January 2007
2007 promises to be an exciting year for Welsh politics, whether you're an anorak or not! Assembly elections will be held on May 3rd and no-one really knows what the outcome will be. Predictions are that it will be a coalition government of some sort, with no-one party expected to win an absolute majority, but what parties will comprise that coalition is anybody's guess.
New powers will come into force as well - powers that came as part of the Government of Wales Act that received Royal assent in July of last year.
In Scotland, opinion polls are indicating that the Scottish National Party could be poised to win the Scottish Parliament elections this May north of the border. High on the SNP campaigning agenda is a referendum on Scottish independence, a topic that has taken up its fair share of column inches in the national press, with its implications for the possible break-up of the Union.
There are similarities and differences in the devolution processes in Scotland and Wales. Wales, if you want, is one step behind Scotland at the moment in that many will be campaigning for a Parliament as the next step in the process in Wales.
Independence is not currently part of the debate - politicians don't want to get bogged down with constitutional matters and neglect health, education and community development etc. Whether it will eventually become an issue is not straightforward as the two nations' economies, histories and demographics are very different.
Having said that, there will be strong advocates for both independence (although they are currently holding their cards very close to their chest) and the Union.
All in all, it's a good time for Christians to get involved in politics!
Jim
In the Assembly work we do, we seek to:
- Scrutinise and monitor the Assembly and the Welsh media
- Identify key opportunities for Christians to get involved and make a difference
- Equip and support Christians as they seek to understand and get involved in politics and civic society.
For details of the work being carried out in the National UK Public Affairs office or the other Nations please go to the respective public affairs pages:
UK Public Affairs
Northern Ireland Public Affairs
Scottish Public Affairs
