18/11/2009

The foundations of a National Care Service, abolition of child poverty and help towards energy bills for the frailest, most vulnerable people in our communities are amongst new Government legislation to deliver economic recovery and create a safer, fairer society for all, Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain said today.

Other key measures for Wales included in today’s Queen’s Speech will deliver high-speed broadband, improve community flood protections, safeguard regional TV news and tackle inequalities across our society.

Speaking after the Queen’s Speech, Mr Hain said: “Our focus is taking Wales, with the rest of the UK, from recession to sustainable economic recovery. But this is also a programme of tough action on other big issues that really matter to people, in line with this Government’s core values of fairness and responsibility.

“We are giving the full force of law to our commitment to abolish child poverty and to reduce the national debt. We will introduce free personal and social care in people’s own homes, working with Welsh Assembly Ministers on our aim for a National Care Service, and we will be helping the most vulnerable households with their energy bills.

“In addition, we will be safeguarding those communities at risk of flooding and promoting carbon capture technologies to help fight the threat of climate change. The Digital Economy Bill will safeguard the future of regional news on Channel 3 in Wales while also equipping us with high speed universal broadband so we can compete and lead in the global digital economy.�

Mr Hain added: “The programme will continue to deliver for the people of Wales in almost every aspect of their day-to-day lives. Of the 14 new Bills, 13 include provisions that will affect Wales, helping to improve lives, deliver economic prosperity and build a fairer society.�

Two Bills - the Children, Schools and Families Bill and the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill - will include framework powers for Wales, which will give the Welsh Assembly Government maximum discretion in bringing legislative proposals before the National Assembly for Wales. A further three Bills will contain specific provisions for Wales.

Mr Hain said: “The UK Government is continuing to work with the Welsh Assembly Government to extend the legislative competence of the National Assembly, whether through framework provisions or Legislative Competence Orders. The process is bringing real results for Wales, allowing the Welsh Assembly Government to make and implement policy decisions tailored to the needs and aspirations of the Welsh people. Made-in-Wales for the people of Wales.�

“As a passionate devolutionist, I am proud to have delivered the Government of Wales Act 2006, which put in place this settlement that enables the incremental devolution of powers to the National Assembly, whilst at the same time placing on the statute book for the first time ever, full-law making powers for the Assembly if and when the people of Wales decide they want it.

“Meanwhile, the Bills announced today, and their far-reaching consequences for Wales, highlight why it is absolutely essential that we continue to work hard with a full strength of Welsh MPs to deliver additional powers to Wales, whilst continuing to represent and safeguard Welsh interests in non-devolved matters here at Westminster.