All Change in Wales?

Welsh Conservative Leader, and TRG Patron, Nick Bourne AM writes about policies that are made for Wales.

With the Assembly elections almost upon us, all the political parties in Wales are in full campaigning mode. However, the journey leading up to the election has stretched back a year or more. Over the past year, Welsh Conservatives have consulted widely. We have engaged with many organisations and individuals. Most importantly, we have listened to what people want. I believe that period of stocktaking and reflection is paying dividends. Welsh Conservatives are changing; and through that change we are broadening our appeal. The Welsh public are very interested in what we have to say and what we have to offer them. As we gather momentum on the campaign trail, we are determined to ensure that no doorstep is off limits.

Our manifesto offers distinct, made in Wales policies and will deliver an exciting platform for government after 3rd May. It will offer people the chance for real change. Localism will be our central theme: local people, making local decisions, about local services. We want to move away from Labour’s centralised, bureaucratic and top-down approach of government. This means backing our NHS and returning the focus to clinicians and to the patient, ensuring high quality care for all. This means giving schools and teachers the freedom they need to inspire children to learn. This means valuing our environment and our communities, empowering people to make the right choices to enhance the quality of their lives. These are the day-to-day issues that people are concerned about and our manifesto offers positive solutions.

Welsh Conservatives went into the election campaign in fantastic shape. We have, for some time, been recognised as the official Opposition in all but name and I am confident we will overtake Plaid Cymru next week. Not only have we changed for the better but the nationalists are divided and misguided. Plaid is running an irresponsible campaign of uncosted, undeliverable gimmicks in order to avoid answering their critics about the real Plaid issue - independence.

Labour has publicly stated that Welsh Conservatives are their greatest threat. Despite their good intentions, Labour has failed to deliver in Wales on a raft of issues including hospital waiting lists, council tax, GDP and the environment. They know they are going to sustain significant losses in May and are making their excuses already by pointing the finger of blame at the Prime Minister and the parliamentary party at Westminster. The truth is Rhodri Morgan, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are all part of the problem in Wales, not the solution. Wales cannot afford another four years of Labour.

Beyond May 2007

If no one party wins an overall majority, it may mean looking at possible coalition arrangements. We are a party that is practical and forward looking but the most important factor influencing any such decision must be one that represents the best interests of the people of Wales. A stable, majority government is vital. A minority government in the Assembly is simply incapable of delivering the changes Wales needs.

We will also have to adapt to the new powers that the Assembly will inherit after the election. The full implementation of the Government of Wales Act will mean significant constitutional change of governance structure. It will also provide the opportunity to bid for Orders in Council to create primary legislation. This will change the character of the Assembly considerably and bring its own challenges. Of particular importance is the need to ensure that effective government scrutiny is maintained and enhanced. We believe that the Act does not, as boasted by the Secretary of State for Wales, settle the constitutional question in Wales for a generation. There are a number of questions still left wide open, with scope for constitutional conflict. Nevertheless, we are where we are. We have put forward a number of comprehensive pieces of legislation in our manifesto. We are also prepared to support greater legislative powers for the Assembly, if that is what the people of Wales clearly want, but there must be a referendum first. We are a party of devolved power and local responsibility and, as such, we believe this progression should only happen following approval in a referendum.

Our job in the meantime is to increase Welsh Conservative representation as much as possible. Welsh Conservatives have the vision and policies to bring new optimism, new hope and the chance for Wales to realise its full potential. In empowering people, a Welsh Conservative government will ensure our nation has a vibrant and prosperous future.