MONMOUTH MP David Davies has described devolving tax-raising powers to Wales as “folly”.
Mr Davies was speaking at a public event organised by The Commission on Devolution in Wales at the Bridges Community Centre in Monmouth on Thursday evening.
The Commission is examining how the Welsh Government is funded and whether it should control some taxes.
Monmouthshire residents have been encouraged to engage in the process and make their views known.
Mr Davies, who chairs the Welsh Affairs Committee, warned the panel that Wales is on a “one way street” to independence.
“Only last year we had a referendum which gave the Assembly direct law-making powers,” he said.
“We were told at the time that this was the end of the road and the Assembly would not need anything further to get on with the job. Yet a few months later, here we are considering the possibility of the Assembly getting powers to raise taxes and borrow money.
“I am extremely concerned that a power over taxes would lead to an increase in taxes, with people and companies in Wales paying more than the rest of the United Kingdom.
“As for borrowing, Britain already has a debt of over £1 trillion. Allowing the Assembly to add further to the debts which we will one day have to pay off strikes me as folly.
“I would be delighted if the Commission rejects these plans, but I don’t hold much hope of that happening. Ever since the Assembly was set up in 1999, it has been demanding and getting more powers. It is a one way street that will eventually lead to independence.
“I strongly suspect the Commission’s “listening” exercise will end up producing a report demanding sweeping tax and borrowing powers, which will be quickly followed by demands for something else.”