The trigger vote to start the referendum was passed in the National Assembly for Wales by 53 cross party votes with no abstentions and no votes against – it’s a boost for the Yes Campaign (when it gets going) and a good result for the new First Minister Carwyn Jones and his deputy Ieuan Wyn Jones in managing to deliver a key pledge of the One Wales Agreement and keep their parties happy. It also means baring nuclear meltdown the Coalition Government is secure until the next Assembly elections.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing in the debate yesterday afternoon a few AM’s couldn’t resist scoring some cheap points, but the debate overall was positive with interesting contributions and it’s good to know that many of the concerns that have been raised by bloggers and commentators about the referendum campaign are understood by Assembly Members of all parties so they can avoid the mistakes made previously and the traps set by opponents.
The action now turns to Westminster where the reaction from Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and Shadow Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan was more muted they both accepted the vote albeit through gritted teeth, it will be interesting to see which one of them ends up responding the Carwyn’s letter to formally start the process and what part both will play in the campaign.
However i’m still not convicted that the trigger vote was taken because it’s the best option for the National Assembly for Wales and Welsh governance more generally, rather than what’s best for the Welsh Labour Party (why else would Don Touhig keep out of no camp with his track record on devolution), but things are moving forward and that is a good thing.
“and where theres water, carbon and energy…”
12 minutes ago

