Written question WQ93483
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Cabinet Office
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Counsel General commit to discussing reforming the legislative consent motion system with the UK Government, to protect the Senedd from legislation it does not consent to?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Cabinet Office
The principle of legislative consent, as reflected in the Sewel Convention and section 107(6) of the Government of Wales Act, lies at the heart of the devolution settlements and its proper application is vital to ensuring appropriate democratic engagement and legislative scrutiny of relevant Bills.
The Welsh Government has long argued that the Sewel Convention is in need of reform. We accepted and endorsed all ten recommendations made by the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales, including in relation to the principle of legislative consent.
In its manifesto, the Labour Party committed to strengthening the Sewel Convention by setting out a new memorandum of understanding outlining how the nations will work together for the common good. I look forward to working with the new UK Government, along with other Devolved Governments, with a view to improving and bolstering the operation of this fundamental principle of devolution.