Ian Lucas argues that Labour’s principled and pragmatic policies in Wales contrast sharply with the other parties’ cynical opportunism and separatism
AS 10 years of devolution approaches, it is time to assess the impact it is had on Wales and the way ahead for Labour in Wales.
Labour recognises the distinct identity of Wales within the United Kingdom. At all times, we should remind the people of Wales that Labour is the party of devolution. It was Labour that, from a position of strength, introduced the laws to establish the National Assembly for Wales – its first national democratic institution, bringing decisions closer to those affected. However, the principle of devolution requires that there be particular approaches within Wales, too, and Welsh Labour should consider how it can take devolution further within the Welsh nation.
The Labour Party has been far too hesitant in pointing out the difficulties in the position of the other parties in Wales on constitutional questions. For example, how would the Conservatives protect the interests of citizens in Wales who have public services delivered in England, when they will not rule out reducing the number – and consequently the influence – of MPs from Wales and restricting the speaking and voting rights of those who remain?
The nationalists offer no credible narrative to explain their vision of Wales’ relationship with England after their goal of a separate Wales is achieved. How would a separate Wales guarantee access to a British National Health Service for citizens from Wales if Wales splits from the rest of the UK?
The Liberal Democrats’ opposition to regional select committees in England exposes their preference for opportunism rather than principle. At every turn, the Lib Dems find reasons to oppose policies in practice which, in the abstract, they purport to support.
Alone of the main parties, Labour is comfortable with the concept of devolution – recognising difference, respecting Wales’ identity but working with the other parts of Britain on a pragmatic basis.
In league with lazier elements of the press in Wales, the nationalists describe parts of the Labour Party as “anti-devolution.” In fact, Labour is anti-separatist. The “anti-devolution” party in Wales is Plaid Cymru. Wedded to its separatist goal, it would end devolution in the relationship between England and Wales forever.
It is for this reason that Plaid is so desperate to sabotage the Legislative Competence Orders under the Government of Wales Act 2006. As the record shows, it rubbishes this method of transferring powers to the National Assembly and its siren voice repeats its mantra that the system is doomed to fail. Plaid’s strategy is to ensure the failure of any system of devolution in the hope that its separatist aim of the destruction of the UK is achieved.
Labour’s challenge is to be the standard bearer for devolution, as opposed to nationalism or centralism. It is the party’s historic role to expose the hidden agendas of the Tories and the nationalists who, in their different ways, threaten the profound constitutional change introduced in 1997.
If devolution is to work still more effectively, Labour must use the constitutional settlement in place to develop policy within Wales.
We must shift the focus away from the obsession with the processes of government and towards consideration of policy designed to improve the lives of the people we represent. Our emphasis must move away from defending the institutions within which we work and towards working to use the institutions to promote our values of equality and opportunity for those we represent.
If we present Labour working together in the best interests of Wales within the UK, we will benefit at the ballot box. We will be seen as the party with the ideas to benefit our electorate and we will seize the initiative in politics by discussing policies and not processes.
Ian Lucas is Labour MP for Wrexham
