An article found that the 'acrimony' against positive actions for increasing the number of women Assembly Members in the Wales Labour Party was still in evidence in the reselection procedures for the 2003 elections. Although women in other parties in Wales had not lost ground there was only some minor improvement in the Conservative Party, and little evidence of impact of the Sex Discrimination (Election of Candidates) Act 2002.
Source: Julia Edwards and Christine Chapman, 'Women's political representation in the National Assembly for Wales', Contemporary Politics, Volume 9 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2003-Dec
A House of Commons briefing paper outlined the structure and powers of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. It also looked at the statutory and non-statutory framework for devolution, and at the powers of the United Kingdom Parliament in relation to the devolved institutions. It contained a brief chronology of events and compared the legislative process in each of the bodies.
Source: Matthew Leeke, Chris Sear and Oonagh Gay, An Introduction to Devolution in the UK, Research Paper 03/84, House of Commons Library (web publication only)
Links: HOC Library research paper (pdf)
Date: 2003-Nov
Researchers examined the strategies used by women activists in the devolved governments, and the impacts of constitutional change on women's political roles and identities. Women had managed to 'gender' mainstream debates and promote equality issues. However, the 'extraordinary' politics of Northern Ireland, and gender issues getting lost in the broader equalities agenda, remained areas of concern.
Source: Fiona Mackay and Elizabeth Meehan with Tahyna Donaghy and Paul Chaney, Gender and Constitutional Change, Economic and Social Research Council (01793 413000)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
Date: 2003-Nov
The government accepted in principle the main recommendations in a report by MPs on the primary legislative process in relation to Wales.
Source: The Government Response to the Fourth Report of the Committee: The Primary Legislative Process as it affects Wales, Third Special Report (Session 2002-03), HC 989, House of Commons Welsh Affairs Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Date: 2003-Jul
The Prime Minister announced the creation of a new Department for Constitutional Affairs, incorporating the Wales and Scotland Offices, as well as taking over most of the functions of the Lord Chancellor's Department (which would be abolished). After some confusion, it was clarified that the duties of the Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland would be combined with other cabinet posts, outside the new Department. Campaigners said the changes underlined the need for a written constitution.
Source: Press release 12.6.03, 10 Downing Street (020 7270 1234) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 18.6.03, columns 357-372, TSO (0870 600 5522) | Press release 18.6.03, Charter88 (020 8880 6088)
Links: Downing Street press release | Hansard | Charter88 press release | Constitution Unit press release | Guardian report
Date: 2003-Jun
A new cabinet post in Wales was announced (following the Assembly elections on 1 May 2003) with dedicated responsibility for cross-cutting social justice issues - including community safety, the police and fire services, substance misuse, the social economy, anti-poverty measures, social housing, the voluntary sector, and the development of the 'Communities First' programme.
Source: Press release 8.5.03, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: WAG press release
Date: 2003-May
A new book said the current devolution settlement is giving Wales the worst of both worlds (and Scotland the best) in terms of legislative powers and access to Westminster law-making.
Source: John Osmond and J. Barry Jones (eds.), Birth of Welsh Democracy: First term of the National Assembly for Wales, Institute of Welsh Affairs (029 2057 5511)
Links: Introduction (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2003-Mar
A monitoring report on the National Assembly for Wales highlighted the issue of university top-up fees as the biggest potential source of conflict so far between the Welsh and United Kingdom legislatures, threatening the National Assembly s budget and highlighting tensions over its limited powers.
Source: Dragon Debates its Future, Institute of Welsh Affairs (029 2057 5511)
Links: Press release
Date: 2003-Mar
A committee of MPs said that, wherever possible, the United Kingdom government should confer powers directly on the National Assembly for Wales by new primary legislation rather than by amending existing Acts or orders; that Bills affecting Wales should normally have a separate part setting out the law as it affects Wales; and that there should be a clear and comprehensive register of Welsh legislation.
Source: The Primary Legislative Process as it Affects Wales, Fourth Report (Session 2002-03), HC 79, House of Commons Welsh Affairs Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report
Date: 2003-Mar
