Referendum moves closer

Very interesting article in the Western Mail today about research into the support for further devolution. The study undertaken by Professors Richard Wyn Jones and Roger Scully shows a broad range of support for a Parliament for Wales. Plaid, Labour and Tory supporters are all in favour of further devolution, whilst the Lib Dems remain split although with a good number behind the idea.

The fact that the Tory support base has gone from utterly opposing the idea of an Assembly to backing plans for a Parliament is very encouraging. The fact Stephen Crabb and the Tory party machine are so quick to dismiss the results is less so. It is important now that those grass roots members in the Tory party that have indicated their support here make sure they let the devo-sceptic Tory politicians very aware of their stance.

With a clear majority of people polled backing a parliament for Wales here, added to the BBC poll earlier in the year that also showed support for further devolution it seems there is no case for suggesting that public support is not recognised. If the public continue to support it then the few Labour MP’s and Tory MP’s that block the plans will no longer be able to claim it is in anyone’s interests other than their own.