Blaenau Gwent

Blaenau Gwent lies in the north western part of the county of Gwent and covers part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The valley towns of Abertillery, Brynmar, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar lie in the area, towns important in the history of coal mining, steel production and radical Labour politics. Employment now comes from light industries such as the manufacture of digital tape and pharmaceutical products, but unemployment remains at 11.9%, higher than any area in Wales other than Ynys Mon.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council covers the same area as the parliamentary constituency of Blaenau Gwent, the seat of devolution dissenter Llew Smith. The constituency Labour party supports the Yes campaign, but defends Llew Smith's right to express his views.The constituency of Blaenau Gwent was created mainly from the constituency of Ebbw Vale, and the old Abertillery seat. Aneurin (Nye) Bevan , the creator of the National Health Service in Attlee's post-war government was the MP for Ebbw Vale from 1929 to 1960, From 1960 to 1992 Ebbw Vale and then Blaenau Gwent were represented by Michael Foot. Unsurprisingly the council is a Labour stronghold, Labour holds over three quarters of the seats.

Results of 1979 referendum:

		Yes		No		Turnout
All Wales		20%		80%		58.3%
Gwent		12%		88%		55.3%

Beaufort Research/Western Mail poll published on 2 July 1997:

		Agree		Disagree		Don't know
All Wales		43%		29%		28%
Valleys		45%		28%		27%