YesCymru has launched a scholarship in memory of Welsh broadcasting and rugby legend Eddie Butler at the National Eisteddfod.

The former Wales international, who passed away in September 2022, was a passionate and articulate supporter of the pro-independence cause. The launch of the scholarship was held in the society tent in front of an audience that included his daughter Nell, and friend of the family Rachel.

The event at the Eisteddfod, which is being held this week in Boduan on the outskirts of Pwllheli, was to launch an annual lecture which will include the awarding of a £500 prize to a young spokesperson for writing and delivering a speech in favour of independence. 

The purpose of the Eddie Butler Scholarship is to celebrate and develop the next generation of talented spokespeople.

YesCymru is urging teachers, high school pupils (age 14-21), college and university students to get in touch for more information before going ahead to create passionate, clever and inspirational speeches.

As well as looking at the elements that make a successful speech, the event included some fun and games, with the economist Rhys ap Gwilym and YesCymru Chief Executive Gwern Gwynfil going head to head in a speech competition. However, due to the poor counting skills of Phyl Griffiths, the result was a draw!

YesCymru Chief Executive Gwern Gwynfil said; “YesCymru is proud to announce the Eddie Butler Scholarship, which will help nurture and develop the next generation of talented public speakers. Eddie Butler was renowned for being an extraordinarily gifted public speaker and YesCymru is very grateful to Ed’s family for their support, and would like to give a special thank you to Nell for travelling all the way from Bristol to attend the launch with Rachel.”

For more information contact Phyl Griffiths – [email protected]

You can watch Eddie Butler’s spellbinding speech in Merthyr here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nef8aqvYlfo

(This article was published by nation.cymru)

Wales has a decent claim to being the crucible in which UK Labour was formed. 

Today, almost 125 years after Merthyr Tydfil elected the Scotsman, Keir Hardie, to be the first Labour MP, Labour in Wales finds itself somewhat adrift from the Englishman, Keir Starmer’s, Labour.

We can be sympathetic to ‘real’ Welsh Labour - it is evident that it is English Labour that has left them rather than they who have left their own Labour tradition - but the hard reality of separation is inescapable.

Starmer’s Labour have fashioned themselves as the true inheritors of the Thatcherite tradition, far closer to John Major than John Smith, rapidly scurrying rightwards into the space left behind as the old Conservatives lurch ever rightward to inhabit the populist and insubstantial edges of politics. 

In political terms this can be seen as the real victory of the UKIP, Brexit and Reform party extremes, stirring up venomous culture wars, railing against the world and offering nothing but soundbites and pipedreams in a quest for little more than self promotion and the opportunity for some economic pillaging.

Add the twin exigencies of UK media collusion and the frenzied, fetid and frequently false, forums provided by the social media revolution and, bingo, the decline and the fall of the UK is now catalysed, accelerated and imminent. 

Whatever your view of the politics, Corbyn’s Labour briefly and unexpectedly pushed back with a radical and different platform. The lesson the Labour Party seems to have learned from the relatively near miss of the 2016 General Election is to do nothing bold or brave - to parrot the Tories and be bereft of original thought. A somewhat curious conclusion when Labour actually won 40% of the popular vote. Whether you agree or disagree with the politics of either side of that 2016 election in the UK, to conclude that not having ideas and not showing leadership is the way to make an impact seems perverse. To then conclude that the two-party, first past the post system in the UK, is still fit for purpose is even more dissonant. But UK Labour, in utter defiance of its own membership, stays resolutely against proportional representation and any meaningful constitutional reform.

If I were a supporter of Labour in Wales I would wonder how, in not much more than a century, this political movement inspired by the people and ‘of the people’ had become so utterly co-opted by establishment norms and so utterly devoid of ideas, innovation and boldness.

Given the divergent paths of the Labour movement in Wales relative to their comrades in Scotland and England it is little wonder that there is some considerable tension between them. The Welsh apparatchiks are frequently told off by their London masters. Mark Drakeford, always careful in his choice of words, repeatedly inspiring the ire of Starmer’s inner circle. Scottish Labour add their weight to the dressing down of their Welsh brethren at every opportunity. Anas Sarwar relishing any opportunity to strut his stuff, pretend to have authority and lick the boots of London now that Scottish Labour have marginalised themselves in the homeland of Keir Hardie.

What does this mean for Labour in Wales? Unlike Scotland, Welsh Labour supporters are as likely to be pro-Indy as Unionist - a tension which has allowed the party to stay entrenched as the party of power in Wales by defusing the immediate political threat of Indy with the ‘Home Rule’ compromise. This balancing act can’t continue indefinitely and becomes ever more challenging as Independence becomes a more prominent aspect of people’s political consideration. 

For those making the connection between the poor management of the UK by Westminster, growing poverty and the threat these pose to much loved institutions like the NHS, Independence becomes a viable solution to the renewal and restoration Wales needs so that it can stop being the sick person of the UK when the UK is already the sick person of Europe.

When that penny drops the apathy and lack of agency of vast swathes of the Welsh population could be transformed - Welsh Labour will want to be ready to capitalise on this and ride that wave to continued electoral success. They don’t look ready.

The Labour ‘old guard’ in Wales remains trenchantly Unionist, married to a nostalgic view of Britain that is long dead. To date, no champions have emerged to represent those who want to forge a new path for Wales, outside the old Union. 

Many are waiting for Scotland to leave before finding the bravery to come out for Independence themselves - a curious position, if you’re in favour of Indy in Scotland then you’re in favour of Indy. Why wait? 

Just because we elected a Scotsman for Merthyr in 1900 doesn’t mean we have to wait for Scottish permission today. Such low self esteem speaks to the absence of hope and confidence in our communities. If Labour in Wales want to restore that hope and confidence, strong, brave and ambitious support for Independence is one way to do so. 

Substantial and ambitious ideas, sold with vision and bravery, are powerful and transformative.

The Labour Party in Wales has already left UK Labour. There is no going back. Is anyone bold enough to recognise that the clear red water is now a sea of difference? Is anyone brave enough to take up the mantle and renew, revitalise and resurrect the movement in Wales? 

The Welsh Independence Football Team
Tim Pel Droed Annibyniaeth Cymru

Siwmae 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
We are back/Ni nol✊🏼

We have undergone a restructuring process and are keen to get the team back up and running. We have also been looking to set up affiliate clubs, not only regionally and nationally but also internationally.

We are constantly looking for more clubs to join our network, this will hopefully enable us to play games and develop friendships with clubs and people all over the country and further. We are always on the look out for players for the team and also volunteers to help behind the scenes.

We are very fortunate to have already amassed a huge help from people such as Yws Gwynedd of Cosh! records who has sponsored us a generous sum to help get this up and running.

We are always looking for sponsors and we will certainly be looking to give back to our sponsors in way of match day program sponsors, kit sponsors and so many other options tailored to suit your businesses needs, please get in touch for a conversation around your requirements.

We are always looking to give back to out local communities in Wales, and also supporting our national charities far and wide. Our latest partnership will see us link up with SOS Kit Aid with whom our manager Eifion Rogers, has volunteered for numerous years along with our newest sponsor Cms Team wear Pontyclun. We are also very thankful and fortunate for the support of Ken Thomas at Hedd Considerate Gardening

Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us to discuss our future plans, the more people and businesses we can get involved the better we can fight for the cause of independence 👊🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A free Wales is an independent Wales, Un cam ar y tro

Contact Details
[email protected]
Instagram/Twitter @Indywalesfans

Annibyniaeth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

We will be supporting SOS Kit Aid and Cefn Golau Together Food Hub Tredegar as our charities for the game, if you are looking to donate, please bring any old sports kit with you and any food bank items to the game, thanks.

What can you do in Bangor this Autumn?

Here are the Top 10 things you can do! Bangor, a cathedral city, is the oldest city in Wales. And more history will be made this autumn as the city hosts the next march for independence on Saturday September 23rd. From marching, rallying and more,  In a very particular order, here are the top 10 things to do in Bangor on the 4th weekend in September:

1. March for independence! 

Saturday, 23rd September.

Join thousands of indy supporters as they march through the city, banging the drum for independence. There’s always a party atmosphere at these marches, and Bangor will be no different! Bring your instruments, bells, whistles, and most importantly, your voice! Make new friends and do your bit for Welsh independence.

2. Indulge at the indy market!

Saturday, 23rd September.

What treats will this market bring?! Swansea brought welsh cakes and knitting! All the usual YesCymru merchandise will be available from the stall as well as stalls from other organisations from the indy sphere. Children can enjoy some crafts while you relax and wait for the march to begin!

3. Go to the indy gig!

Saturday, 23rd September, Bethesda.

Start the weekend right with a bit of music! These days the independence marches are enhanced by an evening gig to really get the action going. Bangor will be no different, so book the weekend away in the city to enjoy a night of indy themed music, entertainment and camaraderie. 

4. Go to YesCymru Question Time!

Friday 22nd September. 

