Silk Commission evidence

A group of students from the Department of International Politics will present evidence to the Silk Commission on Devolution in Wales on Tuesday the 27th of March.

The evidence gathering session is part of a series of meetings being held by the Commission throughout Wales to discuss whether or not the Welsh Government should have tax varying and borrowing powers.

The Aberystwyth University session will be held between 3 and 4pm at the Main Hall, International Politics Building and will be attended by a group of Welsh medium undergraduate and Masters students from the Department of International Politics.

Dr Elin Royles, Lecturer in Welsh Politics at the Department of International Politics, said; “As the Commission for Devolution in Wales reviews the case for devolving budgetary powers to the National Assembly for Wales, it has collected written evidence and has now started to collect oral evidence.

This group of students will present their opinions to the Commission based on their studies and on a workshop that was held with the staff to discuss the key issues pertaining to economic accountability, the devolution of tax varying and borrowing powers.

The students have studied modules on the politics of Wales as a part of their University course, and the Department believes firmly in improving the employability of our students through offering every kind of alternative learning experience to them during their time here.

This session of presenting evidence to the Silk Commission is another unique chance for them to develop upon what they have learned in their lectures and seminars and to make the most of the opportunities that come their way as Welsh medium students in the Department.”

Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor, Professor April McMahon, welcomed the visit of the Commission, saying; “It is vital that Aberystwyth students are given the opportunity to engage with the current political and social debates in the world around them, and to give feedback on the key topics of discussion. I’m pleased to welcome the Silk Commission on their visit to our University.”

Later on Tuesday, the Silk Commission will hold a public meeting at Y DRWM, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth between 6.30 and 8pm. 
Members of the public are invited to come along to hear more about the work of the Commission, take part in a Question Time styled discussion and put forward their views on the financial future of Wales.

The panel will include the Chair of the Commission Paul Silk, Commissioner Eurfyl ap Gwilym, National Librarian Andrew Green and Aberystwyth University Professor Roger Scully.  It will be chaired by local Commissioner and former Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Noel Lloyd.

Paul Silk, Chair of the Commission, said: “Hearing the views of people across Wales is hugely important to us as a Commission and will help inform our deliberations.  We have always said that we want to engage as widely as possible and these events will help us do that.”

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