Campaigners back early referendum

3 Feb 2010

Campaigners have said that a referendum on securing full law-making powers for the Welsh Assembly should be held early.

The Tomorrow's Wales group pushed opposition parties to come together in a bid for further devolved powers.

Coalition ministers were also prompted to give a clear commitment on the law-making referendum - seen as a key part of Labour and Plaid Cymru's One Wales deal.

If a referendum is to be triggered on or before the 2011 Assembly election, the backing of 40 out of 60 AMs is required.

Last year the All Wales Convention said a referendum was winnable, but the outcome could not be guaranteed.

First Minister Carwyn Jones discussed with opposition leaders a Senedd motion on a referendum that will go before AMs on Tuesday February 9.

Tory leader Nick Bourne called for a referendum in the autumn.

Tomorrow's Wales executive member Caroline Oag said: "The complexity and the lack of clarity about the extent of the Assembly's law-making powers also discourage participation by both the public at large and the voluntary and professional bodies that want to influence policy in Wales, which is bad for democracy."