Letter: Law backs Ashdown on TV debate
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: You report that Paddy Ashdown justifies the Liberal Democrats' constitutional deal with Labour as "giving the Scots and Welsh more say via their own assemblies" ("Ashdown defends Lib-Lab electoral pact", 10 March).
Until recently the Liberal Democrats supported an elected law-making parliament for both Wales and Scotland, with tax-varying powers. The "deal" which they have reached with Labour in Scotland via the Scottish Convention will allow such a parliament on the ballot paper in a referendum later this year.
Why then, have the Liberal Democrats compromised on an infinitely weaker proposal for Wales? The Welsh Assembly, which now the Liberal Democrats support, will have no primary law-making powers, no tax-varying powers and no direct voice in Europe.
Only two weeks ago, at their conference in Conwy, Welsh Liberal Democrats claimed that a law-making parliament, supported by them since the days of Lloyd George, was the most favoured option of the Welsh electorate,
To have sold out on a 100-year commitment to Wales for a minimalist degree of proportional representation is a rather sad end to a long and worthy Liberal tradition.
DAFYDD WIGLEY MP
President, Plaid Cymru
House of Commons
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments