Trigger pulled
The final score was 53:0.
The absentees were Carl Sargeant, Irene James, Lynne Neagle, Karen Sinclair and Mick Bates. Neither the Presiding Officer nor his Deputy voted of course.
Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM had guessed which way it would go and had his press release at the ready.
"This is an historic day in the journey that is devolution in Wales. It will now be up to the people of Wales, provided the Secretary of State for Wales agrees, to decide whether we move to the next phase of devolution."
The Secretary of State, Peter Hain ... just one minute behind the Presiding Officer and avoiding hyperbole.
"Carwyn and I have been working very closely together over the past two months to make progress on this issue. I fully support the First Minister's approach and now look forward to receiving his letter so I can begin the necessary preparatory work to take this forward. In the meantime, as Carwyn and I have said jointly, we both agree that the priority in the coming months will be the General Election, the outcome which will be so important for Wales. We must secure economic recovery for Wales, not choke it off with hasty cuts to Government spending."
UPDATE
More responses.
From Conservative Cheryl Gillan: "If the request for a referendum is on my desk should I become Secretary of State for Wales, I will not stand in its way.
"Conservatives have said that we will let the people of Wales decide, but my real priority remains the economy, inward investment and getting Wales working."
From Lib Dem leader Kirsty Williams: "We cannot underestimate the importance of what we have done today. This is the next step of devolution and we are ready to move on, across the political divide, together. While the General Election and issues such as the economy, our health service and schools must take precedence over procedural issues, this doesn't mean that the yes campaign cannot start getting organised so that we can be quick out of the blocks when the referendum is called".
And from Plaid leader Ieuan Wyn Jones: "The unanimous cross party support for this referendum is a clear signal of the breadth of support for a referendum and strengthens the case for it substantially.
"We know that most people in Wales now believe that the Assembly is where most decisions that affect their daily lives should be taken. Most people in Wales also believe that it is right that the Assembly should have more tools to do the job more effectively. If it's alright for the Northern Ireland Assembly to have powers to make laws without having to get the consent of Westminster, then surely it's alright for us in Wales. After all, what could be more natural than allowing the Assembly to pass laws about Wales, here in Wales?"
And from John Bufton, UKIP MEP:
"With all the parties in Cardiff Bay voting together to give themselves more power UKIP are the only political party who believe more governance does not mean more democracy.
"On such an important issue it is vital the media stay impartial and present both sides of the argument fairly. The people should have Referendum because they deserve to have the choice. We don't need propaganda we need the facts, and that includes being told the real cost of devolution.
"More seats in the Assembly and additional powers just means we have even more laws affecting our everyday lives. No matter what the Yes campaign say, people must ask themselves will you really see the benefit of Politicians voting themselves more powers?"
I'm Betsan Powys, BBC Wales' political editor. I'll be blogging the inside track on 
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~08~RS~)
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Trigger pulled but why is everything so lengthy and ponderous? Life is too short - a snap referendum is all that is necessary to achieve a good result. Abolish the Wales Office and everything is quick and simple.
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I am interested in the 7 who did not vote - leaving out speaker and deputy speaker - that leaves 5 - 2 are long term sick (Ann Sinclair and Irene James ????) one has a few issues (Mick Bates) - why did the other two not vote [serious question]
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Presumably the No lobby will argue that 53-0 is in fact 0-7.
Personally, this strikes me as a useful endorsement and a loud hint that we need to have the referendum sooner rather than later and to make up for the last eleven years of wasted opportunities.
AJ - good point. We do need a 'representative office' in London, even if just as a shop window, but as a de jure HQ the Wales Office is past its sell by date. It is high time civil servants came over for some on the job experience here as a matter of routine to understand what works and what needs to be worked on raher than issuing orders from London.
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Having a referendum has no meaning whatsoever. The fun will be deciding on exactly what the question will be. The way it is worded will have an effect on people's views.
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You are correct Manzarali, how the question is worded will be the referendum honesty indicator, don't hold your breath if politicians are in any way involved.
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Re 5
...or the No to Wales campaigners, if recent blog entries are anything to go by!
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The question will be decided by the Electoral Commission - or at least approved by it. Yes the wording is important, and its important in the debate that we concentrate on what is on offer, the No campaigners here and Rachel Banner have started with lies, that its about independence and the wages of Assembly members and that voting yes will lead to higher taxation and poverty for all - all of which are lies and nothing to do with the matter in hand.
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#4 Manzarali - could I offer this question for the one to be asked at a referendum in the future:
"That the National Assembly of Wales should have no more legislative powers given to them".......but only of course if we have 90% of the electorate in favour.
If we don't reach this level of acceptance then clearly there is a mandate to go ahead and give equitable powers to Wales as those enjoyed by the Scottish Parliament.
What do you think?
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Re 8
Good idea!
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