The Welsh Devolution Debate
28 AUGUST 1997
COUNCIL LEADERS BACK ASSEMBLY
COUNCILS WANT "DEMOCRATIC PARTNERSHIP"
The Welsh Local Government Association has formally backed the proposals for a Welsh Assembly. After a meeting with Welsh Secretary Ron Davies, leaders of 19 of the 22 Welsh unitary authorities called for a Yes vote on September 18th, saying that an Assembly would provide a democratic partner with for local government. Opposition from local councils played a key role in the defeat of the 1979 devolution proposals.
MP WARNS OF ASSEMBLY FUND FIGHT
The Labour MP for Llanelli Denzil Davies has warned that councils in some rural areas could lose out if an Assembly was created. Mr Davies - who has voiced doubts about the Government's devolution plans - said the areas with the most votes would also have the most financial muscle when it came to an Assembly deciding fair allocation of funding.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS
Actors from across Wales took centre stage as "themselves" at theatres in Cardiff and Bangor to support the Yes for Wales campaign. One wag nicknamed the event, "Darlings for Devolution." The organiser of the launches, actress Judith Humphreys(who plays Dr Rachel in the Welsh soap Pobol-y-Cwm), said actors feel an Assembly would invigorate all aspects of Welsh life and culture.
LABOUR ACTIVIST THREAT
The chairman of the Blaenau Gwent constituency Labour Party is under pressure
to resign from his post because of his opposition to a Welsh Assembly. The
position of Malcolm Thomas will be discussed on September 5 at a meeting of the local executive committee.
Mr Thomas, 64, has been actively campaigning for the No campaign in devolution rebel Llew Smith's constituency.
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