TIME TO GET CRACKING ON WALES REFERENDUM - WILLIAMS

9.54.47am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Jun 2010

Commenting on today's announcement that the referendum on further powers for the Welsh Assembly will not be held this year, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Roger Williams said:

"I welcome the commitment for the referendum, and I am pleased that work is now underway. It is now time to get on with the process and make sure we have the opportunity to have the vote as soon as possible.

"Liberal Democrats have consistently argued for a referendum to take place as soon as possible, but it is essential that we carry out the process correctly so that any result is not open to challenge

"Labour have been complaining about timing, but they are the party that took 3 years to put forward a proposal that was a key plank of their coalition agreement, of a former Secretary of State who sat on a referendum he never wanted to see happen, and a First Minister who took 10 days to make a formal request for a referendum.

"I want to get out and campaign for a 'Yes' vote as soon as possible, but Labour delays have left us facing a frustrating wait."