YesCymru Question Time brings together opposing views on the future of independence. The first QT event was held in Aberystwyth at the YesCymru conference and was a huge success. This is your chance to have your question answered in Bangor! So, head to Bangor on Friday and make a start your weekend with a lively, but friendly debate.

5. Visit Penrhyn castle!

Any day, 10am - 4pm.

Penrhyn Castle is a Grade I listed building, recognised as Thomas Hopper's finest work. Built in the Romanesque Revival style, it is considered one of the most important country houses in Wales and as among the best of the Revivalist castles in Britain.

6. See the Suspension Bridge!

Any day.

The Menai Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey & the mainland of Wales, near Bangor. Completed in 1862, it was the world’s first suspension bridge. Like Penrhyn Castle, the Menai suspension bridge is also a grade I listed structure.

7. Unwind and recover at Cwm Idwal (nature Reserve)

Sunday, 23rd September.

If you still have the legs for it, don’t leave Bangor without visiting the beautiful Cwm Idwal Nature reserve. As the oldest nature reserve in the UK, these walks offer breathtaking views. “Explore Cwm Idwal – a bowl-shaped hollow filled with the crystal clear waters of Llyn Idwal, world famous forits rock formations and rare and fragile plant life.”

8. Visit Bangor University!

Any day.

Bangor university is steeped in history and well worth a visit. Founded as the University of North Wales in 1884, ‘Bangor’ was one of the founding Institutions of the University of Wales. The university occupies a substantial proportion of Bangor and it’s students comprise a significant proportion of the population. 

9. Visit Bangor Cathedral!

Any day.

Marvel at this gothic style cathedral, on a site that has been used for Christian worship since the 6th century. The site was originally occupied by St Deiniol’s monastery which lends its name to “St Deiniol’s Cathedral in Bangor.”

10. Lon Las Ogwen 

Sunday 23rd September.

A relatively easy stroll between Bangor and Bethesda, for those who still want to stretch their legs after the Indy march! This is the first section of route 82, the National Cycle Network The Trail is on the Guardian's list of "Five of the best scenic bike rides in Wales"

Notes:

www.yes.cymru

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/penrhyn-castle-and-garden

https://menaibridges.co.uk/?lang=cy

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/carneddau-and-glyderau/cwm-idwal-walk

https://www.bangor.ac.uk/

https://bangorcathedral.churchinwales.org.uk/

https://www.ogwentrail.co.uk/

Following conversations between groups in the South Central area, a regional group is in the process of being established there.

Based on the successful South East group, which has led to a dramatic growth in activity and member-based engagement, the group will involve the accredited groups of YesPontypridd, Yes Pen-y-bont, Yes Rhondda and Yes Caerdydd. It is expected that the new Yes Cymru group in Cwm Cynon will also be a part of the new regional group.

The group will host monthly meetings with a view to increasing activity in the area and providing a network of support and experience to help develop individual groups further to spread the message of Yes Cymru and the benefits of an independent Wales further.

As part of their ongoing activity commitment to the South East Wales regional group, Yes Merthyr will have a stall at the Merthyr Food Festival on Saturday 22nd July in the town's Penderyn Square.

This event gives the group an excellent platform to further discuss and promote the Yes Cymru brand and increase engagement with local residents on the benefits that an independent Wales will bring.

As well as selling merchandise the stall will be a hive of activity with crafts, games and discussion. Lis McLean, the chair of Yes Merthyr said 'we see the Merthyr Food Fair As an excellent opportunity to support local initiatives as well as to engage with the peolle of Merthyr to promote fundamental change which will have a positive effect on their futures. We will also be looking to have fun and bring a few smiles to faces."

The food festival will be on throughout the day.

The right to vote in Wales is being insidiously and covertly undermined. 

A report published by the Electoral Commission found that during the recent Council elections in England, a staggering 14,000 people were turned away from polling booths for failing to show their ID (Identification documents such as passports or driving licenses). 

The report also found that 74% of people who did not possess ID were not aware of the need to bring one to vote, and only 57% of people were aware that they could apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. 

It is important to note that according to the data, nearly two-thirds of those who were rejected at the ballot box returned later in the day to vote, having acquired the correct form of ID. 

While most people noted in the report were eventually able to vote, it is essential to point out that turnout for Council elections is consistently lower than turnout during UK parliamentary elections.

According to data from The Elections Centre, the percentage of overall turnout for Council elections in the United Kingdom during 2022 ranged from 23.4% to 51.2%. By contrast, turnout during the 2019 UK General election was 67.3%. 

Therefore, new ID requirements have the potential to have major implications for UK parliamentary and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in Wales. So much so, that Jess Blair, director of The Electoral Reform Society in Wales has gone so far as to suggest that Wales is facing a “ticking time bomb”, which could see thousands of voters disenfranchised in Wales, at the next general election. 

Organisations such as The Electoral Reform Society argue that compelling voters to bring ID in order to vote risks disenfranchising poor and marginalised communities. 

Indeed, research from The Electoral Commission shows that people without approved photo ID are more likely to be from disadvantaged communities. 

For instance, 10 – 17% of those renting from their local authority or housing association, 14% of unemployed, 8% of those who are DE social grade and 7% of those with lower education attainment levels are less likely to possess photo ID.

IFF Research also shows that the need to produce ID at polling stations would make it difficult to vote for 12% of those with a severely limiting disability and 8% of those with a somewhat limiting disability. 

The UK Government’s own estimates suggests that around 100,000 people are believed to lack photo ID in Wales – around 4.3% of the Welsh electorate.  

Given that there is also a correlation between voting and affluence and that young people are frequently under-represented at the polls, this is a ticking time bomb indeed, with the new rules likely to further deter young people and those from disadvantaged groups from voting. 

All this was followed by news last week that changes proposed by the Boundary Commission for Wales mean that the number of parliamentary seats in Wales will be reduced from 40 to 32 at the next General election. 

While boundary changes will not impact the ability to vote, they will further reduce Wales’ representation at Westminster – an institution which is increasingly appearing out of touch with the people of Wales. Is it any wonder therefore that the latest polls show that support for Welsh independence is back up to over a third? 

Westminster’s attempts to undermine democracy should not play a role in shaping ours. 

Our path to democracy lies not at the UK parliamentary level, but at our own – as a sovereign and independent country where we should be free to determine our own course rather than be shaped by the politics of Westminster. Join Yes Cymru today.

A recession is defined as a period of economic decline, and it can be an intimidating thought, especially for those with families to take care of. However, with the right strategies in place, you can not only survive but also thrive if a recession comes along. Here, YesCymru presents some tips to help you recession-proof your life.

1. Stay On Top of Your Household Budget

One of the best ways to recession-proof your life is to better manage your household budget. Take a look at where you’re spending money each month and think about how you can cut back on unnecessary expenses. This could mean anything from canceling subscriptions you don’t use or finding cheaper alternatives for things like groceries or entertainment.

2. Pay Down Debt

If you, like millions of other people, have debt, now is the time to pay it off while you have a little extra money. Start by looking at your income to debt ratio to see where you stand financially. Be sure to include debt like your mortgage and car loan in addition to credit card debt.

When trying to eliminate debt, prioritize paying off any high-interest debt first so that you can save money in the long run and free up more cash flow for other necessities. You might look at different credit cards to see if you can consolidate a large sum and transfer it to a card with lower interest.

3. Refinance Your Home

If interest rates are low, consider refinancing your home loan if possible. This could save you thousands of pounds over time and make your monthly payments more manageable during this period of economic uncertainty. Be sure to compare different lenders before making any decisions so that you get the best rate possible for your needs. Keep in mind that this is a better option for homeowners who plan to stay put for the foreseeable future.

4. Earn Extra Income Online

Another way to recession-proof yourself is by finding additional sources of income that could help supplement what you already make from your job or other investments. There are tons of options available online these days. Consider freelance work, selling used clothing or accessories, or starting a side hustle if possible, as these could all be great ways to bring in extra money during times of financial hardship.

5. Diversify Your Investments

It’s important to diversify your investments so that they are not all tied up in one market or sector, explains Finder. Look into different types of investments such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities, and spread out your risk across multiple markets so that if one takes a dip, it won’t affect all of your investments at once. This will help protect against any losses due to market fluctuations during periods of economic downturns like recessions.

6. Reduce Money Anxiety

It can be difficult to stay positive when faced with financial worries during a recession, but it’s important to find ways to manage any anxiety so you can stay focused on your goals. You might try meditating; exercising; journaling; or reading books about personal finance/investment topics. Doing these activities will help keep stress levels down and give more clarity when making decisions related to your finances.

7. Treat Major Purchases Carefully

Finally, be deliberate with major purchases and always read reviews before buying anything big. Doing research ahead of time will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck while also avoiding potential buyer’s remorse. Additionally, reading reviews from past customers can provide helpful insights into potential problems with certain products which could save money (and headaches) further down the road. This will ensure that you get the most use out of a given product, especially if it's something for your family or pets.

