution, to consider the report, and I hope Members will have done so.

On that point, I want to highlight the commission’s work to engage with the public. Given the direct impact that our governance arrangements will have on people’s lives, we asked the commission to engage widely with civic society and the Welsh public to raise awareness and to build a genuinely national conversation. Their initial consultation has resulted in over 2,000 responses, and I am particularly grateful to the commission for the innovative way they have engaged with communities through their community engagement fund.

If the commission’s solutions are to be workable and command support, they must be grounded in the experience of the lives of those whose lives they will affect. Indeed, the commission has indicated their intention, in the next phase of their work, to extend their conversation with the people of Wales. As the commission embarks on this next phase, I would encourage Members of all parties in this Chamber to engage with the commission and to encourage engagement from their communities to ensure that the commission’s conclusions are truly reflective of all of the people of Wales. Diolch, Llywydd.