Yes For Wales - 1997 Campaign

1997 Campaign

Yes for Wales was also name of the cross-party pro-devolution group launched on 10 February 1997 to co-ordinate the campaign for a 'Yes' vote in the Welsh devolution referendum, 1997 to create a National Assembly for Wales. It was supported by the Welsh Labour Party, Welsh Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru. During the 1997 campaign, the Welsh Conservatives were opposed to the campaign.

The Yes for Wales organisation placed a great emphasis on grassroots involvement in the campaign and established local branches throughout Wales. It also managed the difficult job of pulling together campaigners and politicians with very different perspectives who previously fought each other tooth and nail.

The pro-devolution campaign was fought against some fierce opposition from within both the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. Although the Assembly has gained increasing acceptance in both parties these tensions still exists.

The Yes for Wales! Campaign was chaired by Kevin Morgan, a Cardiff University Professor. The campaign's national organiser was Daran Hill.

During the campaign for a Welsh Assembly, Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in action in France. The campaign had been temporarily suspended and it was wondered what effect the death of the Princess of Wales would have on the election. Many commentators were concerned that the death of the princess and focus on the U.K. Royal Family would distract from the devolution debate and affect turn out.