Devolution referendum trigger vote date set

3 Feb 2010

The Welsh Assembly Government has laid the foundations for a referendum on the devolution of all law-making powers from Parliament.

Leaders of the coalition government remained coy over a prospective date for the referendum which could fall any time between the autumn and Assembly elections next spring.

The Assembly will vote on whether to push ahead with the referendum next Tuesday with the approval of 40 of the Assembly's 60 members needed to commence proceedings.

The promise of a referendum on or before the 2011 election is central to the two parties' One Wales agreement. It would give the National Assembly primary powers in devolved policy areas such as health and education.

First Minister Carwyn Jones confirmed the vote which will allow AMs to "trigger" the referendum. If successful, it would be put to Welsh secretary Peter Hain who will have 120 days to formalise proceedings.

Commenting on the trigger motion which will pave the way for the referendum, Mr Jones said: "The question is 'Do you believe that all the laws that only affect Wales should be made in Wales?'"