Actor Profile

Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA)

Wales' leading independent think tank, founded 1986. Membership-based charity specialising in public policy debate around economy, education, environment and health in Wales.

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Why Included?

Legitimises devolution through evidence-based policy framing

Statements

IWA Director Auriol Miller - response to Constitutional Commission final report

2024-01-18

The IWA was closely involved with the Commission's work, with Miller serving on the Expert Panel.

Miller welcomed the recommendations, arguing the report demonstrated instability in the current settlement and that the package should be implemented together.

Direct quotes

  • "The final report of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales clearly articulated the instability and inefficiency of the current devolution settlement."

IWA analysis by Joe Rossiter: Building the Democratic Puzzle - MSs vote to support Senedd Reform

2024-05-09

The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill passed, expanding the parliament to 96 members.

Rossiter argued expansion was vital to match devolved responsibilities while warning about risks of a closed-list system.

Direct quotes

  • "Expanding the Senedd to 96 Members is a vital move to keep pace with the growing list of responsibilities and powers devolved to Wales over the last decade."
  • "As we look to further entrench and reform devolution, these reforms make the Senedd fit for the present and fitter for the future."

Cenhadaeth Cymru report: Governing with Purpose - Achieving Progress

2024-12-05

Report designed to shape the policy agenda ahead of the 2026 election campaign season.

It called for a mission-led approach to governance and argued constitutional reform should underpin delivery, including devolution of the Crown Estate.

Direct quotes

  • "25 years into Wales' ongoing devolution journey, now is the time to rethink how devolved government can achieve ambitious transformations in our collective wellbeing."
  • "Matters of constitutional reform should overlay any proposals that inhibit radical thinking - making a clear case based on delivery, e.g. devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales."

Long-read article by Mick Antoniw MS: Devolution and Constitutional Reform

2025-06-17

Published on the IWA Welsh Agenda platform, a long-form essay by the outgoing Labour MS.

Antoniw argued further devolution was urgently needed and noted some Westminster politicians remained unconvinced about devolution.

Direct quotes

  • "Devolution can mean different things to different people. For some, it is a stepping stone to independence; to others, particularly in the Labour movement, it is a process of decentralisation of power and of empowerment of people and communities."
  • "Amongst the new generation of politicians - in all political parties - and in Westminster, there are some who remain unconvinced; who still see devolution as something they have inherited but would probably rather do without."
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