8. Find Ways to Promote Financial Health

The idea of a recession can bring about anxiety and stress, but with a few proactive steps, you can ensure that you and your family are well protected. Look for ways to earn extra money online, stick to a budget, and refinance your home mortgage if possible in order to lower your monthly payments. Every step you take toward good financial health will help down the road.

Yes CYMRU wants you to be financially independent while we advocate for the independence of Wales! Visit us online to sign the petition and support the cause!

(This article was written by Ted James)

Following their hot off the press launch at the Aberystwyth Conference, we’re delighted to introduce the ‘Pec Indy’ cards. Designed specifically to give members a handy and tactile way to present and discuss independence facts and figures when engaging with the public, the cards were an instant hit with delegates who attended the Selling Indy Seminars where the cards were unveiled. 

Due to their modular nature, the boxed sets of 35 cards can be updated card by card and added to as new information becomes available, ensuring superior product longevity compared to binding within a book. The A6 size cards have a wipe clean anti-bac ‘playing card’ finish making them a professional and practical product. 

Please note; every accredited group will be given 1 pack free of charge. If your accredited group hasn’t received theirs, please get in touch to claim it now. 

The Pec Indy cards are also available to non-accredited groups and individual members for the highly discounted price of just £10 per pack. But you’d better be quick; nearly half were snapped up at the Conference!

BUY NOW

Plaid Cymru recently announced their new policy to push the UK to rejoin the European Single Market – today, we argue why we believe they were wrong to do so. 

Yes Cymru is a single policy organisation that is focused on the promotion of Welsh independence. While it does raise awareness of current affairs affecting Wales such as the housing crisis, it adopts no official position on other political or constitutional issues. And, so it is with Brexit. 

While the UK Brexit referendum was divisive, Yes Cymru adopts no official position on the matter. We recognise that our supporters sit on all sides of the political spectrum and that Yes Cymru must continue to function as an umbrella organisation that welcomes all members, irrespective of political colours. 

Indeed, according to many studies, nearly a third of Brexit supporters in Wales back independence. Between 10 – 15% of Conservative party members in Wales also support independence.  

We must also recognise that a majority of the electorate in Wales voted in favour of Brexit by a majority of 52% to 48%. 

Furthermore, it is our belief that in an independent Wales, the issue of Single Market or EU membership must be settled by the people of Wales. 

With all these points in mind, we were surprised to hear that Plaid Cymru last week announced their new policy of promoting Single Market membership, while remaining a constituent part of the United Kingdom. 

Billed as an attempt to “undo” the damage caused by Brexit, Plaid Cymru has outlined the immediate practical steps Wales and the rest of the UK could take to pave the way to establish a closer relationship with the European Union including, preparing to re-join the Single Market, re-joining the Erasmus scheme, devolving visa schemes to Wales, reducing barriers at Welsh ports and devolving funding schemes. 

While the issue of EU or Single Market membership itself still remains contentious, the policy serves to undermine the raison d’etre that separates Plaid from Welsh Labour – that of Welsh independence. For, how can they purport to promote Welsh independence while also seeking to promote EU membership as a member – and not as an equal partner – of the United Kingdom? 

And while there are titbits in the policy announcement hinting at an increased role for Wales within the framework of UK Single Market membership, there is no evidence that a future UK Government would be even prepared to consider these points, let alone consult with the Welsh Government regarding the terms of the UK’s membership. 

Indeed, as another commentator has succinctly put it, the policy of promoting UK membership of the Single Market and Customs Union is essentially “built around an argument of strengthening the UK economically”. 

It also tells those hopeful of re-joining the Single Market and perhaps the European Union that they need not bother with supporting independence, because the ultimate objective is to re-join the Single Market. This is disingenuous as both the UK Conservative and UK Labour party have made no such commitment to explore possibilities to re-join either, and even in the event that they did so, Plaid would have no role or input in any negotiations. Indeed, the very premise of supporting re-joining the Single Market undermines the concept of Welsh independence and Wales’ autonomy for these very reasons. 

While this may be a cynical ploy to snap up remainer votes at the next parliamentary election, we contend that this is a misguided strategy. We hold that the decision of Welsh membership pf the Single Market should be left to the people of Wales in an independent Wales.

(First Published in Pembrokeshire Herald by Maria Pritchard)

You may recall our article on the UK Labour party’s proposals for constitutional reforms in the United Kingdom that was published late last year. 

The party has long promised an overhaul of the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom – giving Wales and Scotland more powers over their own affairs. 

On closer inspection of the report published by the party in December, we found scant details on the powers that they would be prepared to devolve to Wales. 

Nowhere was any mention of the devolution of Justice or that of the Crown Estate – a proposal which now commands 75% support amongst the people of Wales. 

And it seems that the one proposal which could prove popular with voters across both England and Wales – and also serve as a “compromise” option for those willing to support the Union in exchange for further constitutional powers – is now under question. 

In their report on UK constitutional reform, the UK Labour party proposed that the House of Lords be replaced with an elected second chamber based on nations and regions within the UK – however last week, Lord Adonis poured cold water on this and claimed it is “unlikely” to happen.  

Established in 1801, the House of Lords debates legislation and has the power to amend or reject Bills passed in the House of Commons. 

While some may argue that the House of Lords serves an important function as a “check” on the UK Government’s powers, there is evidence that many now see it as an antiquated system, which rewards the wealthy with titles and prestige for their past political support. 

Indeed, following then Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to “pack” the Chamber with 36 new elected peers in September 2020, a poll conducted by Survation for the Electoral Reform Society found that 71% of the UK public were in favour of a major overhaul. 

In a damning report, the Electoral Reform Society noted that in 2020, the House of Lords had swelled to nearly 800 members; with only the Chinese National People’s Congress possessing a larger legislature. 

However, Lord Adonis now argues that getting parliamentary support to “radically restructure” the House of Lords would be met with challenges. 

He also points out that some of the opposition might also come from within the UK Labour party itself, which has no consensus on reform. There is no agreement in the party on what reform would look like. 

In response to Gordon Brown’s proposal for a “Senate of the nations and regions”, Lord Adonis noted the same issue that we have raised time and again: England (which accounts for more than 80% of the UK population) has no systemised form of devolution. It has no regional assemblies – and the last referendum which proposed the establishment of a regional assembly in the North of England was resoundingly defeated. 

On a depressing note, Lord Adonis adds that a second chamber modelled on the Bundesrat in Germany is impossible and that a UK senate of the nations and regions – either by having members directly elected to it or having some form of regional nomination – involves a complexities of which he “cannot conceive”. 

One should surely ask, is this really an acceptable state of UK politics in 2023? What does it say that we cannot reform a 222 year old political institution that is no longer fit for purpose? 

There is another answer. If we cannot reform UK political structures, why not create our own? One that is reflective of a modern, outward and democratic country? 

Only independence can free us to implement our own democratic institution which is fit for purpose in the 21st century!

(First Published in Pembrokeshire Herald by Maria Pritchard)

Over the last twelve months, we have written consistently about the UK Government’s attempts to suppress protests and people’s rights to exercise freedom of speech. 

The attempts to silence protests have come in the form of two main legislative instruments, passed by Westminster: The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, and more recently, the Public Order Act 2023. Both have generated considerable discussion and controversy. 

According to Liberty, the Public Order Act aims to increase the police’s ability to restrict and criminalise protest activity by introducing a range of new powers which allow, among other things, for: 

• New and expanded use of stop and search;
• Orders that ban people from participating in protests and control their movement/ activity/ associations; and
• New offences that criminalise certain kinds of protests altogether. 

Whatever one’s views on the impact of protests, or the potential disruption that they can cause in certain circumstances, restricting the right to protest sets a very dangerous precedent. 

Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire was the setting for the Rebecca Riots, which were instigated by Welsh tenant farmers in response to the imposition of tolls (charges) to use the roads – a justifiable cause for protest, many would argue. 

Wales also witnessed one of the first post-modern workers’ protests – the Merthyr Rising. 

Not to glorify violent protests, however the point raised here is that the right to protest is intrinsic to Wales’ culture and heritage, and the right to protest should be respected and guaranteed within any modern, democratic society. To quote a former US President, making peaceful protest impossible makes unruly protest inevitable. 

Indeed, we have been warning of the impact that the UK Government’s attempts to suppress protest might have here in Wales.

In Haverfordwest recently, it was reported that a local Yes Cymru activist had been pressured into removing the movement's flag that was hung from the window of his rented property. 

Jim Dunckley, Secretary of Yes Cymru Hwlffordd said: "This is a perfect example of how freedom of expression is stifled in the British State, and why we need stronger tenants rights in an Independent Wales. Tenants should be free to express their views without fear of reprisal from outside interests. [The activist] has good relations with his Landlord, and agreed to take the flag down to save him any hassle. He's replaced the Yes Cymru flag with our National flag, but this intervention stands as a disturbing infringement on the right to freedom of expression, and should be challenged by Yes Cymru members locally". 

