A general debate on Welsh affairs is held each year in the Commons Chamber on, or around, St. David's Day. Since 2010 the Backbench Committee has allocated time for the annual debate from its 35 allotted days.
There is no debate pack for this debate but links to relevant briefings are provided below.
The first debate specifically set aside for discussion of “Welsh affairs” in the House of Commons took place on 17 October 1944.
That debate was led by Megan Lloyd George, the Liberal MP for Anglesey, who considered the debate “somewhat overdue”. She said: “We welcome this Debate as a recognition of the distinctive problems and needs of Wales, not as an area, not as a part of England, but as a nation with a living language of its own, with hundreds of years of history behind it, and with its own culture.”
Not all Welsh Members supported the idea of a dedicated debate. Aneurin Bevan, the Labour MP for Ebbw Vale, said that while Wales had “a special place, a special individuality, a special culture and special claims”, he did not think “this is the place where any of them can properly be considered”.
The United Kingdom constitution – a mapping exercise
A briefing paper which “maps” (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom’s uncodified constitution, including the devolution settlement in Wales.
Members of Parliament holding dual mandates
A briefing detailing MPs who also held seats in the European Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish Parliament, and Senedd Cymru / National Assembly for Wales, since 1973.
Devolution in Wales: “A process, not an event”
A briefing paper on the devolution settlement in Wales, examining the events which led to the creation of the then National Assembly of Wales in 1999 and the subsequent expansion of the powers of what is now the Senedd (or Welsh Parliament) over the past quarter of a century.
Introduction to devolution in the United Kingdom
An introduction to the devolution settlements in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, London and parts of England.
Impact of the Spring Budget 2024 on the Welsh economy
This briefing was published for a debate on the impact of the Spring Budget 2024 on the Welsh economy
King’s Speech: The constitution and devolution HL Deb 23 Jul 2024 cc 431-88
King’s Speech: The constitution and devolution HL Deb 23 Jul 2024 cc 371-418
Spring Budget 2024: Welsh Economy HC Deb 17 Apr 2024 cc 108-21WH
Farming in Wales and the UK HC Deb 5 Mar 2024 cc 266-75WH
Welsh Affairs HC Deb 29 Feb 2024 cc 507-36
Two Private Members Bills
The Crown Estate (Wales) Bill [HL], introduced in the Lords, seeks to transfer responsibility for the Crown Estate in Wales to the Welsh government. The bill has had its First Reading and Second Reading and is currently awaiting a date for its Committee Stage.
The Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill makes provision about absent voting in connection with local government elections in Scotland and Wales, elections to the Scottish Parliament and elections to Senedd Cymru. The bill had its First Reading and Second Reading and is currently awaiting a date for its Committee Stage.
Prisons, Probation and Rehabilitation in Wales – This inquiry is looking at the challenges and opportunities that are presented by this unique constitutional arrangement, examining where the UK and Welsh Governments are working well together, as well as identifying areas for improvement.
The environmental and economic legacy of Wales’ industrial past – this inquiry will examine their environmental legacy, the economic impact of their decline, and what it means for Wales as it transitions to the green and digital economies
Promoting Wales for inward investment – an inquiry looking at how ‘Brand Wales’ is promoted internationally to market Wales as a competitive destination for inward investment, and what lessons can be learnt from success stories in the creative industries and sports sectors.
All current non-enquiry sessions
All current regular evidence sessions
First Special Report – Broadcasting in Wales: Government response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2022–23 (published 17 Jan 2024)
This paper provides an overview of the constitutional status and functions of the law officers of the United Kingdom. This includes the law officers of the UK Government and those that advise the three devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
An updated briefing paper on oaths of allegiance taken by senior office holders in the UK. This includes the Parliamentary Oath taken by MPs and peers and the judicial oath taken by judges.
