Welsh Labour Government’s Expansion of Welsh Parliament Decried as Wasteful and Undemocratic
In a move that reeks of fiscal irresponsibility and undermines democratic principles, the Welsh Labour government has decided to expand the Welsh Parliament, adding more politicians to an already bloated bureaucracy. The move, backed by Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems, has been met with criticism for its refusal to allow the public a say in the matter.
The recent rejection of a Conservative amendment for a referendum on the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) bill exposes the dictatorial tendencies of the MS, who seem more interested in perpetuating their own ideology than serving the interests of the Welsh people. The refusal to seek public input on the contentious plans to enlarge the Senedd and alter the electoral system is a blatant disregard for democratic values.
What’s more, the estimated cost of this expansion is staggering. With an additional 36 Welsh Parliament members potentially costing an extra £18 million, not to mention the set-up costs of around £8 million, the Welsh government seems eager to squander taxpayer money on a venture that lacks public support.
The Welsh Parliament touted as the democratically elected body representing the interests of Wales and its people, has a track record of failures over the past 25 years. From healthcare to education, infrastructure to homelessness, the Labour-led government has consistently fallen short of expectations.
The NHS in Wales is in disarray, with waiting times increasing and a dire record on cancer waiting times. Despite cries of financial hardship, the government somehow finds millions for additional members of the Senedd. Education in Wales has hit its lowest-ever level in internationally recognized tests, showcasing another devolution failure. The failure to deliver crucial infrastructure projects, such as a north-to-south road, cancelled all new highway Infrastructure by doing so increased traffic congestion pollution in towns and villages that had planned bypasses to reduce traffic congestion pollution and increase traffic flows better for business and the economy. Not forgetting the 20 MPH implementation resulting in bus services being cut, frustrated motorists and the arrogance and labourers’ failure to take notice of the 20 MPH petition with more than 465,000 signatures.
The government’s inability to address homelessness, despite funding numerous organizations, raises questions about the efficacy of their initiatives. Additionally, the mismanagement of the Welsh Budget, with unspent funds of over £150 million returned to the UK Government, further highlights Labour’s financial ineptitude.
The litany of failures continues with the ill-fated £150 million M4 road, the £200 million investment in Cardiff airport, the £7.35 million loss over the Circuit of Wales project, and the questionable land deals that have cost taxpayers millions.
In light of these failures, it is clear that the Welsh Labour government’s decision to expand the Welsh Parliament is a waste of taxpayer money and a blow to democratic values. The people of Wales deserve better than a government that prioritizes its own interests over the well-being of the nation.