The local member said: "It's regrettable that the Nope lobby is so scared of defending its position that they have to cancel a flag."

These are examples of the legacy of the Public Order Act and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. Both legislative frameworks have not yet been in force for twelve months however the repercussions that they carry are clearly already being felt, where private citizens may feel emboldened to lobby to have political symbols or flags removed or “cancelled” due to their own political inclinations. 

As the home of the Rebecca Riots, the Merthyr Rising and the Penrhyn quarry strikes, Wales has a unique history in the defence of its civil rights. 

Recent legislative activity in Westminster on this front is just another example of the contempt held for Wales, and, shows a lack of understanding towards a country whose political culture differs from its own. 

Only a truly independent Wales – governed by, and for the people of Wales – can safeguard our fundamental rights and freedom. Westminster has no interest in doing so. 

This article was written by Jim Dunckley, Secretary of YesCymru Haverfordwest. 

Thousands gathered, from all around.
Their voices loud, walking proud.
The flag of Wales.
The flag of Glyndwr.
Together a Dragon and four lions roar.
We marched together, through misty rain.
For Independence, in which we'll gain.
For I believe and you do too.
As we walked, our numbers grew.
With the beating of drums we all cheered.
Through the clouds, the sun appeared.
Shining down on this great day.
Cymru am Byth! We all say!
The answer is yes when it comes to Cymru.
And independence is the summary.

Submitted by Callum Rhys Davies

Members of YesCymru Abertawe have been pulling out all the creative stops to publicise the Indy March in the city on May 20th. Talented members have been creating GIFs, Graphics and Guerrilla Yarnbombing to get the word out.

Chair of the Swansea branch, Rose Davies, herself an artist explains,
“Swansea is an immensely creative and cultured city, and has a terrific sense of humour and social justice. We wanted this march to focus on poverty but also to mix up the serious with the, frankly, plain daft to get the message out there.”            

Guerrilla Yarnbombing

The yarnbombing group grew from an idea earlier in the year, when some knitters and crocheters were making hats and scarves for two local food banks that are supported by YesCymru Abertawe and had a think about what to do in the better weather. Yarnbombing struck a chord and YCA members Rhiannon Barrar, Lindsay Thomas, Kat Watkins, Kathryn Murphy along with Canadian visitor May Stewart, have been producing bunting, post-box covers, bollard hats and tree banners. 

They’ve been taking them out and about in the city, photographing them for social media. 

“It’s a guerrilla campaign”, laughs Rhiannon, “we don’t leave them there in case they get stolen or vandalised. Our aim is to get them across social media and they’re really popular.” They’re hoping to festoon Wind Street on the day of the Indy March.

Thank You Swansea

Graphic designer Nigel Cousins has designed a series of GIFs for social media called “Thank You Swansea” a sarcastic reference to the complete lack of regard given to the city and to Wales by the government in Westminster.

 “I wanted to show clearly how we in Swansea are being neglected and even ripped off by the Westminster Government”.

Scooters with Hooters and Front Row Seats

Nigel also designed logos for members with disabilities who will be leading the march on electric scooters and wheelchairs. 

Rose explains, “Poverty isn’t just about money, it’s also about lack of opportunities, facilities and even the chance to take part in society. YesCymru Abertawe’s focus on poverty includes our disabled members.”

Nigel wanted to do something fun and eye-catching,

“Previous marches have had a band at the front, so I designed two logos to attract people with scooters and chairs to come and lead the march.” 

Blinged-Up Seagull

Everyone in Swansea has their own seagull story to tell! Writer and filmmaker Melvyn Williams has chosen the iconic seagull to walk the route of the March on social media, week by week leading up to May 20th. 

Melvyn says,” I came up with the idea of a blinged-up seagull strutting around the city in a goldie-looking chain and a big YesCymru medallion. It’s an iconic look and people seem to love it.”

And the Swansea Seagull has also been teasing local people with little quizzes about his location.

The Local Flag

YesCymru Abertawe even has its own flag.

 “We’re privileged to have a design by the renowned graffiti artist SOK (Son of Ken) and we use it extensively” explains Rose. It’s not just on flags, which will be flying at the Independence March, but also for branch publicity, like this digital advert for one of YC Swansea’s Fringe events.  

“The creative output of our members in such a short time has been brilliant,” Rose says, “and we’re hoping to go into the summer in Swansea with loads more”.

(This article was published by Bylines Cymru)

Is the here and now in Wales as good as it gets for us? It’s hard to find anyone arguing with enthusiasm that the answer is ‘Yes.’ A clear majority are dissatisfied with the current political system in the United Kingdom as a whole; a point evidenced by the World Values Survey breaking the news that only 1 in 6 members of the British public are ‘very satisfied’ with how UK democracy operates. To put this in perspective; that’s on a par with Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

So the question really ought to be, ‘what next for Wales?’

That question seems to have been near the forefront of debate over the last couple of weeks with a raft of arguments put forward by a diverse array of activists, commentators and journalists in a string of articles from all sorts of publications. Some as far afield as Australia.

One of the arguments put forward is that of ‘Confederalism.’ Now, many would argue that persuading the majority of Wales to vote for independence is a challenging enough prospect; so how do the supporters of Confederalism think persuading the majority of voters in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England to back their ideas is a more realistic prospect?

In short; it isn’t.

Westminster, whether it be blue or red, have made it clear that they are not in favour of any more substantive devolution. That is not likely to change. Both shades of Westminster are content to ignore the democratic mandate given to the SNP by the Scottish public. What chance is there of Westminster agreeing to surrender power in order to enter into an equal confederation with the Senedd, Holyrood and Stormont (provided the 3 currently devolved nations are even willing, of course)?

The answer is; it just isn’t going to happen. This is just another attempt by soft leaning Unionists to keep the Union going. Don't get me wrong, I believe the ideals behind it are genuine and heartfelt but I don’t think they are realistic.

Lets not forget that England is by far the largest country in the United Kingdom. Will England choose to put themselves in a position in which they could potentially be vetoed by Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland? I doubt it.

Another argument put forward is that of a Federal United Kingdom. These ideas hinge upon England being carved up into smaller regions, along the lines of the old regionalised system for the European Union elections. Would England agree to this? Again, I doubt it. My scepticism is backed up by the fact the North East of England voted against a devolution deal in 2004 by a massive margin. Ultimately, would there ever be a Government elected to Westminster pledging to break up England? No, of course not.

For me, independence provides the most favourable route to securing a future in which Wales can thrive. Look at Slovenia for inspiration. Yes, some of you may scoff at that. But, Slovenia has just surpassed the United Kingdom in terms of average standard of living.

Slovenia gained its independence in 1991, at that time Wales was significantly better off than Slovenia; now the opposite is true. Independence gave Slovenia the freedom to adopt policies that worked for them, proving a smaller economy is more agile and better equipped to serve its population.

Slovenia spent the decades prior to independence as part of Yugoslavia and, prior to that, centuries as part of the Austrian Empire. As per Wales, Slovenia had been ‘unified’ with its much larger neighbours for centuries. Were they too small? Were they too poor?

Wales too could take this path, decoupling itself from a union that just simply isn’t working in its best interests. 200,000 children living in poverty. 90,000 of those are classified as living in absolute poverty. Is that a union that is working for us? My answer is emphatically NO.

I believe our energies are better utilised in pushing for independence and securing Wales the powers it needs to thrive, rather than a desperate (albeit well-meaning) attempt to save the Union. Neither Confederalism or Federalism cut it. I think the time has come to put our hands up and say; the Union isn’t working, park it.

Independence for Wales is all about the future and the positivity that could bring, whilst Westminster is all about clinging to a past that no longer exists.

(This article was published by nation.cymru)

It’s been fun watching the meltdowns on social media this week, and those in the less serious parts of the English press and the Telegraph, triggered by the reversion to the original name of Bannau Brycheiniog.

The reaction says a great deal about the depth of change in Wales and across the UK in the 21st century. Gone is the deference and submissiveness of last century. In its place is a new confidence in ourselves, in a cultural and social identity that has little to do with nationalism but recognises the social, cultural, economic and political differences between nations. My favourite aspect of this in Wales is how welcoming it is, how easily and happily it embraces anyone who wants to be a part of it. I have lost count of the number of English migrants to Wales who have become vocal and ardent supporters of Independence and all things Welsh. No wonder that the reactionaries are hysterical in their responses - it is incredibly hard to make a sensible case for the Union today.

A century ago the UK was a superpower, it had purpose in an era of World wars and the Cold war, but today? Today it is a state in incredibly rapid decline, badly run, becoming poorer whilst nurturing an ever growing gap between the rich and poor. 

It is literally the case that being in the Union is making Wales poorer. 

