SCECLB54 Philip Mort

Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament

Y Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio | Reform Bill Committee

Bil Senedd Cymru (Rhestrau Ymgeiswyr Etholiadol)| Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill

Ymateb gan Philip Mort | Evidence from Philip Mort

What are your views on the general principles of the Bill and the need for legislation to deliver the Welsh Government’s stated policy objective (to make the Senedd a more effective legislature by ensuring it is broadly representative of the gender make-up of the population)?

I firmly disagree with any gender quotas. I have a simple belief that it should be the best person selected for the job regardless of gender or race.

What are your views on the system of enforcement and potential sanctions for non-compliance proposed in the Bill?

Only women who were born with a womb should be recognised as women. Men claiming to identify as women should not be allowed to stand as such.

Are there any potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions? If so, what are they, and are they adequately taken into account in the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment?

Ideally the bill would not be submitted . The £100m price tag for the extra members should be spent on the NHS and aimed at bringing down waiting lists.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Yes. Too much government. Too much interference in people’s lives. This is already the case with the current number of AMs.

What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial and other impacts of the Bill?

Already answered above. It’s a waste of money in my opinion. Scrap the bill and spend the money elsewhere where it’s needed.

What are your views on the balance between the information contained on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation? Are the powers for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation appropriate?

Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights?

The Senedd is over reaching in many aspects. I’d make it smaller, not larger. The red tape and legislation that has been imposed on businesses in the last ten years is quite frankly, ridiculous.

Do you have any views on matters related to the quality of the legislation, or to the constitutional or other implications of the Bill?

Yes. I find the bill wholly undemocratic. Closed lists will allow failed politicians to stay in power for life. The lack of a recall mechanism for failed or corrupt AMs is also disconcerting. Lists should be open and the first past the post element should also be retained.