What is the National Assembly for Wales?

The National Assembly for Wales, now known as Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament, is the devolved, unicameral legislature of Wales. Established in 1999 through the Government of Wales Act 1998, it has grown to become a powerful body responsible for creating laws, scrutinizing the Welsh Government, and overseeing a wide range of devolved matters. But to fully grasp what the National Assembly for Wales entails, we need to explore its structure, role, and significance in Wales’ governance.

A Brief History of the National Assembly for Wales

The National Assembly for Wales was created in response to the 1997 referendum, where the Welsh public voted for devolved governance. Initially, it lacked significant legislative powers. However, over time, its authority has expanded through various legal reforms, including the Government of Wales Act 2006, the Wales Act 2014, and the Wales Act 2017. In 2020, the institution was renamed Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), marking its transformation into a more robust legislative body.

Structure of the Welsh Parliament

The Senedd Cymru is a unicameral legislature comprising 60 elected members, known as Members of the Senedd (MS). These members are elected using a hybrid system of first-past-the-post voting for constituencies and proportional representation for electoral regions. This blend ensures both geographic and proportional representation.

Since its establishment, the Welsh Parliament has seen significant political diversity. The current Welsh Government is a Labour minority administration, led by Eluned Morgan, who became the First Minister of Wales in August 2024. The Senedd’s structure allows for dynamic political debate, with opposition parties such as the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru, and the Liberal Democrats also holding seats.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Senedd

The National Assembly for Wales was initially limited in its legislative capacity, but through a series of referendums and legal reforms, its powers have grown significantly. The Senedd now has authority over key devolved areas such as:

• Health
• Education
• Transport
• Economic Development
• Environment
• Agriculture
• Local Government
• Some Taxes

However, certain areas remain under the control of the UK Government in Westminster, including defence, foreign affairs, policing, and criminal justice. This dual governance system means that while Wales exercises considerable autonomy, it is still part of the United Kingdom, governed by both the Welsh Parliament and the UK Government.

Leadership in the Welsh Parliament

Since 2024, Eluned Morgan, a member of the Labour Party, has served as the First Minister of Wales, leading the Welsh Government. The Welsh Parliament also features notable figures such as Jane Hutt, who serves as the Leader of the House as of March 2024, and Andrew RT Davies, the Leader of the Opposition from the Conservative Party since January 2021.

The Presiding Officer, currently Elin Jones of Plaid Cymru, ensures the smooth running of the Parliament, while Manon Antoniazzi has served as the Chief Executive and Clerk of the Senedd since April 2017.

Devolution and Independence

Despite Wales having its own parliament, it remains an integral part of the United Kingdom, governed through a union with England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Wales is not independent from England, but it does have considerable autonomy, thanks to devolution. The Welsh Parliament’s role is to manage domestic affairs within its devolved areas, while certain broader issues, like foreign policy and defence, remain the responsibility of Westminster.

Conclusion

The National Assembly for Wales, now the Welsh Parliament, plays a crucial role in governing Wales, balancing its relationship with the UK Government and exercising autonomy in areas important to Welsh life. Led by prominent figures like Eluned Morgan, the Senedd continues to evolve as an essential institution shaping the future of Wales. With expanded powers and an increasingly engaged electorate, the Welsh Parliament reflects the growing importance of devolution in the United Kingdom.

In summary, the National Assembly for Wales is not just a legislative body but a symbol of Wales’ unique identity within the UK. Its evolution from a limited assembly to a powerful parliament is a testament to the progress of devolution and the Welsh people’s desire for greater self-governance.