In May this year, the student community helped deliver a historic result for Welsh Politics. Both Cardiff constituencies delivered 3 Plaid MSs to the Senedd. Students rejected right wing populism by electing 10 out of a possible 12 progressive candidates.
Yet, despite many students who turned out to give Plaid a mandate to govern, many did not understand what they were voting for and, crucially, why they should care. Now, with student votes helping clear the path for a first ever non-Labour Welsh Government, what powers does this newly elected Administration have?
The most important distinction to make is the difference in control between the UK Government and the Welsh Government. The UK Government (based in London) has ‘reserved’ powers over issues like foreign policy, military spending, constitutional issues (like whether or not Wales will be allowed more powers), and justice. The Welsh Government, on the other hand, has power over the NHS in Wales, transport, housing, and (most importantly for students) education.
It is also a common misconception that the Welsh Government is the same thing as the Senedd. The Welsh Government is made up of MSs from the largest party of the Senedd (or any supporting parties where necessary). They are the ones who set the policy agenda, present a budget, and manage the day to day goings on of government.
The Senedd, however, is made up of a number of parties (including Plaid, Labour, Reform, the Greens, and one Liberal Democrat) and its main role is ensuring the Government is scrutinised on its policy decisions and held to account. It also passes legislation (or laws) to set out long term policy goals onto the statute books. However, this doesn’t answer the question, why should I care? What difference does it make to my life?
For Cardiff students, the Senedd does so much more than you realise. For example, Plaid MS Keira Marshal is leading the charge on tackling sexual violence within universities. She has been a major proponent in the promotion of Cardiff’s own Time To Act’s petition—to make it law that universities must protect students from sexual violence.
The Welsh Government will also be vital in deciding the financial future of Welsh universities. Minister for Tertiary Education, Cefin Campbell, revealed early last month that the government was launching a report into the future of welsh universities, and he revealed exclusively to Gair Rhydd that they were considering options for if and when they would “step in” to save or support universities.
Equally important to students, however, will also be access to the NHS. Plaid have committed to hiring “up to 100 additional GPs” to help tackle waiting lists. This will help students get quicker access to support in the NHS. The Welsh Government also provides all people in Wales with free prescriptions, a vital policy in a time of such high cost of living.
The Senedd and Welsh Government are vital to your day-to-day life. They decide how long you have to wait to see a doctor. They decide how sexual violence is prevented.
Most importantly, they represent you when Westminster won’t.