Queen’s confidence that enhanced law-making Assembly will deliver for Wales

7 June 2011

Her Majesty The Queen joined Assembly Members and representatives of communities from across Wales at the Senedd (7 June) to mark the official opening of the Fourth Assembly.

During her speech to Members, the Queen said that the “new Fourth Assembly marks a significant development in the history of devolution in Wales.

“During the various evolutionary stages of devolution in Wales, the Assembly has earned itself a well-deserved reputation for diligence and competence,” she added.

“You are now entrusted with the authority to make laws in all matters contained within the twenty subjects devolved to the Assembly and, for the first time, you will be passing Assembly Acts.

“The performance of the Assembly in discharging these new responsibilities will be closely scrutinised here in Wales.

“But on the evidence of what the National Assembly has already achieved these past twelve years, and with the commitment of you all, there is every cause for confidence in the future.”

The Assembly’s newly-appointed Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM, has already stated that one of the aims for the next five years is to increase the Assembly’s engagement with communities across Wales.

She re-affirmed this commitment in her address to the Queen and Members, as well as committing the Assembly to meeting the challenges of those enhanced law-making powers.

“On behalf of my fellow Assembly Members, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our guests from all parts of Wales and further afield, “ she said.

“It is a particular pleasure for me, as one of my first responsibilities as Presiding Officer, to welcome our royal guests,”

“Your Majesty, we are so pleased that you have been able to return here to the Senedd at the beginning of our Fourth Assembly, as we embark on another significant stage in the history of devolution. The people of Wales rightly have high expectations of us.

“Today is a celebration but it is also an opportunity to reflect on the road that lies ahead as we strive to meet those expectations.”

To view event and speeches visit Senedd TV.

Official opening of the Fourth Assembly, June 7 2011 - photos