Wales@Westminster weblog

It's Wales@Westminster weblog, BBC Wales' Parliamentary correspondent David Cornock's diary on political life. It's a two-way process though, so add your comments too.

Friday 28 November

Where's Plaid's pathfinder?
posted by David | 11130 GMT |

The new Shadow Welsh Secretary Bill Wiggin is an unhappy bunny.

Mr Wiggin's appointment was greeted with derision by Plaid Cymru. A leading party member promised to send the new Welsh Tory a map of Wales - in case he couldn't see the nation from his Leominster constituency.

The map hasn't arrived. "Where is it?" asks Mr Wiggin in a press release.

"Almost three weeks have passed by now and still there is no sign of it. This is a typical example of Plaid Cymru making promises and not delivering," he adds, before removing his tongue from his cheek.

Two weeks' notice
posted by David | 1502 GMT |

This year's Queen's Speech paves the way for arguably the biggest transfer of power to Cardiff since the assembly was established.

Seven of the 30 new laws and draft Bills contain significant Welsh elements, in many cases, allowing the Assembly to do its own thing.

One important piece of legislation is the Civil Contingencies Bill, which is designed to update the response to acts of terrorism and national emergencies.

The Bill will require the UK Government to consult the assembly on civil protection regulations - "unless action is needed urgently".

Plaid Cymru's parliamentary leader, Elfyn Llwyd, isn't the only one to wonder whether the government expects terrorists to give two weeks' notice of their plans.

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No costume drama
posted by David | 1437 GMT |
A postscript to my item about Peter Hain's role in the ceremony at the state opening of Parliament.

Mr Hain, in his role as Lord Privy Seal, took a leading role in the royal procession. Sadly, he appeared to be the only member of the procession without a costume.

"I was offered robes", Mr Hain assures me, "but I declined. I was happy in my suit."

At least voters now have an idea of the role of the Lord Privy Seal, which some had previously thought to be an up-market plumber.