CARWYN JONES KEEPING OPTIONS OPEN FOR 2010 REFERENDUM

The New First Minister, Carwyn Jones' has given indication that a referendum for full law-making powers for the Welsh Government are still on the table for 2010.

In his New Year's message, Mr. Jones' states, "2010 will see us looking to gain more powers for the Assembly to use for the benefit of the people of Wales", indicating that there will be key activity taking place to push forward a referendum.

Under the terms of the Government of Wales Act 2006, AMs need to pass a motion requesting Westminster to authorise a referendum with a two-thirds majority. It is understood that the National Assembly will be having detailed discussions about pushing through this motion, when they reconvene next week.

However with the general election looming large, it is thought that a vote must be held in the first few weeks of 2010 for a referendum to be organised within the year. Experts say that even when the motion does get forwarded to Parliament, the request could take months to process.

The recent All Wales Convention report published that there were a strong percentage of Welsh people that wanted the referendum to vote for ease of law-making powers for the Welsh Government. It is also part of the One Wales coalition agreement between Labour and Plaid that a referendum should be held before May 2011. Yet, doubts were created when a Welsh Labour statement signed by former First Minister Rhodri Morgan, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and party chair Garry Owen implied that no further discussion would be held about a referendum until after the general election – a scenario that would effectively rule out a referendum in 2010.

A joint statement from Labour and Plaid later insisted that a 2010 referendum had not been ruled out.

The First Minister's New Year statement says:

"The New Year is a time for looking ahead, and this is a momentous time for me as Wales’ new First Minister.I am very proud to have this opportunity to serve the people of Wales by leading the Welsh Assembly Government.'

"In 2009 we faced tough economic challenges, but our core values of social justice have served us well.

"I was brought up to respect the idea of chwarae teg, fair play – and now we are able to ensure Wales’ strong sense of social responsibility and justice guide our young democracy.

"By working together in that spirit we are weathering the storm, and during the coming year we will continue the task of building the economy; we need to ensure prosperity for all.

"I am convinced that the key to success depends on the education and skills of our people. I am proud that the Welsh Assembly Government has doubled the number of apprenticeships in the course of the last decade – and despite all the pressures on our budget we are determined to strengthen still further the valuable work of our schools, colleges and universities.

"The recent Copenhagen conference underlined once more the great dangers posed by climate change.

"Our goal is for Wales to lead the way in developing new technologies to tackle global warming, and in the process lay the foundations of a resilient and sustainable 21st century economy.

"One lesson of the last year is that devolved government works well. Our Economic Summit meetings have enabled all social partners to pull together – and one benefit of devolution is that we can move rapidly.

"New ideas such as ProAct have been pushed through in record time and our Mortgage Rescue scheme has been described by the BBC as ‘top in the UK’.

"The existence of a Welsh government has strengthened our voice in Europe and our confidence and spirit as a nation have come on by leaps and bounds.

"2010 will see us looking to gain more powers for the Assembly to use for the benefit of the people of Wales.

"I would like to wish all of you a very happy and successful New Year. '