Welsh Government to Enact Ban on Politicians’ Deception Ahead of Next Senedd Election

Welsh authorities have promised to introduce laws by 2026 that will allow them to disqualify Welsh Parliament members who deliberately deceive.

Welsh journalist @TomosGruffydd

Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 12:

Wales is set to implement a prohibition on dishonest statements by politicians ahead of the upcoming Senedd election.

The government of Wales has pledged to enact a law by 2026 that would allow for the expulsion of Senedd members if they are found to have deliberately made false statements.

Mick Antoniw, the counsel general for the Welsh government, expressed a firm commitment to the principle.

"By 2026, the Welsh government plans to introduce a law that will disqualify members and candidates who are proven to have intentionally deceived others, following an independent judicial review," he announced in the Senedd on Tuesday evening. The government will also request that the committee submit suggestions regarding this matter.

"I am dedicated to this cause, and so is the Welsh government. I believe that, collectively as the Senedd, we are all united in this commitment."

On Tuesday, Adam Price, the leader of Plaid Cyrmy, presented the party’s unique proposal.

Prior to the voting process, the Labour administration announced plans to implement new legislation by the upcoming Senedd election.

Mr. Price stated, "The credibility of politicians has reached an unprecedented low."

"The driving force behind this section is a shared concern among us, which focuses on the ways we can restore, reconstruct, and preserve our trust in democracy."

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Nonetheless, some members of the Senedd expressed worries that making deceit in politics a criminal offense could threaten their parliamentary privilege.

Conservative James Davies expressed concerns that it could "jeopardize our parliamentary privilege," a sentiment that was also voiced by Labour's Hefin David.

Peter Fox of the Welsh Conservatives emphasized that the issue is "one that concerns everyone."

"He emphasized the importance of restoring the diminished trust in our profession, as it is crucial for the health of democracy that we are trusted and believed, which unfortunately has been undermined," he added.

"I'm optimistic that we'll discover a path ahead, hopefully, to restore confidence."

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Jane Dodds, the head of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, expressed her steadfast commitment to the principle of "protecting" democracy.

"Why is dishonesty so prevalent in politics? The reason is straightforward and quite disheartening – it's because it goes unpunished. Deceit thrives among politicians as there are rarely any serious consequences," she stated.

"Wales has the opportunity to set a precedent, not only within the UK but globally as well."

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