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Counting begins in Welsh Referendum

News | Richard Gurner | Published: 09:00, Friday March 4th, 2011.

Counting has begun on the vote to decide whether the Welsh Assembly should have greater law-making powers.

At the moment, the Assembly can pass laws in 20 devolved areas such as health and education. Yes campaigners argue the current system is slow as approval for new laws has to be sought from the Westminster Parliament.

No campaigners have argued the present system is fine and that any increase in law-making powers for Wales is the start of a slide towards an independent Wales and the break-up of the United Kingdom.

Campaigners hit the streets yesterday to encourage people to vote with prominent local figures on both sides of the argument.

Former Islwyn MP Don Touhig, who is now a Peer, said he would vote No as he didn’t want to see “piecemeal chop and change” of the constitution. His Labour colleagues Wayne David MP and Jeff Cuthbert AM, who both represent Caerphilly, were out doorstepping for a Yes vote.

Plaid Cymru were also out urging voters to say Yes with Ron Davies, who is standing for the party in May’s Assembly election for the Caerphilly seat, joined by Euro MP Jill Evans.

Mr Davies, who is currently a councillor on Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I am pleased by the response I’ve had so far. The people of Wales need a strong voice in the Assembly to fight against the cuts forced upon us by Westminster.”

The referendum was a key part of the coalition deal struck by Labour and Plaid Cymru after the last Assembly election in 2007.

Counting is taking place in 22 counting centres in each of Wales’ local authority areas. The results will be collated at the Assembly’s Senedd home in Cardiff Bay before a result is announced by the Electoral Commission.

Early speculation is that the Yes vote has won. Martin Shipton, the Western Mail’s chief reporter, told BBC Wales: “It’s perfectly clear that there’s going to be a yes vote, probably with a majority of about two-to-one.”

Wales Referendum Booklet English Final

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