Wales currently has minimal influence on global affairs, with the Westminster government speaking for the entire UK on the world stage. Because England accounts for 84% of the UK’s population, its interests dominate negotiations and shape international relations.

This was clear during the Brexit negotiations. In January 2017, it was revealed that the British government regarded the steel industry as a low priority in trade talks with the EU.^[36] As a result, primary steelmaking at Port Talbot ended in 2024. If an issue does not matter to England, it is often pushed to the back of the queue.

We have also seen this during the development of a post-Brexit immigration policy. The UK Government introduced an income threshold for prospective immigrants, based on average salaries distorted by the south of England.^[37] This policy created avoidable uncertainty for key sectors in Wales that rely on migrant workers including social care, hospitality, the NHS, and the food industry.^[38]

An Independent Wales Outside the EU

Whatever your views on the EU, independence is the only way to ensure Wales has control over its future relationship with Europe. If new trade deals need to be negotiated, they must be designed to benefit Wales. As shown by the British government's handling of the steel industry, Wales’ economic needs are rarely a priority. Westminster remains focused on protecting banking and financial services concentrated in London and the south-east of England.

An independent Wales outside the EU would have the freedom to negotiate its own trade deals, ensuring fair settlements for key sectors of the Welsh economy.

Single Market Access Without EU Membership

Access to the European single market (EEA membership) would allow Wales to trade freely with the EU and participate in EU programmes. However, Wales would not be part of the EU’s political institutions, such as the European Commission, nor would it be able to propose or vote on EU laws.

To gain access to the single market, Wales could:

• Negotiate its own trade agreement with the EU, similar to Switzerland.
• Join the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which provides access to the single market without full EU membership.

The cost of single market access would depend on the EU programmes Wales chooses to participate in. Membership in EFTA would also involve contributing to administrative costs and grant programmes, with fees based on the size of Wales’ economy.

Rejoining the EU

Alternatively, an independent Wales could hold a referendum on full EU membership. To rejoin, Wales would need to apply under Article 49 of the Lisbon Treaty, requiring approval from the EU Council and European Parliament. EU membership would mean:

• Free trade and free movement with all EU member states.
• A full voice in EU decision-making, including seats in the European Commission and European Council.
• Representation in the European Parliament, likely electing around 10 MEPs instead of the 4 MEPs Wales elected under UK membership.
• Participation in EU funding programmes.

Wales would need to contribute to the EU budget, but in 2016, Cardiff University estimated that Wales received £245 million more from the EU than it paid under UK membership.^[39]

Why We Need a Welsh Foreign Policy

Regardless of how people voted in the EU referendum, it is clear that Welsh interests would be best served if Wales had its own seat at the global negotiating tables. Rather than being "stronger together" within the UK, Brexit has shown that Wales’ voice is often lost in major international decisions.

There is also potential for joint embassies, similar to the model used by Nordic countries in Berlin, where multiple nations share resources.

With independence, Wales would become a full member of major international organisations, including:

• The United Nations (UN) and its agencies.
• The Council of Europe.
• The World Health Organization (WHO).
• Other key international bodies.

Wales could even be elected to a rotating seat on the UN Security Council, as Ireland has been on four occasions.^[40]

Independence offers the chance for Wales to stand on its own terms, build stronger trade relationships, and ensure that Welsh voices are heard on the world stage.