The names of the people who will lead Plaid Cymru's independence commission have been announced. Dame Menna Rawlings and Professor Emyr Lewis will run the independent body, which will have an advisory role.
Dame Menna is a former ambassador to France and British High Commissioner to Australia. Professor Emyr Lewis is an academic and an expert in constitutional law, devolution, and the legal framework of Wales.
Four key areas of focus
The so-called National Commission for Wales will look at four things. It will provide independent advice on devolution priorities, including areas such as the Crown Estate, rail infrastructure, justice and policing. It will also support an ongoing national conversation about Wales' constitutional future, engaging with people across Wales and supporting inclusive and informed public debate.
The commission is intended to strengthen the evidence base for future discussion and decision-making through research on key political, economic, and democratic questions relevant to Wales' future. It will also help inform future reform by considering the three viable options identified by the Independent Commission: enhanced devolution, a federal United Kingdom, and independence.
No referendum in this Senedd
Plaid has said there will be no referendum on independence in this Senedd, which runs until 2030, but wants a commission to look at a range of topics, including "laying the foundations for a future White Paper on Welsh independence – addressing the challenges and setting out the opportunities and positive changes independence would bring for Wales".
Speaking in the Senedd, constitution minister Dafydd Trystan Davies said it will build on previous work on independence rather than repeat it. He said it was "not an abstract, theoretical debate".
Minister's remarks
Mr Davies said: "The way the United Kingdom is structured and governed is under increasing strain, and debates about devolution, accountability and where decisions should be made are increasingly pressing."
He added: "Responsible government means ensuring Wales is ready to shape its own future, with the evidence, advice and democratic space needed to make informed choices. This is not an abstract debate. It is about whether Wales has the right tools, powers and democratic arrangements to deliver better outcomes for our people."
"That preparation cannot be the work of government alone. It requires a broad, open and constructive conversation across this Senedd and across Wales. The future constitutional development of Wales should be shaped with people across Wales, not simply presented to them. Together, we have an opportunity to help shape a confident, democratic and ambitious future for Wales."
