Wales marks 20 years since historic decision to vote ‘yes’ to devolution
Wales was today marking the 20th anniversary of the historic vote to say “yes” to devolution.
On 18 September, 1997, the country went to the polls and voted to establish the National Assembly for Wales.
The margin of those in favour over those against was just 6,721 votes (0.6 per cent).
An earlier referendum under the previous Labour government in 1979 saw devolution for Wales overwhelmingly rejected by a four-to-one majority.
It was Tony Blair who, after sweeping to power in 1997, arranged for referendums on devolution to be held in both Scotland and Wales.
In Scotland, the ballot – held a week earlier – saw a much more decisive victory, with 74.3 per cent in favour of a Parliament.
In the 20 yearssince, the Assembly has gained primary law-making powers through the Government of Wales Act 2006. And in 2011 Wales voted again to unlock further powers from Westminster. Wales Acts in 2014 and 2017 have seen the Assembly’s responsibilities widen further to include tax-raising powers for the first time in almost 800 years and responsibility for creating laws in over 20 areas of public life.
Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “Devolution in Wales has come a long way over the 20 years since the referendum.”