Senedd today

I'm not taking part in any of the debates today at the Senedd, but I am listening in on the debate on co-payments in the NHS. There is a debate later by the lib dems on bus services in Wales, where no doubt they will add to their growing wish list of financial demands from the Welsh Assembly Government. A few months ago, the idea was floated that backbenchers should be able to table debates here at the Assembly. We are still waiting to find out whether there is scope to table time for backbench debates. It is frustrating sometimes that those within the ruling groups in the Assembly cannot be pro active in initiating debates on this level. I believe this would inject some energy in to debates in the Chamber, and ultimately add another layer of scrutiny of Government Ministers. Of course, we respond diligently and thoughtfully to all the opposition party debates, but I sincerely believe that there is a need to re- assess the way that debates are run here, or how time is used during the afternoon, mid-week sessions.

Another conversation that I had today with fellow AMs was about the potential for more academic discussion amongst AMs on policy and strategy. We all know about the House magazine which is produced at Westminster, but there is no Assembly equivalent. Of course, we could look at doing an online journal of sorts, and encourage critical debate amongst AMs and political thinkers alike on the web. Those of us who blog take part in such discussions on a daily basis, but I believe that we could look in to this idea again, as this may be another way of encouraging public interest and involvement in our National Assembly.

An update on the Royal visit tomorrow- supposedly the cleaners have been asked to polish the plants on show at the Assembly! What a joke. The place is smelling of paint, and flowers have been placed on display. Its interesting that so much effort is being made for one person, for one day. Why don't the public have this treatment when they come here every day? I asked for a debate on the future of the Monarchy during business questions yesterday, and Nick Bourne AM also agreed that such a debate should take place. Perhaps that could be a theme for a backbench debate for the future?

NHS, NHS, NHS.

It seems that the Conservatives are having that long awaited debate on the future of their party's policy- from the recent discussion over the future of Grammar schools, to today's latest announcement on the funding of the NHS.

The Independent reports that a group of 40 MP's, led by Peter Bone MP, have published a plan for all patients to be required to take out compulsory private health insurance( you wouldn't have thought that this would be contentious for the Tories, but wonders will never cease!)

Obviously, I welcome the Official party response to the plan which states that "they are free to put forward their ideas," as it is important for any political party to debate key policies in an open manner, which does not stifle opinion. Nevertheless, one must question whether this symbolises a threat to Cameron's new style leadership, or whether it is merely a genuine call from members for a debate within the party- a debate that has been so far cast to one side under Cameron's leadership.

Perhaps it is necessary for the Tories to clarify the direction of their party and their future, and decide once and for all how they wish to continue with key announcements on policy. Does Cameron really want to make the mistake of becoming Tony Blair #2 by steam rolling decisions through the party without considering opposition to such decisions?

From what I can gather, Cameron and co. seem to be intent on maintaining that the Tories have changed, have shrugged off their negative legacy, and that the NHS is in fact at the heart of their political agenda. Now its a case of whether or not they can take the party with them on the journey of this perceived new found Conservatism.