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Government of Wales Bill

It is a shame that the Secretary of State believes that he can use the Bill to impose a constitutional lock by an unelected Chamber on the ambitions and aspirations of the people of Wales to deepen and enhance their democratic sovereignty. That is what the Bill does, and it is deeply objectionable to me and my party. Some Labour Members may share our belief that sovereignty lies with the people of Wales. It is insulting to give an unelected Chamber the power to reject a constitutionally based demand by the elected politicians who represent the Welsh people in the National Assembly. That such a demand can be flouted by an unelected Chamber that represents nothing, let alone the nation and people of Wales, is especially demeaning. I shall withdraw the amendment, but we may want to return to the matter. A consensus exists across the Chamber on this matter that we can build on with useful discussion. It is entirely unacceptable that the House of Lords should have a constitutional lock on the development of democracy in Wales. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.