SCECLB229 Sarah Hughes

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 Sarah Hughes | Evidence from Sarah Hughes

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)?

We need the best candidate and if female representation needs to be increased that is appropriate but trans issues should not diminish women's representation. Women and not trans women.

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

A statement is insufficient and face value is open to abuse. I cannot understand how this is appropriate to determine female representation. Do you want women representation or want to promote trans. You cannot represent a woman's views otherwise.

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?

Party politics ensure that there are insufficient challenges to policy decisions so how will this alter. Yes improved representation is a positive progression but if it only results in following the party line, what changes will this bring. The Senedd does not listen now and is a stubborn remote, but single minded institution.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

That the representation the Bill proposes will only result in more power to trans and not women, biological women.

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

A huge underestimate of the actual costs. Has any citizen complained of a need to increase MS? There are more relevant issues that will improve outcomes and this is not one. Please concentrate on delivering improvements to infrastructure, health services and education. These do improve the lives of people the WG should serve.

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?

The wording of the precise nature, etc. is too vague, and this is concerning

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

Yes I do as women's representation is important as is bringing in people from all backgrounds and not just gender based.

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

Are there any other issues that you would like to raise about the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum or any related matters?

We do not need more MS and the cost implications should be a very important consideration. Woman's rights and representation should outweigh trans as I think this will result in a very different representation if implemented