Welsh National Assembly

   The Wales Act established a National Assembly based in Cardiff, comprising 60 members. Members of the Welsh Assembly (AMs) are elected in the same way as MSPs (see Scottish Parliament), there being 40 constituency and 20 additional members. The Assembly does not currently have the power to introduce primary legislation, nor does it have fund-raising powers. It is responsible for secondary legislation, having scope to flesh out Bills already passed at Westminster by filling in details making them appropriate for Welsh conditions – for example, it can define the content of the national curriculum inWales. The National Assembly can also act as a kind of pressure group on the London Government, pressing for greater consideration of Welsh interests.

   An executive is formed from the membership of the Assembly, known as the Welsh Assembly Government. Initially, a Labour minority administration assumed office, but this gave way to a Labour–Liberal Democrat coalition. Following the 2003 elections, Labour ruled in Wales under the leadership of the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan. After 2007, he is again head of a coalition, this time with Plaid Cymru.

   Further reading: R. Deacon and A. Sandry, Devolution in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh University Press, 2007