February 10, 2010

Five Reasons to Vote YES

The starting gun has now been fired, but the campaign proper will not begin until after the General Election in May. But that does not mean we should sit back and let True-Monmouthshire dominate the headlines with their lies and distortions.

So to get things started, I suggest promoting some simple positive messages - these are my suggestions - give me yours:


Locality
Wales is not part of England, and we have different priorities, structures and traditions. The Westminster ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach has proven disastrous for the Welsh economy over the last 50 years, and we need to be able to develop local solutions to our particular circumstances.
Government of Wales - For the people of Wales - By the people of Wales

Equality
Scotland and Northern Ireland have had law making parliaments for over 10 years, while Wales has been grudgingly granted only limited powers. Even following a Yes vote we would still not have the same powers as Edinburgh or Belfast, but at least it would close the gap.
Ensuring a Union of Equals

Efficiency
The Assembly already has limited law-making powers but in order to get them it has to follow an extremely tortuous, expensive and time-consuming procedure (the infamous LCO process). A Yes vote would eliminate this cotly process and give the Assembly the ability to act quickly and decisively.
Better Government

Less Politicians
The number of AMs will remain unchanged when they receive their additional powers, so they will actually have to work that little bit harder for their money. But it does mean that the number of Welsh MPs can be reduced in line with their English & Scottish colleagues, probably from 40 to 32.
Less Government

More Jobs
The transfer of powers should also mean the transfer of some civil servants jobs from Whitehall to Cardiff, as well as the creation of some new positions in the media, and lobbying groups etc. Not exactly a replacement for our lost manufacturing base, but at least bringing some well paid jobs back into our economy.
Welsh Jobs

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