BRIDGE RENAMING: THE LETTERS
LETTERS revealed under the Freedom of Information Act show that First Minister Carwyn Jones not only agreed to naming the Second Severn Crossing the Prince of Wales Bridge but welcomed the proposal and was ready to be involved in the renaming ceremony.
Correspondence between the First Minister and Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns shows “the Palace” sought clarity on the Welsh Government’s position.
Last month’s announcement that the iconic crossing would be renamed triggered online uproar and a petition against the change attracted nearly 38,000 signatures.
The exchange of letters makes clear the strength of the First Minister’s support for the renaming.
In a letter dated December 6, Mr Jones states: “I welcome the idea to rename the crossing the Prince of Wales Bridge. The Welsh Government will support the proposal and I stand by to be involved in the formal renaming ceremony. I would be grateful if your officials could liaise with my Diary Secretary on the arrangements for the ceremony.”
Mr Cairns had set out the proposals in a letter on March 8.
He wrote: “I have long been of the opinion that title of ‘Second Severn Crossing’ is not fitting for the main gateway to Wales from the South West.
“You will be aware that the Severn River Crossings will be returning to public ownership in 2018, once the current operating concession comes to an end. The Crossings are vital pieces of the UK’s infrastructure and together have united the people of Wales and England for 50 years.
“At this time the Prince of Wales will also be celebrating 50 years since the title was bestowed on him by Her Majesty the Queen. To mark this occasion the UK Government therefore intends to rename the Second Severn Crossing the ‘Prince of Wales Bridge’ in honour of the significant contribution that the Prince of Wales has made to our nation. I am sure you’ll join me in welcoming this positive announcement.”
The Welsh Secretary wrote again on September 24, stating that his “officials have been in close discussion with officials at St James’ Palace to complete the necessary processes that will lead to the bridge being renamed the ‘Prince of Wales Bridge’.”
He added: “I am confident that these are close to being completed.”
Mr Cairns sought assurances this had the “full support” of the Welsh Government and that Mr Jones was “content”.
He wrote: “Naturally, I want to ensure that the announcement has the full support of Welsh Government when it is made and that you will be involved in the formal renaming ceremony. My officials are happy to work with yours around handling.”
Again, on December 6, Mr Cairns pushed for assurances of support, writing: “Following our informal discussion, when you expressed your support, we have been working with Palace officials on the details. Before we can take the next step, the Palace has asked for clarity that the Welsh Government supports this initiative.
“Your office was kind enough to signal that you had seen my earlier letter. However, I am now in a position where I need to be able to let the Palace have a clear steer. I do hope you will feel able to write back in supportive terms.”
On the same day, Mr Jones wrote that he welcomed the renaming and that it had Welsh Government support.
Jamie Matthews, who organised the petition, said: “We’ve known for a while that the Welsh Government are supportive on the name change, along with Alun Cairns and the UK Government. I think it’s just disappointing they haven’t listened to the strength of feeling of those who have signed the petition.”