Speaking at the launch of the ‘Yes for Wales’ campaign ahead of the referendum on full law-making powers for the National Assembly Nick Bourne AM said:
“It is a pleasure to be here this evening to join in the national launch of the official Yes Campaign.
Looking back to the 1997 referendum we have certainly been on an extraordinary journey.
And I believe the next step on that journey should be a ‘Yes’ vote on March 3. ”
Why we should vote yes
“Much effort has been made to ensure the National Assembly is an open and accessible institution.
Democracy by its nature should work in a clear way.
The public should be able to find out what decisions are being made on their behalf.
And who makes them.
This is why I would welcome the end of the LCO system and the start of the new and clearer system that would result from a ‘Yes’ vote.”
Welsh Conservative position
“As a Party, the Conservatives believe that devolution should belong to the people of Wales.
That is why we listened to the yes vote in 1997 and why Welsh Conservatives decided then to work to make devolution a success.
The Party will not be taking a formal position on the referendum.
It is critical that the debate on the future of the Assembly extends beyond the political classes, so everyone in Wales can cast their vote in an informed way.
But you will see members of the Welsh Conservative Party advocating a yes vote on the doorstep.
You will see elected members passionately arguing the case for a yes vote. I will certainly do so.
And you will see Conservative voters turn out on March 3 to vote yes.”
Danger of complacency
“Our chief enemy in this referendum is complacency.
We must ensure that all those who believe that our National Assembly will be more effective with these powers, similar to the position in Scotland, come out to vote ‘Yes’ on 3 March.
That is why the sense of public ownership of devolution is so important.
I believe the balance of evidence is firmly in favour of a yes vote.
And the opinion polls show a large level of public support.
A yes vote seems likely.
But there are also many ‘undecideds’ in the polls.
Other factors – like weather, the general public mood and attitudes towards governments in Cardiff and London – will play a part in the result too.”
The future
“I believe in the premise and promise of devolution.
The premise: that power should be devolved down to the lowest appropriate level, close to the people.
I have of course been disappointed by decisions taken by the Assembly Government.
As Leader of the Official Opposition it has been my responsibility to expose perceived shortcomings and argue for change.
But I have welcomed the positive decisions taken by the Assembly Government.
True Welsh devolution means a responsible society in Wales. We must embrace devolution in the good times and the bad. The successes and failures should be our responsibility.
And there is also the promise of devolution.
With the devolved power real and long-lasting improvements can be made in the daily lives of the public.
This has yet to be fully realised.
But a yes vote will be a step in the right direction.
That is a positive message and one I believe can catch the public’s imagination.”
