Powys says ‘Yes’... just about

While Wales gave an overwhelming yes for the Welsh Assembly Government to have more powers, local residents have been less convinced.

 

While only one in three bothered to vote nationally, almost 50 per cent voted in Powys which was only just in favour of the proposal with 51.6% compared to national support reaching 63.5%.

 

And Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies puts that down to the Assembly’s disappointing performance in Mid Wales, especially in its role in Newtown’s traffic nightmare.

 

Mr Davies, who declared last night that he voted ‘yes’ Facebooked this afternoon: “Right referendum result, in my opinion, but a big No vote in Powys though – this reflects the way Powys has been treated by the Assembly Government. I reckon the Newtown traffic problems, and the deputy First Minister’s reluctance to engage with the problem, led at least 1000 to vote No. Now to translate the vote into practice.”

 

Wales will now have more direct law-making powers whereas, previously, London had to approve every change.