How then can they convince us that they still know best, that the people of Wales should continue to bow their heads, bend the knee and subscribe to the long tail of feudalism as part of this now decrepit hangover from the age of empire? 

With no positives to offer they resort to relentless misinformation and often wilful ignorance. Everyone - simply everyone - knows that the original name for over a thousand years is Y Bannau. This has always been used and all that the national park authority have done this week, after an extensive two year consultation period, is revert to having the proper name front and centre rather than tucked to the side.

I understand why this scares the Unionists so much, it is a symbol of confidence and a harbinger of what is to come for them. The people of Wales are going to press ever more to have the interest of Wales and the people who live here front and centre. This will inevitably lead to Independence, as the centre, Westminster, will never want to surrender all that it gains from keeping Wales deferent and servile. 

Within a decade the green energy revolution already begun will see Wales producing over 16 times more energy than we currently use. Energy that can be sold, converted into green hydrogen and shipped around the world, a resource to power an economic boom built on cheap and plentiful energy. Westminster wants that benefit and it wants it at Wales’ expense. 

This won’t wash. The people of Wales will awaken, Cymru and the Cymraeg, will be proudly ‘woke’. Disinformation and ignorance will always exist, even in a world permeated with information but over time reality always asserts itself and the reality is that the Union is coming to end.

No wonder that those who cling to this legacy of Empire, to the ossified structures of Westminster and the Union, who hanker for the mystical days of English exceptionalism, are becoming ever more shrill as they sense the end is near.

As we grow in confidence so they become weaker and more desperate.

Let’s remind ourselves that they are already a minority - a wealthy, loud and powerful minority. England too has the opportunity to grasp the nettle of transition in the 21st century. Imagine an independent England with a proper constitution, with proportional representation, with a government and leadership genuinely representative of its people rather than a narrow coterie of privately educated Oxbridge graduates - a self perpetuating elite whose interests lie in maintaining the status quo however damaging that may be to the majority. Self interest is always a powerful motivator. Such a shame that the current opposition lacks the confidence and bravery to take this to their electorate. All of them, all of us, trapped in the aspic and treacle of our shared history.

It’s time to step out of this viscosity and enter the free flowing waters of a new century. With confidence, with ambition and with hope for a better future. 

Bringing our own unique past to the fore in the rebranding of Y Bannau is part of that process. An expression of the confidence that’s growing across Wales.

A newfound confidence that will lead to a new and better composition for the islands of Britain and Ireland. A brighter, better future which will benefit all of us. 

Four strong, productive, independent nations, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England, standing side by side in the new international order, not as a superpower (those days are long gone) but as vibrant, wealthy, modern nations.

Leon Vincent - Ace Reporter. An interview with Jack Swan - the Swansea City Fanzine

YesCymru stickers are found in every town and village across Wales. It has been called a quiet movement for Welsh independence. However that is going to get a lot louder in Swansea, with the march for independence on May 20th. I spoke with YesCymru Chief Exec, Gwern Gwynfil about the march, independence, and some of the challenges the organisation has faced.    

Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role in Yes Cymru? 

I'm Gwern Gwynfil, and I'm the new chief executive of YesCymru. In fact, the first Chief Executive of YesCymru. It is a relatively young organisation that is still growing and maturing and a part of that is employing me. Our aim is to become the organisation we need to be to help Wales achieve independence. 

We’ve seen issues with the SNP in recent weeks. Nichola Sturgeon has blamed growing pains. Has YesCymru faced similar problems?

Definitely. The pandemic was a catalyst for an incredible level of growth. Membership went from around 2,000 members to over 5,000 in a matter of months. At the time, the organisation was run solely by its members, on a voluntary basis, and inevitably things became a bit messy for a time. It was well publicised that the entire board stepped down at one stage. We needed the whole organisation to regroup and restructure. I like to think that during that process we went from being YesCymru 1.0 to YesCymru 2.0.  

We still have a long way to go but we are making progress. In a way, we are in a better position than the SNP because we had all the shit in one go. It was all at the same time. You learn an awful lot from that. We know we need to be more professional. We need to be the most professional political organisation in Wales. That may not seem a very high bar to jump, but it will help us make great strides forward as an organisation and allow us to maintain momentum as we grow - as we surely will.

How difficult is it to keep everyone happy. I assume that you have independent supporters from all backgrounds. Those that want to rejoin the EU, those that are right wing, left wing etc.. How do you keep everyone focussed on one vision? 

There is broad support for independence across the political spectrum and that is as it should be. One of the ways that we want to work is to encourage healthy debate. To make sure that everyone has a voice. We want to set up discussions. Dr John Ball, who I know has spoken to this magazine before, will be a part of that, for the economic forum for example. As an economist, he has strong views and it will be great to set up what could be quite a lively economic forum, where he and others can thrash out their contrasting cases for the economic structure of a future independent Wales.  

There are a lot of different views, everyone can have their own vision for an Independent Wales after all, but none of these will be realised without first securing an independent Wales. When that happens, then it will be down to all the people of Wales to contribute to create our new nation. I’m hoping people in Wales who are disillusioned with politics today start to realise that their views and opinions matter. That they, you, me, all of us, we can make a difference, and we can do so by campaigning for Indy. 

Right now, relative to the world, we are getting poorer in Wales all the time. Wales is one of the poorest nations in the whole of Europe today, not just in Western Europe but all of it and that’s hidden in the UK figures because the UK isn’t quite that poor yet - but we are. We need to persuade people in Wales that the only way to sort this out is for us to take control of our own lives, our own resources, our water, our energy - everything. We can only do this as an independent nation.

In terms of independence, when you look over the last nine years, the shift has been significant hasn’t it? In 2014, When pollsters asked people in Wales whether they would support independence 74% of people responded ‘no’. In polls today, that figure is often below 50%. How far are we away from independence? If the same rate of change continues for the next nine years then by 2032 only about one in five in Wales will still want the Union - Iet's accelerate that change, why wait?

In Scotland baseline support for Indy is about 46% or 47% and occasionally it jumps up to 55%. What is interesting about that baseline is that for the under 50s, that figure is above 60%. That's what you want - 60% across the board because you want it to work well from day one. You want about two thirds of people to be positive and to engage. To have confidence and enthusiasm, to be part of building a new nation. It would reinvigorate us all!

In the most general terms, at the moment here in Wales, we are about a third in favour. Maybe a quarter as a baseline but even that is 4 times higher than what it was just nine years ago. We then have a third that are soft unionists, so basically, they haven’t thought about it much. Then a third are strong Unionists. They are generally older and have moved to Wales, mostly from England. I’m generalising here by the way as some of our most fervent and passionate supporters are English people who have moved to Wales, fallen in love with the place and the people, and with the objectivity of an outsider very quickly realise how much potential we have as an Independent nation! 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to make the unionist case. The whole point of the Union is to have shared goals, shared burdens, and the insurance policy that Mark Drakeford talks about. The reality today though is that we don’t have shared values. We don’t share the values of middle England. Even Keir Starmer has drifted towards the Tories. Remember that Wales hasn’t voted for the Tories for over 100 years; it is highly unlikely to vote that way any time soon. I don’t know how many Tories you come across in the pubs in Swansea but the Welsh ones that I know, they are not Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg type Tories but tend to be softer conservatives like John Major or Ken Clark - which probably puts them where Keir Starmer is now politically!  

Isn’t that the case for many areas in England as well. I know that the north went more Tory than ever. But historically, we could be talking about Liverpool, Manchester, is it not nationalistic which is driving this as against economic?  

It’s definitely the case that the northeast of England is as poor as Wales. And that is a problem for the northeast of England, but that is a part of England. Wales isn’t. it is a different country; we play football and rugby with a different shirt on. Somebody told me recently that on a per-capita basis, Wales is second only to New Zealand in terms of its sporting achievements globally. If we are like that now, imagine if we were independent. We have so much to offer. It isn’t just nationalist, although that is there, it is about all that we have to give globally when we have control of our own future.

Wales does have a confidence issue. We are great in Wales at putting ourselves down. ‘Pathologically modest’ is what Mark Drakeford recently called us. It is such a contrast with places like Iceland or Estonia or Slovenia or Ireland. They are all independent small nations, and they think that they can do anything because they are independent.  They stand tall because they know they are free.

Slovenia is a good point because if you look at the old Yugoslavia. Croatia and Slovenia were by far the wealthiest parts of Yugoslavia and since the break-up, they still are. Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro all lag behind with their GDP. If Wales is poor now, wouldn’t we continue to be poor if the Union broke up? what would be different? 

You are forgetting a key point. Wales is actually a really wealthy country, and it is held back by the union. Slovenia gained independence in 1991 and at that time, Slovenia was not as wealthy as Wales but today it is wealthier than Wales. In thirty years they have gone from being poorer than Wales to being richer than Wales. Independence sets you free.

Other people would say, the reason that it was poorer was because it was propping up the poorer parts. We aren’t propping up England are we? 

