A significant constitutional clash has erupted between Cardiff and Westminster after Plaid Cymru's parliamentary leader exposed what she calls "profoundly undemocratic" powers in the new Welsh Bill.
Liz Saville Roberts MP has raised alarm over provisions that allow UK government ministers to effectively veto legislation passed by the Welsh Parliament. The controversial measures, buried within the bill's fine print, grant Westminster the authority to block Senedd decisions on matters already devolved to Wales.
Undermining Welsh Democracy
Speaking during the bill's committee stage, Saville Roberts delivered a powerful condemnation of the legislation. "This bill represents a power grab pure and simple," she stated. "It enables UK ministers to override the democratic will of the Welsh people as expressed through their elected representatives in the Senedd."
The mechanism allows ministers to prohibit Welsh ministers from making secondary legislation, effectively creating a two-tier system where Westminster retains ultimate authority even in devolved areas.
Constitutional Implications
This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Welsh and UK governments. The bill fundamentally challenges the principle of devolution by maintaining Westminster's supremacy in areas supposedly under Welsh control.
Saville Roberts emphasised the broader implications: "This isn't just about technical legislative details—it's about whether Wales has genuine self-governance or remains subordinate to Westminster's whims."
Political Fallout
The revelation has sparked outrage among Welsh political circles and constitutional experts. Many see this as a regression of devolution settlements that have been developing since 1999.
The Welsh Government now faces increased pressure to challenge these provisions, potentially setting the stage for a legal confrontation between Cardiff and London over the boundaries of devolved powers.
This controversy comes at a sensitive time for UK constitutional arrangements, following similar tensions with Scotland and ongoing debates about the future of the Union.
