Overview

This bill proposes a referendum in Wales by December 31, 2024, to decide whether to abolish the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and the Welsh Government, ending devolution. If passed, no further such referendum can be held for 25 years.

Description

The bill mandates a referendum on the abolition of the Senedd and Welsh Government. The question on the ballot paper will ask whether these bodies should remain or be abolished, with options in both English and Welsh. The Secretary of State will set the referendum date (no later than December 31, 2024). Voting eligibility mirrors that of parliamentary elections in Wales. The Electoral Commission will provide recommendations for conducting the referendum, which the Secretary of State will enact through regulations requiring parliamentary approval. Crucially, the bill includes a 25-year ban on further referendums on this specific issue.

Government Spending

The bill states that all costs associated with the referendum and any consequential increases to existing government spending will be covered by Parliament. Specific figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• The people of Wales: Their vote will determine the future of devolution in Wales.
• The Senedd and Welsh Government: Their existence depends on the referendum outcome.
• Political parties in Wales: Their strategies and platforms will be significantly impacted by the referendum's result.
• Public services in Wales: The structure and governance of these services could change depending on the outcome.

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