We are certainly contributing to England in vast ways, and we will continue to do so within the Union. We certainly aren’t getting our share back, just look at HS2 and HS3 or Northern Powerhouse Rail as prime examples. We all fall into this trap, ‘too small’, ‘too poor,’ ‘too stupid’ and it’s a confidence thing. What we all forget is that all the data on Wales is collected by the ONS (office of National Statistics) and this is based on England and Wales. When doing that, when they talk about our deficit, they include everything that happens in England. The whole of the military, all the public buildings in England. Anything they choose to label as 'England and Wales' even if it has zero benefit for Wales. Think about this too, if the whole of the UK is getting poorer, where are the politicians going to send all the money? Not to Wales or Scotland for sure.

Already we don't even get what's ours. The crown estates have been devolved to Scotland, they get to do what they want with it and keep the profits. Here in Wales, we don’t. It’s about to become a massive honeypot too, the wind farms in the Celtic sea are about to become a massive source of revenue but we won’t see it here in Wales. These renewable energy projects will bring in billions a year for the public purse. What that means is that it’s going to the UK treasury, none of that comes here to Wales. £1 billion is currently 5% of the entire budget of the Senedd, all of that should be Welsh but it isn’t. To put this in perspective, each billion is enough to build three brand new hospitals - worth thinking about isn't it?

There is less money overall to be made from water, but water isn’t so much about income alone but it is a blatant example of the unfairness of the Union. Severn-Trent Water has plans to take up to another 500 million litres of Welsh water out of our system every day. This, when Wales itself often has rolling drought warnings across mid-Wales, what happens when Welsh farmers can’t have water because it’s going to London? And remember, they aren’t paying for it – they are just taking it. Wales loses so that others gain and we get nothing in return. Meanwhile, some years Severn Trent Water makes a billion in profit in a year whilst they are losing 600 million litres of water a day because they can't be bothered to fix their own pipes! But why bother fixing stuff when you can just take Welsh water for free eh? 

Did the pandemic help or hinder YesCymru? 

Both. The pandemic created the window of opportunity which allowed YesCymru to become more prominent and to build the brand quickly but then that electric growth itself led to the challenges we faced. There was a time when Nation.Cymru effectively wrote an obituary for YesCymru! 

Around half of the Board members responsible for rebuilding YesCymru have stepped down burnt out by their Herculean effort. I'd like to pay tribute to all of them. These are volunteers after all. Some were giving 40 hours a week and more for months and months. All working around their day jobs of course. We still have a lot to do but our foundations are strong because of their hard work. Across the last year or so a lot of memberships have lapsed, mostly because of technical glitches with transition to our new systems. But I do occasionally have conversations where people are saying, and I'm quoting here - ‘we are waiting to see if the bat shit crazy people have left’ and I get that. If you are concerned that the organisation could be hijacked, then you are not going to give it your money. If you think that money won't be used effectively to promote Independence then a little nervousness is understandable. I can assure you that it’s not going to happen on my watch. I’m very confident that’s not going to happen. I'm here to say that every penny will make a difference directly in supporting the Indy campaign. It's my job and I will ensure that we maximise value and push hard towards the goal of an Independent Wales. 

You can join, or rejoin, with confidence.

We need you. We are under-resourced as we are. We need to increase our financial capacity, it can’t just be marches, stickers, the odd panel discussion. We need more resources to get our argument out there. The ultimate goal is to try and get everyone in Wales talking about independence. Once we get that then the argument is so strong that nobody is going back. Nobody ever goes back. Once you start to look up and outwards at all the other small, successful, Independent nations, across Europe and the world, it becomes very hard indeed to believe that somehow Wales isn't good enough to be a small, successful, Independent nation. When you look a little deeper you start to realise that we have even more to offer than most other small nations and that we are simply chronically underselling and underestimating ourselves.

Mark Drakeford is likely to step down as Labour leader in the next twelve months or so. Around 40% of Labour supporters would vote for independence. Are we likely to see a pro-independent candidate challenge for the top job in Wales? If so, who?

I think the Labour Party in Wales has a big challenge as Labour in Wales is not the same as Labour in England. The parliamentary Labour party from Wales is more in line with English Labour of course, but this is because it is in their interest. If you are a Welsh Labour MP in London, then supporting independence is like a turkey voting for Christmas, you'll be putting yourself out of a cushy job! You do sometimes see this division rising to the surface but Welsh Labour are good at balancing the conflicting beliefs of their members. About a third are Indy supporters, a third are unionists and a third are in this no-man's land where if Scotland becomes independent then they want to too. For this last third, when you think about it, that's a bizarre position - they are just Independence supporters who haven't yet found the confidence to cross the line, they feel the need for Scotland to go first and show them the way. That's not for me, it's a race I'd like to win! We should find our ambition, our confidence and lead the way instead of being led.

Do you think that there are closest AMs in Welsh Labour? 

Definitely. They are not closet AMs either. Off the record, some will tell you that they are supportive. However, I'm sure some feel that if they came out and said so they would be deselected, others, I'm sure, are trying very hard to keep the delicate balance on this issue internally for the sake of the party. 

Surely then, these people have a massive opportunity to come out and to be First Minister. If the support in the party is there, then they can be leader of Labour and be First Minister? 

I think that you misunderstand the depth of the problem for Welsh Labour. As a party, it is based on socialism. That means that they put their party first. It believes in the unity of Labour across the globe, not just in the UK. You can see the tension in Mark Drakeford, he is very proud to be Welsh. He is massively in favour of our Welsh nation but also a strong believer in the Labour movement. It is a big challenge for him and for others. I genuinely sympathise with this inner conflict but in the real world the idea that English Labour will ever set priorities in the interests of Wales or allow Wales to grow and flourish is just an empty dream.  

Welsh Labour have squared the circle by going for home rule or devolution max as an aspirational policy. The problem with that is, firstly, that it will never happen. Starmer won’t give it. He talked recently in a speech about giving back to Wales what the Tories have taken away over the last few years but nothing extra, nothing new. That’s as far as he will go on the record, which is shockingly poor. That shows that Labour in England is not truly supportive of Labour in Wales but rather just takes the support of Welsh Labour for granted. 

From my perspective, if we can persuade Labour in Wales to at least allow Independence to be an open question, part of the conversation, to allow MS’s to come out and say what they think then that would be a great step forward. At the moment, Welsh Labour is adept at keeping this issue behind closed doors but with more and more of their supporters pushing for Independence it does make you wonder when something has to give. 

We have a march in Swansea coming up next month. I wonder how different support for independence is from place to place. I assume there isn’t the same support in Swansea as there is in Carmarthen for argument sake? 

What is really interesting about the polling that we now have, is that support is evenly spread across Wales. Every area has a baseline between 20% and 25%. It is really consistent. Surprisingly so. Even in places where you wouldn't expect strong support.

The data is getting better and better too. Between 2014 and 2018 there was only one poll a year on Independence in Wales but since 2019, we have had over 30 polls. YesCymru is producing one every 6 months and there are others too. That’s getting much better. 

Swansea is the second city and it could be a sleeping giant for Indy Wales. Swansea has its own mind, I love Swansea. If Swansea decides that it does want to support Indy, then it will move. I know there are a lot of people that are resistant but the ones that I’ve spoken to have struggled to explain to me why they support unionism; other than ‘it’s the way that it has always been’ – and I hate that. We want things to get better and we have to change. The way it's always been just isn't good enough for us and it definitely isn't good enough for our children. We have to have change to make things better, for ourselves, but most importantly, for our children.

Finally, on a personal level. How big is this job? You potentially have the future of Wales in your hands. Do you feel pressure? 

That’s an excellent question. When they offered me the job. I didn’t accept it for weeks because I was conscious that once I walked through the door then there would be no way back. I knew that I’d have a target on my back. I’ve been doing it for 6 months now. 3 weeks ago, I had worked out that over the previous couple of weeks I’d worked 200 hours - which is bonkers.  

There is so much to do. I’ve got 4 young kids and one adult kid too. Also, like many people in Wales, at the moment, I have more money going out every month than I have coming in, which is a scary thought when you’ve got young kids to feed and clothe. How big is this job? Massive.  Is it worth it? Definitely. 100%.

With the magazine, I get to talk to a lot of pub landlords and landladies. I can see, and I often say, that It is not a job, it’s a way of life. You start in the early morning, go to bed early hours and everything in-between is taken over by the pub. I’m picturing that you are doing the same? 

It's all-consuming. Sometimes I start at 5am and I don’t finish until 10pm (and I have to finish because I'm dead on my feet by then!). When I look at how much we have to do, the challenges that we have, the obstructions we are getting over then it drives me. Getting our message across is really challenging because the mainstream media doesn’t engage but when I pause and look back at what we have achieved in the last 6 months and what the movement has done over the last nine years, then it seems more than worth it.  

The support across young people is much, much higher than older people. I would dearly love that my children don’t have to get involved in campaigning, because we’d already be independent. I’m also conscious that all empires fall. That there is an inevitability about Welsh independence for these reasons. 

