Labour MP blasts devolution and calls for second Brexit vote

Labour’s Cynon Valley MP Ann Clwyd believes that Welsh devolution was probably a mistake and doubts whether she would ever have voted for it if she knew then what she knows now.

In a wide-ranging interview with journalist Guto Harri for the S4C programme Y Byd yn ei le, Ms Clwyd also calls for a second Brexit referendum and believes that the people of her constituency would have voted differently if they knew then what they know now.

On the programme to be aired tomorrow night (Tuesday, 9 April, 9.30pm, English subtitle available) Ann Clwyd, originally from Flintshire, said, “As you know, I have been critical of health and education in Wales and have been critical of devolution as well. I do think it was a mistake.”

Health and Education are matters devolved to Wales and under the control of the Labour Welsh Government.

When asked whether she would vote for devolution if there were another vote, she admitted that she would have her doubts and “that only time will tell” whether devolution can be saved.

A long-time campaigner for civil rights in the UK and abroad, the staunch Remainer is concerned that Jeremy Corbyn may facilitate the UK.’s departure from the EU in his current negotiations with the government.

”I would be very angry if we left because too many people voted to leave without knowing exactly what it would entail,” she said.

“I can only speak for what I’ve found in talking to people in my own area… They understand that what Boris and his bus promised… the money they promised… was not available.. We need to give people another opportunity to vote.”

She adds that she believes Jeremy Corbyn has growing into the job as leader, but she is wary of the group of people around him influencing policy and decisions.