05 March 2004
A group of 19 Welsh Labour MPs has signed a petition to Welsh Secretary Peter Hain opposing any increase in powers for the National Assembly unless backed by a referendum.
Their call came ahead of publication, expected later this month, of recommendations from the Richard Commission. This was set up by the Assembly to give an independent report on whether its powers should be extended.
Some Assembly politicians have been frustrated by the body's weak powers compared with those of the Scottish Parliament. But Welsh devolution was passed with only a narrow majority in its referendum, and opposition to extending the Assembly's capacity remains strong.
A spokesman for Blaenau Gwent MP Llew Smith, who signed the letter, said: 'He was always against an Assembly and he has kept his counsel for some years, but he is not happy with the idea of it gaining more power.'
Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan said last month: 'It would be better if we had primary legislative powers.' But he opposed tax-raising powers for the Assembly.
PFmar2004