Scotland will get its independence. Northern Ireland will be absorbed into a united Republic of Ireland. I’m basically very competitive and I really want Wales to go first. If we can get to Indy before Scotland then I’ll be completely overjoyed! Swansea can play a big part in that - Glasgow was the first pro-Indy city in Scotland, how about Swansea being first over the line in Wales?!

Reacting to the news that Westminster has taken £155.5Million from Wales, on the basis that the Senedd hasn’t spent it yet, Gwern Gwynfil, Chief Executive of YesCymru, the campaign for an Independent Wales said:

‘This is a disgrace. How would you feel if your bank stole a huge chunk of money from your account because you hadn’t spent it? Money you’d carefully saved for a purpose so that you could improve your life in some way? Because this is what the Treasury does to Wales time and time again. It is time to take control of our own money, time for Independence’

This is nothing new either, in 2007 Westminster took back £385 Million in funding from Wales. Even in the years before devolution, John Redwood as Welsh Secretary boasted of cutting back in Wales so that money could be sent back to London.

Nerys Jenkins, Deputy Chair of YesCymru said:

‘This Union just takes, takes, takes from Wales. We have to say enough is enough. let us run our own affairs, spend our own money. make our own decisions, stand on our own two feet and be in control of our own affairs. Being farmed by Westminster so that they can try and reduce the damage caused by their own economic mismanagement is just not on. Why should Wales and the people in Wales pay for the mistakes of Westminster?’

It is becoming ever clearer that Wales will be better off Independent. Already the Constitutional Commission for Wales has made it clear that Independence is a better option than the existing flawed devolution settlement. As the whole of the UK gets ever poorer and diminished on the International stage, it is inevitable that Westminster will suck on the resources of Wales, vampire like, in an effort to maintain its status, wealth and power. History shows that the fate of Wales, of the children of Wales, does not matter to Westminster politicians who simply do not care one jot for Wales or its people. It is only through Independence that Wales finds its road to success, to wealth, to confidence.

Who cares about Wales?

Over the decades, who has actually given a jot about Wales and its citizens?  Did the dynastic quarry, pit and mine owners of the industrial revolution? Did the landowners that squeezed every dram of effort from the workers who ploughed its soil? Well, those who did were few and far between. 

Did the successive political dynasties see Wales as little more than a bountiful Eldorado of resources to feed, roof and fuel the greatest empire the world has ever seen? Probably not. What about the executives of the NCB responsible for tip No7 of the Merthyr Vale Colliery? History will show us otherwise. 

Do the masses of Mountain Warehouse dressed warriors care as much about Wales and its people as much as they do about its beauty as they strive towards the nirvana of their ‘happy place’ by sea or up a mountain? Well, occasionally they do, but unfortunately, they are few and far between.

Luckily, across the centuries, people have cared. Cared enough to get together to accomplish Herculean feats. From the power of the Chartist movement and the miners’ strike to the language campaigners of recent decades. With vision and passion, our communities have pulled together to create the working classes’  cathedrals to learning such as the Workers Education Association (WEA), the workers halls and our very own schools and universities.

We are lucky - a lot of us care and have cared about Wales over the years.

Who cares about the way we are governed?

Do we care about how we are governed? Do people in the early years of the 21st century actually care about how and who happens to be in government at any point in time? It is sadly the case that those of us that take an interest in politics and its mechanics are very much in the minority today, and maybe party politics has mostly dissolved into a grey lukewarm soup of murkiness over the years, the boundaries blurred between all the key components.Voter participation in Wales at local and Senedd level is very poor indeed and over a third of voters won’t even turn out for a General Election despite the relentless media coverage that comes with it. Have we become apathetic because we know that we have no agency here in Wales, it doesn’t matter who we vote for, injustice, unfairness and poor treatment for Wales will continue.

The perception that none of the political class of this century hold the moral scruples of their predecessors is constantly renewed by the actions of many politicians. Successive Westminster scandals, from expenses to partygate, have left the legacy of a public more disengaged than ever with politics and governance, and electioneering is now nothing more than who can shout their three word slogan the loudest.  

Enduring our fourth economic downturn in 15 years on the back of a global pandemic and a messy divorce from our biggest trading partner has focused vast swathes of the people of Wales on survival. A large proportion of our population have learnt how to blank out the white noise of rhetoric in the traditional media as much as the new, and surviving until  the next pay-day with the occasional mid-month flourish on the odd meal or takeaway is the new norm. What difference does  political bluster and rhetoric actually make? We are poor and getting poorer and knuckling down to get by is sucking up our collective energy and enthusiasm.

Fortunately, a great deal of us still care. Sufficient numbers of people care to turn out to vote, to engage in debate in the pubs or in on-line forums and chats. There is a realisation that good governance does make a real difference to daily life, from public health policies in times of crisis to legislation and litigation that prevents tenants from being burned alive in their high-rise homes.  Maybe the crossfire of on-line and off-line misinformation will polarise and cloud the pond, but decent people will always strive for truth and fairness, and should expect integrity, passion and compassion from those who govern.

Who cares who governs?

Party politics might well be a cloudy soup, but the question of who makes the decisions is alive and well, the ruling Conservative party in Westminster are identifiable enough in the public domain, as are the Labour administration in Cardiff Bay.  

Further down the food-chain it is less clear - apart from the odd charismatic opposition leader,  who knows anything about who is who, and what is what?  Do most of us actually know the difference between Party, Government or Parliament in Wales? Do we really know where the Westminster responsibility ends and the Senedd begins how Welsh Government projects, statutory obligations and regulations interact with governance? Can we grasp the absurdities and inadequacies of the devolution settlement as it stands today?

This lack of understanding of  the basic functions of our democratic institutions is itself a threat to our devolved structures. As time goes by, understanding does improve, and so does confidence, those in Wales who've grown up with the Welsh Government feel far more keenly that Westminster treats Wales poorly, they too accept implicitly that Wales has a government and, as a direct result, are much more likely to believe that Wales should stand on its own and divest itself of Westminster rule completely.  The Senedd is yet to win over the hearts and minds of all the citizens of Wales, a  weak press and patchy broadcast media make it hard to cut through the confusion of overlap in political authority and harder still for the Senedd and its politicians to communicate broadly, easily and well with the whole of Wales. Even so, Wales has democratically and emphatically put its weight behind the Senedd - twice.  

Over the past couple of decades the Assembly and Senedd have changed the landscape of politics in Wales. The people of Wales in recent years have seen the Westminster emperor in all its naked filth, its cover has been blown - self interest and the interest of the dominant partner in the Union is clear to anyone who takes the time to look. This will never change whatever colour or stripe the government in London  

Meanwhile, the challenges that the Cardiff Bay administration face are numerous, reversing decades of economic and social decline; the need for investment and radical reform of health, social care, transport and education. But first we must set ourselves free. 

The vast majority in Wales believe that the future of democracy remains, at least partly, in the hands of the people of Wales, The Senedd, Welsh government and the mechanics of governance have had ups and downs over the past quarter of a century, but in that short time the overall trajectory has been upwards, with incremental improvements where possible, this is terrific news for Wales as it suggests that with genuine control we could soon emulate the success of other small Independent nations, Estonia, Slovenia, Iceland.

Who cares about independence?

The natural progression for Wales - as a nation, a democracy and a developing presence on the international stage, is independence.  

Or is it?

The apron strings to the UK  institutions are as strong and pervasive -  for some there is  a strong sense of duty, or even pride in the monarchy and the shared history of Empire, of ideological unity in the 20th century, of success in the two World wars  that tore our society apart. Conflict that still lies within living memory. The armed forces, political institutions and parties, are linked to the population by an umbilical cord, and quite understandably - these are the emblems of generations of the people of these islands, the glue that links all our histories together.

Opinion polls fluctuate on the question of independence for Wales, and around a third of those polled in Wales see self-determination as the way forward. Support for independence breaks down traditional barriers of geography, party politics and language and seems to be universally spread across Wales. Another third of our population are sitting, for now, on the opposite side of the fence. A demographic not constrained by boundaries - of geography, linguistics nor political.

This leaves us with the middle third - the undecided/curious/unbothered.  It is this group who will decide the path of the future of Wales. Will they become engaged? Will they take the time to inform themselves? Will they form a view on Welsh Independence? Will the arguments for or against independence be strong enough to foster engagement? Can they be inspired to interrogate their own beliefs, to challenge their own assumptions, to understand that for things to be better we must have radical change?

Whatever tectonic plates shift in UK politics over the next few years, the constitutional future of Wales will boil down to a battle for around a third of our population. Political forces in Wales and Westminster, or even progressive changes in Scotland, the future reunification of Ireland - will all impact on Wales. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the UK status quo will not survive, an alternative must emerge.  Will this mean a semi-autonomous devolved, big-brother-little-brother relationship with an English Westminster government? Could this even be the beginning of the end for the devolution process in Wales? A subjugation within a ‘ Greater English’ state?  Could it be that we discover that we are brave enough, confident enough, to stand on our own feet and take our place on the world stage? Stepping up, as so many nations have over the past 80 years, embracing Independence and thriving as a consequence.

