The LCO -Hat Tip to Betsan Powys

(1) Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the 2006 Act is amended in accordance with this article. (2) In field 20 (Welsh language), insert -

"Matter 20.1
Promoting or facilitating the use of the Welsh language; and the treatment of the Welsh and English languages on the basis of equality.
This matter does not include the use of the Welsh language in courts.
This matter does not include imposing duties on persons other than the following -
"The following" are along the lines we predicted: public authorities, those with contracts to provide services to public authorities, companies who receive public money amounting to £200,000 (any public money whatsoever by the looks of it) or more in a financial year; social landlords, regulators, companies who supply gas, water or electricity services, postal services and post offices, railway services, telecommunication services,sewerage services are there and "telecommunication services" doesn't include broadcasting, radio or television.
Matter 20.2
Provision about or in connection with the freedom of persons wishing to use the Welsh language to do so with one another (including any limitations upon it".

No word about a Commissioner but then "Matter 20.1" clearly devolves the power to create that powerful role.
No mention of sanctions, other than the final words, any functions so conferred or imposed may not be enforced against Ministers of the Crown by means of criminal offences".
This is an LCO. a request for power Six pages of detail. I wait to see what comes tomorrow from the opposition.
I dont know what to make of this, it doesnnt hit business which is good, but seems to leave wiggle room for Whitehall, may be the next stage will shed more light - the actual legislation

Lordy Lordy

So Jack Straw wants to sort out the Lords.
No Lords with criminal records to be allowed , that's Jeffrey Archer out then .
Stop MPs and Lords having other jobs, that could be difficult,the Lords aren't paid as such -are they?
MPs yes I agree with that , the job of representing their constituents and governing should be enough.
Why not just be radical and abolish the upper chamber in its present form.I do agree we need a counter balance to the Commons - we could do with a new name there too- but I think that has to be an elected chamber and that there should be no religious element.
The argument I had with an old friend the other day on this was ,well its historical and we have the best form of democracy in the Western world, that I do not agree with. We need to look at how democratic we really are.
A good starting point would be the Lords,as it now stands.