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Royals head to Cardiff to salute greater powers for people of Wales

Xinhua, June 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Britain's leading Royals turned out in force on Tuesday in what was an historic day for self-governance in Wales.

The Wales Bill introduced Tuesday in the House of Commons paves the way for new stronger self-rule powers for the principality.

Arriving in Cardiff for the occasion, Queen Elizabeth II, her husband Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, were given the red carpet treatment and a 21-gun welcoming salute as they came to the Welsh capital to officially open the new session of the Welsh Assembly.

Meanwhile, Alun Cairns, secretary of state for Wales, said the Wales Bill could set in stone a strong package of powers for Welsh Assembly members.

In an article published Tuesday in the Western Mail, the leading newspaper of Wales, Cairns said Welsh Assembly members took their seats Tuesday for what he firmly believe was about to become a historic period of governance in Wales.

"The Bill makes the Welsh Assembly permanent and more accountable to people in Wales ... This is democracy truly coming of age in Wales. The Bill leaves no issue in doubt as to whether Westminster or Cardiff is responsible for particular pieces of legislation, and puts the assembly firmly in the driving seat," he said.

Important transport issues such as speed limits on roads, environmental responsibility regarding fracking, and ports are amongst a number of powers that will become the responsibility of the Welsh Parliament.

Cairns said it gave the assembly the ability to change its name to a parliament and whittles down the long list of responsibilities previously overseen by Westminster.

"The people of Wales have voted for more powers for the assembly, but made clear they do not want separation from the rest of the UK. The Wales Bill captures that appetite for devolution while ensuring we enjoy the benefits of being part of a larger union," he added.

At the Senedd, home of Wales' parliament, the Presiding Officer Elin Jones said Tuesday's royal opening reinforced the assembly's position as "a focal point for Welsh civic, political and cultural life."

She said: "It is the state opening of Wales' parliament and also an opportunity for us to showcase and celebrate the talent that we have here in Wales, as we mark the beginning of the fifth assembly." Endit