Senedd | Cardiff

The Senedd (Welsh Parliament), also known as Senedd Cymru, is the national parliament and legislative body of Wales. Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, it plays a pivotal role in the governance of Wales, shaping laws, policies, and public services that affect the people of the country. The Senedd is an iconic symbol of Wales’ political and cultural identity, representing the country’s devolved system of government, which has been in place since the early 21st century.

History and Establishment

1. Origins of Devolution

The Senedd was established as part of the wider process of devolution, which refers to the transfer of powers from the United Kingdom Parliament in Westminster to local governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This movement gained momentum in the late 20th century, driven by a desire for greater self-governance in Wales.

1997 Referendum: In 1997, a referendum was held in Wales to decide whether the country should have its own parliament. The vote was passed with a narrow majority, and in 1999, the National Assembly for Wales was created. Initially, the National Assembly was a body with limited legislative powers, mainly focused on health, education, and local government.

2006 Government of Wales Act: Over the years, Wales gained more powers. The 2006 Government of Wales Act transformed the National Assembly into a fully-fledged legislature, allowing it to pass laws in specific areas. The Senedd was officially established in its current form in 2011, following the results of a referendum that gave the body full law-making powers in certain areas.

2. The Need for a New Building

Before the creation of the Senedd building, the National Assembly for Wales met in temporary quarters at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. However, as the assembly's powers grew, there was a need for a more permanent and purpose-built location that could house the expanding legislature and provide a modern space for Welsh democratic processes.

• Design and Construction: The Senedd building was designed by Richard Rogers and Partners, a world-renowned architectural firm. Construction began in 2006, and the building was officially opened in 2006 by Queen Elizabeth II.

Architectural Features

The design of the Senedd is striking and modern, combining aesthetic beauty with functionality and sustainability. The building’s architecture symbolizes Wales' openness, transparency, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

1. Exterior and Façade

The Senedd building stands out for its bold and dynamic design. It features a sweeping, curvilinear roof that appears to float above the structure, giving the building an organic and welcoming look. The roof is made of wooden slats and is meant to resemble the natural curves found in Welsh landscapes.

• The building's use of glass and stone allows for transparency and connection with the surrounding environment. The transparent glass walls emphasize openness and accessibility, symbolizing the Welsh Parliament’s commitment to transparency in decision-making.

2. The Senedd Chamber

The Chamber of the Senedd is where the legislative debates and voting occur. This room is at the heart of the building and is designed to be a space for openness and inclusivity.

Seating Arrangement: The seating in the chamber is arranged in a semi-circular layout, which fosters a sense of equality and collaboration. There are 60 seats, each representing one of the elected members of the Senedd (MSs). The chamber's design reflects the democratic values of inclusivity, with every member having a clear view of their fellow legislators and the public gallery.

The Presiding Officer's Desk: The desk of the Presiding Officer, who leads the discussions, is centrally located and visible to all, underlining the principle of fairness and transparency.

3. The Public Gallery and Accessibility

The Senedd is designed with public engagement in mind. The public gallery allows citizens to observe parliamentary debates and proceedings. The space is open to everyone, and it reinforces the importance of public participation in the democratic process.

• Accessibility: The building is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It includes ramps, lifts, and spacious hallways, ensuring that everyone can engage with the work of the Senedd regardless of their mobility.

4. Sustainability

Sustainability is a key feature of the Senedd’s design. The building is energy-efficient and includes features like rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, and solar panels. The green roof not only contributes to the building’s aesthetic appeal but also helps regulate the interior temperature, reducing energy consumption.

• The eco-friendly design aligns with Wales’ commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, ensuring that the Senedd serves as a model for future public buildings.

Function and Role

1. Legislative Functions

The primary function of the Senedd is to make laws in areas devolved to Wales, including education, health, transport, and local government. It also plays an important role in scrutinizing the actions of the Welsh Government, holding ministers to account, and representing the interests of the people of Wales.

Plenary Sessions: The Senedd meets regularly for plenary sessions, where members debate and vote on proposed laws, policies, and issues of national importance. Plenary sessions are often broadcast live, and the public is encouraged to watch and engage.

Committees: The Senedd also operates a system of committees, which focus on specific areas of policy. These committees examine issues in detail and make recommendations to the government.

2. Elections and Representation

The Senedd is made up of 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs), who are elected every five years using an additional member system. This system combines first-past-the-post voting for 40 members and proportional representation for 20 members, ensuring that the parliament reflects the diverse political views of the Welsh electorate.

• Political Parties: Several political parties are represented in the Senedd, including the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, Plaid Cymru, and the Liberal Democrats. The Senedd also accommodates smaller parties and independent members.

3. The Welsh Government

The Welsh Government is the executive branch of the Welsh Parliament, and its work is overseen by the Senedd. It is led by the First Minister, who is appointed by the Senedd. The Welsh Government is responsible for implementing the laws passed by the Senedd and managing public services such as healthcare, education, and transport.

• The Senedd holds the government to account through question time and debates, where ministers answer questions from members of the parliament.

Public Engagement and Visitor Experience

The Senedd is designed to be a public-facing institution, and engagement with the public is central to its mission. Visitors are welcome to tour the building and learn about the workings of the Welsh Parliament. The tours offer insight into the legislative process and provide opportunities to observe debates in the chamber.

Exhibitions: The Senedd also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational events that explore Wales’ history, culture, and political landscape.

Educational Programs: There are educational programs available for schools and young people to help them understand the democratic process, the role of the Senedd, and the importance of civic engagement.

Conclusion

The Senedd is a modern, transparent, and sustainable building that serves as the heart of Wales’ political and legislative life. It plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Wales, ensuring that the people of the country have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. With its striking architecture, commitment to sustainability, and focus on public engagement, the Senedd is not only a functional government building but also a symbol of Wales’ political autonomy and cultural identity.