WHEN the assembly was set up I predicted that we would see continuous calls for further powers which would eventually lead to the break up of United Kingdom.

On regular occasions since, the assembly and Scottish Parliament have been handed further powers. Often we will be told that it is only a "tidying up" exercise, or that nothing further is needed, as they now have "all the tools in the box" - to use a memorable phrase from Carwyn Jones.

Whenever I hear these platitudes, I know that within a few years yet more powers will be transferred. Devolution was aptly described by one of the architects, Ron Davies, as a "process not an event".

Following a close No vote, Scotland will be awarded a huge new tranche of powers. Wales will quickly demand the same. Another referendum in Scotland will be held within the next 20 years, probably resulting in a YES vote. Wales will follow a decade or so later.

There is now only one possible way of saving the Union: We need to grant home rule to England with some form of overarching federal government that is committed to keeping us together in the union which has served us so well for centuries.

A pseudo quango paid for by the energy companies (i.e by us, through higher bills) along with Bob Geldoff and two cartoon characters called Lekkie and Gaz are urging us all to fit smart meters into our homes.

Apparently these wondrous devices will reduce our bills, increase the profits of energy companies (which they will doubtless pass on to us..) and save the planet by cutting carbon dioxide emissions thereby countering global warming etc etc.

However a closer look at the figures suggest that they could end up costing a great deal more money than they save and one way or another those costs will be added to our bills.

There was no need for a government campaign to persuade us all to buy smart phones. If smart meters are really such a great idea then I suggest that they are put on sale in the shops and if they are good value people will buy them.

I have it in writing from a Minister that we cannot be forced to have them, so until I am persuaded of the benefits ours will be a smart meter free zone.

Last week I spoke in a debate on the effect of carbon taxes on our manufacturing industry. One Labour MP told us that everyone agrees on the "need to tax carbon". I pointed out that I do not agree at all. Carbon Dioxide is a natural gas necessary for growth. It is far from certain that it is responsible for any more than a small percentage of the small amount (0.8degrees) of warming which we have seen over 200 years. I am glad that so many MPs are now concerned about the impact of carbon taxes but I hope that this will soon translate into support for scrapping them.