Crunch time approaches for Wales, and for the UK, not only do we need to choose our path, but the nebulous cloud of emotional ideology will need to be blown away. Whilst emotion and history will always play a part in the debate hard facts and figures will eventually crystallise into informed opinion and confidence. It’s time to light the pyres of discussion, debate and discourse. 

Who cares enough?

I believe enough of us care about the future of Wales and its future generations. All of us care enough to understand that something needs to give, change must happen in order for things to improve. After all Wales has form  Across the centuries Wales has made things happen - culturally we have always done so collectively, we are a nation of community. 

Perhaps  in this age, with its vast digital landscape, our forums, our public spaces,  are different. The days of crowds at hustings and vast debating events might be over - debate and discourse is often now keyboard-to-keyboard rather than face-to-face. Will we ever see the days of vast political gatherings again? Something we Welsh have historically enjoyed! Perhaps, but they will be a part of the modern landscape of multiple platforms of discussion and engagement. The gelatinous nature of politics and belief binds people together, it can lead to toxic echo-chambers of extremism which foster ignorance and even hatred.

History tells us that eventually, people will always find a  collective voice when change becomes imperative. How this voice is projected will be as varied as ever. Voices will emerge from introverted cocoons to become a voice of reason in debate in the bar, canteen or around a kitchen table. It might develop into a more organised affiliation with organised campaign groups. It might emerge in a desire for activism, and the need to ‘do’ something in the interest of change.

Campaigning is the culmination of the activism of the collective and seldom the individual. If a collective can amass enough passion, desire, and belief,  if it can agree on a clear vision of its end goal, then that campaign can and will succeed.

In our journey towards an independent Wales, our message is strong and clear: Wales needs to gain independence in order to thrive as a nation in the 21st century. To do so for the benefit of all its citizens. The campaign is rooted in the confidence of the possible, through discussions, debate and discourse. The front lines of the campaign are the pubs, the workplaces, communities and cafes, homes and clubs.  

However, even a grass-roots campaign must be organised. We must accept the reality today that any campaign needs resources in order to succeed. A membership organisation like YesCymru only succeeds through the efforts and activism of its network of members. It is in the work of many members, doing the small things, that  it can support a sustained multifaceted campaign across all the communities of Wales.

If enough of us do care, we can grow the campaign not only through sheer numbers, but through the strength of a mass-movement campaign. The goal is clear, the message is clear, so ask yourself - do I care? And more importantly in building a successful campaign - do enough of us care?

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent Van Gogh

Mark Drakeford has challenged Keir Starmer to create a union of equals.

In his words at the Welsh Labour Conference this week, he said: “By building a new partnership of equals based on mutual respect, a partnership that has the confidence to redistribute power and opportunity, radically, to every community, every nation, in every part of our country.”

I have no doubt that Mark Drakeford ardently believes his own words. Nor do I doubt that he would like to see radical policy initiatives targeted to eradicate poverty and increase equality within our society. 

He wishes to: “Guarantee that nobody has to find themselves unable to eat and relying on a food bank.”

This is a laudable aspiration that everyone should unite behind. It is disgraceful that, right now, there are tens of thousands of children in Wales who are mired in food poverty. Through no fault of their own, they go hungry, month after month, week after week, day after day. This simply isn’t good enough. These are our children and they deserve better.

But according to the First Minister, the ultimate answer to the manifold injustices that afflict our country does not lie here. 

He says: “It falls to…the next Labour government to make the case for Britain”. 

He is talking about a Labour government in Westminster led by Keir Starmer of course. Given Westminster’s miserable track record in Wales, we can reasonably assume he will be sorely disappointed. At the Welsh Labour conference Keir Starmer’s promise of thin gruel was met with rapturous applause. The restoration of funding control taken away by a Conservative government is hardly a radical plan for the devolution of power. Neither is there any sign that a Labour government in Westminster will depart from the economic orthodoxy of the Conservative Party.. 

Rather than a deviation from the Conservative Party’s cruel indifferences towards the people of Wales, a Labour Party at the helm in Westminster will be more of the same.

There may be a few warmer words here and there, but they will be no less empty nor any less treacherous. 

They will give Wales a different coloured London based government with the same outcome. The structural deficiencies and lack of investment which hamper the advancement of Wales and its people will continue. 

Warm and empty words on Wales’ future from the Labour Party and from a Starmer led government are as derogatory towards our country as is the current Conservative government. The Labour Party do little to hide their disinterest and patronising attitude to Wales. 

It is England which will deliver the Labour Party the Members of Parliament needed for it to form the next Westminster government. The few MPs which Labour receive from Wales will have little influence. Wales will have no more of a strong voice in Westminster under a Keir Starmer led Labour government than it does now under the Conservative Party rule. 

Mark Drakeford will be sorely disappointed in Keir Starmer as a new Labour messiah for the interests of Wales. 

After all, why, when his route to power lies in his English votes, would Keir Starmer, hold to his promises of restoring, renewing and strengthening devolution.

Why would he commit to the repatriation of the Welsh people’s stolen £5bn from the funding of that whitest of white elephants HS2? Keir Starmer will not bring about the fundamental changes needed for our children to be fed or enable the people of Wales to prosper from their own talent and energy. Only Independence has the power to resolve Welsh poverty. Only Independence will let Wales act in solidarity with Labour movements across the globe. Only Independence will let us express our values, based on our moral compass, with freedom and integrity.

So, First Minister, I challenge you today to commit to Independence when Keir Starmer lets you down, as he surely will. 

I challenge you to embrace freedom through campaigning with us, with me, in favour of Independence, when that happens.

In return, and on behalf of a future Independent Welsh nation, I will presume to accept the challenge, one that a Labour government in Westminster will never rise to resolve, any more than their Conservative reflections will do so, a challenge to lift Wales out of poverty and to build a fair and just society, based on shared values, openness, integrity and creating lives full of hwyl. Our Wales, where wellbeing and social cohesion provide the engine for success.

One of the biggest scandals in recent years is Westminster’s treatment of Wales over the HS2 project. Widely covered in Wales, we are missing out on £5bn due to the fact the UK Government has classified HS2 as an England and Wales project. Despite not a single millimetre of track being laid in Wales. 

In effect this means Wales is contributing £5,000,000,000 towards brand new trains that will not benefit Wales in any way. Indeed, the Department For Transport’s own figures show that HS2 will negatively impact the Welsh economy by an estimated £200 million per year. 

Wales’ vulnerable position in the United Kingdom is laid bare by this. Regardless of the Welsh Government, Welsh MPs and Welsh MS’ from every party arguing Wales should receive its £5bn; the UK Government have ignored all of us. It leaves Wales in a position where we are forced to contribute £5bn for something that will negatively impact us to the tune of £200 million per year. We have no power or agency to stop this.

Yesterday, the UK Government's thin justification for this scandal evaporated. The Birmingham-Crewe and Crewe-Manchester sections of HS2 were “delayed” due to the spiralling cost of inflation. The UK Government’s Secretary In Wales, David TC Davies MP, has previously argued that HS2 will allow trains from north Wales to reach London 15 minutes faster than usual so that justifies taking £5bn from Wales to pay for the privilege. Basically Wales should pay £5bn because the County Town of Cheshire East is close enough to our border. 

Of course, the thought of an independent Wales being forced by another country to contribute a King’s Ransom to fund new trains, in order to negatively impact our own economy, is preposterous. So why are we prepared to take it now? We are protesting loudly and with unity but to no avail. Our powerlessness, our second class status within the ‘union of equals’, the utter inadequacy of the devolution settlement, are all plain to see once again. 

This must stop and we must place Wales, our country, and the citizens of Wales, and the children of Wales, on an equal footing with England, Scotland, Ireland and the rest of the world. The only guaranteed route to this is Independence.

As members of this Union, Wales has 11% of the UK rail network and receives 1% of the funding. The rail network in the north of Wales is even more neglected than the Welsh average, so imagine how much difference that £5bn, or even part of it, could make to modernising the network throughout Wales. But no, the UK Government expects north Wales commuters to be happy that they could get to London 15 minutes quicker, providing the trains are even running. 

In short; Wales is forgotten, neglected and when it stands up for itself and its citizens, ignored. 

Its very likely there will be a change in political rosette at Westminster in the near future. My question to Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party is this; will you re-classify HS2 as an England Only project and return Wales’ stolen £5bn? Anything less must surely be a betrayal of Labour support in Wales.

With HS2 going nowhere fast, time for Wales to speed up our departure from the last days of the Great British Empire. All of us, Wales, Scotland and England too, will be better off as Independent nations in a rich global tapestry.