 Assembly powers were examined by the Richard commission |
Welsh Labour leaders have renewed their commitment to giving more powers to the assembly after the general election. Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and First Minister Rhodri Morgan jointly outline Labour's policy and timetable in the Western Mail and Daily Post.
In an article published on Saturday, they said if Labour is re-elected on 5 May it will issue a White Paper on the options for further assembly powers.
Opposition parties said it was "the same old fudge" and "a cheap stunt".
The article confirms the party's stance on the future of devolution.
In a special conference in 2004, the Welsh Labour Party agreed that the options should be full law-making powers, after a referendum, or the option to amend or repeal laws passed by MPs.
Labour has rejected the Conservatives' policy of giving the public the choice of abolishing the assembly in any referendum.
The article also renewed the party's commitment to prevent AMs standing for both regional list seats and in directly-elected constituencies.
It read: "We recognise that to continue to develop a successful, competitive Wales to meet future challenges, we need a stronger assembly."
Opposition reaction
The Richard commission looking into the powers of the assembly, said in its report in March 2004 the institution should be granted full law-making powers.
However, two-thirds of Labour party members when consulted were opposed to this move.
Mike German, the Lib Dems' assembly leader, said: "Despite this 'new' announcement we still do not know what Labour will do about the assembly's powers.
"It's the same old fudge. Peter Hain and Rhodri Morgan are sadly mistaken if they think this new article will convince anyone.
"It is a blatant attempt to deflect criticism of what is clearly one of Labour's weak points in this election campaign."
'Richard proposals'
Conservative AM Glyn Davies said: "Labour's plans to change the rules on where candidates can stand are vindictive and spiteful.
"They are nothing more than a sop to their own party members and have nothing to do with serving the interests of democracy in Wales.
"These plans are nothing more than a cheap stunt by Rhodri Morgan and Peter Hain."
Plaid Cymru leader in the assembly Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "The article is extremely confusing... it doesn't actually set out what Labour wants in terms of enhanced powers for the assembly.
"And all this business about the White Paper is simply papering over the cracks in the Labour Party.
"What is important for the people of Wales is that there is an opportunity to put the Richard proposals in a referendum."
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