captain cab wrote:
Queen's Speech promises more power devolution for Wales
Plans to offer wide-ranging new powers to Wales have been announced in the Queen's Speech outlining the new Conservative government's priorities.
Decisions on some major energy projects including fracking will be handed to the assembly, along with taxi and bus regulation, and the voting age.
The Queen said the measures were part of a "strong and lasting constitutional settlement" across the UK.
Opposition parties have criticised the delay and limited scope of the powers.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the 26-bill package was a "programme for working people" that would create full employment and "bring our country together".
A bill to allow an "in-out" referendum on UK EU membership was included.
However, the prime minister has delayed plans to scrap the Human Rights Act, in order to avoid a potential confrontation with his own backbenchers.
Power pledge
The proposals for further devolution for Wales - covering energy, transport and the running of elections - reflect the plans outlined by Mr Cameron in the St David's Day announcement.
The assembly will have more control over its own affairs as well as energy and transport issues
◾Decisions over energy projects generating up to 350 megawatts of power on or offshore to be devolved - larger projects to remain the responsibility of the UK government
◾Transport - responsibility for ports, taxi regulation, registration of bus services and speed limits
◾Fracking - licensing for all onshore oil and gas exploration in Wales, including shale oil and gas
◾Elections - whether 16 and 17-year-olds should vote in assembly and local council elections
◾Assembly affairs - control over its name, size and the system used to elect its members
◾Permanence of the assembly and the Welsh government to be enshrined in law
◾Reserved powers model outlining the list of policies that remain under UK government control, with all other matters considered devolved
Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb said: "Today's Queen's Speech will strengthen Wales' place within the United Kingdom by taking forward the St David's Day agreement.
"It boosts the engines of growth and puts working people centre-stage with radical measures to reward hard work.
"Our priority is to continue to secure the economic recovery for Wales and ensure all parts of the country share in it. That means investing in infrastructure, encouraging enterprise and backing small businesses."
A draft version of the new Wales Bill is to be published by the autumn, for consultation ahead of final legislation in 2016.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-32882044
Plans to offer wide-ranging new powers to Wales have been announced in the Queen's Speech outlining the new Conservative government's priorities.
Decisions on some major energy projects including fracking will be handed to the assembly, along with taxi and bus regulation, and the voting age.
The Queen said the measures were part of a "strong and lasting constitutional settlement" across the UK.
Opposition parties have criticised the delay and limited scope of the powers.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the 26-bill package was a "programme for working people" that would create full employment and "bring our country together".
A bill to allow an "in-out" referendum on UK EU membership was included.
However, the prime minister has delayed plans to scrap the Human Rights Act, in order to avoid a potential confrontation with his own backbenchers.
Power pledge
The proposals for further devolution for Wales - covering energy, transport and the running of elections - reflect the plans outlined by Mr Cameron in the St David's Day announcement.
The assembly will have more control over its own affairs as well as energy and transport issues
◾Decisions over energy projects generating up to 350 megawatts of power on or offshore to be devolved - larger projects to remain the responsibility of the UK government
◾Transport - responsibility for ports, taxi regulation, registration of bus services and speed limits
◾Fracking - licensing for all onshore oil and gas exploration in Wales, including shale oil and gas
◾Elections - whether 16 and 17-year-olds should vote in assembly and local council elections
◾Assembly affairs - control over its name, size and the system used to elect its members
◾Permanence of the assembly and the Welsh government to be enshrined in law
◾Reserved powers model outlining the list of policies that remain under UK government control, with all other matters considered devolved
Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb said: "Today's Queen's Speech will strengthen Wales' place within the United Kingdom by taking forward the St David's Day agreement.
"It boosts the engines of growth and puts working people centre-stage with radical measures to reward hard work.
"Our priority is to continue to secure the economic recovery for Wales and ensure all parts of the country share in it. That means investing in infrastructure, encouraging enterprise and backing small businesses."
A draft version of the new Wales Bill is to be published by the autumn, for consultation ahead of final legislation in 2016.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-32882044
that should be good news for Cabby John and his mates time to get organised for this is NOW hit the ground running
