Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament

Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament is the devolved, unicameral legislature of Wales. It has the power to make legislation, approve Welsh Government budgets, and scrutinise the work of ministers. The institution, commonly referred to simply as the Senedd, represents the culmination of a long political journey for Welsh devolution.

History and establishment

The establishment of a legislature for Wales followed a 1997 referendum in which a narrow majority voted in favour of devolution. This led to the passage of the Government of Wales Act 1998 by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, creating the National Assembly for Wales, which first convened in 1999. Initially an executive body with limited secondary law-making powers, its authority was significantly expanded by the Government of Wales Act 2006, which formally separated the legislature from the Welsh Government. A further referendum in 2011 granted the Assembly primary law-making powers across its devolved areas. The institution was renamed Senedd Cymru or Welsh Parliament in 2020 following the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020, a change championed by figures like former First Minister Carwyn Jones and reflecting its enhanced constitutional status.

Powers and responsibilities

The Senedd derives its authority from successive Government of Wales Acts, which define its legislative competence. Key devolved areas include health, education, local government, the Welsh language, the environment, and transport. It cannot legislate on reserved matters such as defence, foreign policy, and most aspects of taxation, which remain with the UK Parliament. The Senedd scrutinises the Welsh Government, led by the First Minister, and is responsible for approving the Welsh budget, which is funded partly by the HM Treasury and partly by devolved taxes like Land Transaction Tax. Its laws, known as Acts of Senedd Cymru, receive Royal Assent from the British monarch.

Composition and elections

The Senedd comprises 60 elected members, known as Members of the Senedd (MSs). Elections are held every five years under the Additional Member System, a form of proportional representation. Voters cast two ballots: one for a constituency MS (40 are elected from geographical constituencies matching Westminster seats) and one for a regional MS (20 are elected from five electoral regions). The current Sixth Senedd was elected in the 2021 Senedd election. The largest party, Welsh Labour, typically forms the government, sometimes as a minority administration or in a formal co-operation agreement, as seen with Plaid Cymru. Other represented parties include the Welsh Conservatives and the Welsh Liberal Democrats. The presiding officer is the Llywydd, a role held by Elin Jones of Plaid Cymru.

Building and location

The Senedd has been housed in its iconic, award-winning Senedd building in Cardiff Bay since 2006. Designed by the Richard Rogers architectural practice, the building is notable for its sustainable design, featuring a large timber roof and funnel that directs natural light into the debating chamber. It is located adjacent to other key institutions like Wales Millennium Centre and Pierhead Building. The building's public gallery and open design are intended to symbolise the transparency and accessibility of the devolved democracy. Prior to its construction, the institution met in the nearby Tŷ Hywel building and, temporarily, in Crickhowell House.

Relationship with other UK legislatures

The Senedd operates within the broader context of UK devolution, alongside the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Its relationship with the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Westminster is defined by the principle that UK Parliament sovereignty remains, but it does not normally legislate on devolved matters without the Senedd's consent, as per the Sewel convention. Inter-governmental relations are managed through forums like the Joint Ministerial Committee. The Welsh Government also interacts directly with the UK Government, particularly on financial matters through the Barnett formula. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the ultimate arbiter of disputes regarding the legal competence of the Senedd's legislation.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Wales Category:Devolution in the United Kingdom