TORY DINOSAURS SHOW TRUE COLOURS - WILLIAMS

Speaking after the Conservatives moved an amendment to the Planning Bill which would deny the National Assembly the ability to co-ordinate local development plans, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP has slammed their hostility to the devolution settlement.

The amendment would remove two framework powers that would allow the Welsh Assembly Government to co-ordinate the Wales spatial plan with plans made by local planning authorities.

The amendment will be debated later today as the Planning Bill completes its passage through the Commons.

Commenting Roger Williams said:

“This amendment shows just how mixed-up the Tories are over devolution. While in Cardiff Bay their leaders are calling for full law-making powers, in Westminster they’re trying to snatch powers back.

“The Tories owe it to the people of Wales to have a UK-wide position on the devolution settlement and to stick to it.

“Planning is well established as a responsibility of the National Assembly, and I am astonished that the Conservatives are trying to force the Assembly to operate with one hand tied behind their back as they try to enable sustainable planning.

“The Conservatives need to decide whether they believe the Assembly should have a right to represent the people of Wales or not. Increasingly it looks like Conservatives at Westminster are trying to dictate terms to the people of Wales.”

ENDS

Publish date: 1st July 2008
Modified: 1st July 2008

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