Welsh devolution

rdf:langString Welsh devolution

rdf:langString Welsh devolution (Welsh: Datganoli i Gymru) is the transfer of legislative power for self-governance to Wales by the Government of the United Kingdom. Wales was conquered by England during the 13th century; the 1284 Statute of Rhuddlan caused Wales to lose its de facto independence and formed the constitutional basis for it as a principality in the "Realm of England". The Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542 applied English law to Wales and united the Principality and the Marches which effectively ended both and incorporated Wales into England. The Wales and Berwick Act 1746 defined "England" to include Wales until the Welsh Language Act 1967, which separated Wales from England within the sovereign state of the United Kingdom. Political movements supporting Welsh self-rule began in the late nineteenth century alongside a rise in Welsh nationalism. The devolution of some administrative responsibilities began in the early twentieth century, as well as the passing of laws specific to Wales. Since World War II, various movements and proposals have advocated different models of Welsh devolution. In 1979, a referendum on devolution was rejected by 79% of voters. In 1997, subsequent referendum on devolution narrowly supported devolution. Laws were passed to establish the National Assembly for Wales and grant it secondary legislative powers over areas such as agriculture, education and housing. The third referendum in 2011 saw voters support full primary law-making powers for the National Assembly over specified areas of governance. After the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020, the National Assembly was renamed "Senedd Cymru" (in Welsh) and the "Welsh Parliament" (in English) (also collectively referred to as the "Senedd"), which was seen as a better reflection of the body's expanded legislative powers. The Welsh Labour Party advocates for further Welsh devolution and "far-reaching federalism" with powers equal Scotland and Northern Ireland, whilst the Welsh nationalist party, Plaid Cymru has described devolution as a stepping stone towards full Welsh independence.