Senedd reform

That this House notes the publication of electoral reform legislation by the Welsh Government as part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru on 18 September, 26 years to the day Wales voted Yes for devolution; recognises that these reforms follow the recommendations of a cross-party committee and will ensure a stronger and more representative Senedd, better able to fulfil its key purpose of making a positive difference for people across Wales; emphasizes that the Senedd has spearheaded progressive policies including free prescriptions for all and universal primary free school meals; highlights that the reform package increases the size of the Senedd to 96 members, bringing it closer to parity with other devolved legislatures; recognises that all seats will be elected via proportional representation, which, alongside statutory gender quotas and returning to four-year terms, will guarantee a more representative Senedd where every vote counts; stresses the stark contrast with the UK Government approach of introducing voter ID and reducing the number of Welsh MPs by eight; highlights that the annual cost of the reforms represent 0.07% of the Welsh budget, offset against the loss of MEP representation following Brexit and MP representation following the boundary review, considerably less than the costs of the expanding membership of the House of Lords, and the estimated £22 billion cost of restoring the Palace of Westminster, which matches Wales’ whole annual budget; and calls on the UK Government to follow in the Senedd’s footsteps by enacting progressive electoral reforms that underwrite and strengthen democracy.