Welsh Assembly: Yes to independent power

Welsh voters have voted 'Yes' in the referendum for greater law making and tax raising powers for the Welsh Assembly.  Until now the assembly formed in 1999 has still had to seek permission from the Westminster Parliament for major legislative changes it wants to enact.

Over 800,000 voters took part in the poll.  Just under two thirds of voters 63.5% voted Yes vote against 36.5% opting for the No vote.

Some of the pitfalls of the campaign will be watched by the campaigners for the UK AV referendum.

Some of the new areas that the Assembly will have executive power over include health and education

Carwyn Jones, the First Minister and Welsh Labour leader said in a victory conference speech: "Today an old nation came of age."

Deputy First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said it marked "this was the beginning of a new era of Welsh devolution” and “the decade to deliver for Wales".

Ashok Viswanathan