'New era for Wales' as referendum passes

Voters in Wales have approved direct law-making powers for the country's Assembly in a referendum.

The result was announced this afternoon - with an estimated 35 per cent turnout, just one out of 22 counties, Monmouthshire, voted no.

The final tally was yes 517,132 and no 297,380 - around 2.29 million people were eligible to vote.

The referendum asked people whether Wales should be able to pass its own laws in its 20 devolved areas, as opposed to applying to the UK Parliament.

At present legislation must first be approved by assembly members in Cardiff, before being passed by the Commons, the Lords and finally being given Royal Assent.

First minister Carwyn Jones hailed the result as "a yes vote across the whole of Wales".

"In a fast-changing world we can't afford to be stuck in the slow lane while everyone else in the UK can take decisions more quickly than us," he said.

Lib Dem leader Kirsty Williams said it was a new era for Wales.

"The tendency of the Welsh government to be the collective chip on the shoulder of Wales must end and in which the culture of blame is replaced by a culture of responsibility," she said.

Plaid Cymnru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said the result "marks the beginning of a new period of Welsh devolution".

"The people of Wales have today told us that they share our ambitions for a better Wales.

"They want to see our nation succeed and they want our Assembly to take responsibility and to change Wales for the better. I can promise you, this is what we are now determined to do."

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