Wales devolution: 'Free and open' powers debate call

Stephen Crabb and Carwyn Jones will discuss plans for further devolution in July

A free and open discussion is needed about which powers Westminster should keep as Welsh devolution continues, the first minister has said.

The UK government is bringing in a so-called reserved powers system, where everything will be run from Cardiff Bay apart from named policy areas.

Carwyn Jones told AMs it would provide clarification and will be helpful.

He said he would be happy for Westminster to keep control of issues such as defence, benefits and firearms.

'Careful consideration'

Mr Jones said the "illustrative" list published by the UK government in February was too long and "wholly unacceptable".

He did not, however, expect the list, to be put forward in July, to be as long.

"It's the scope of the reservations that will need careful consideration in order for the reserved powers model to work," he told the assembly's constitutional and legislative affairs committee on Monday.

"If all these reservations were put in place we'd be in the position we were in pre-1999 [when the assembly was created].

"In fairness, I have raised this with the secretary of state [Stephen Crabb] and he understands, and it's not something he would wish to see.

"It's unfortunate this annex was published.

"Stephen Crabb certainly gives me the impression this is a discussion that will take place freely and openly. I welcome that."