Welsh government to push for more devolved powers

Mr Jones said the "status quo is becoming increasingly hard to justify" and called for powers over policing, energy, public transport, community safety and some taxes.

And in the longer term, he added that the criminal justice system should also be devolved - including the courts, prisons and probation.

The First Minister made his comments at a press conference today to unveil his government's response to the Silk Commission on the future of devolution in Wales.

Mr Jones also opened the door to a Scottish-style "reserved powers" system in which the Welsh government would control everything except for constitutional affairs, defence, foreign affairs, social security and macro-economic policy, which will remain "reserved" to the Westminster government.

A Plaid Cymru spokeswoman welcomed "the direction of travel from the Welsh government" but scolded the First Minister for adopting "a slow lane approach that would still leave the major levers of power at Westminster."

She said: "The question is not just of which powers should be transferred to Wales but when they should be transferred.

A statement from the Welsh government revealed they believe there should not be a referendum over the latest transfer of powers from Westminster.

The Welsh government claims the resounding "Yes" vote in the March 2011 powers referendum "confirmed the electorate's support" for further devolution.