Time is right to be making serious plans for Welsh independence
IBELIEVE that political leaders are duty-bound to provide hope and to lead discussion. In the current context, that means encouraging our fellow country people to truly consider what future is best for the communities of Wales.
There is no doubt that Brexit, and a ‘no deal’ Brexit in particular, is being driven by a particular ideology that arises from a destructive kind of nationalism, which is narrow, rightwing and privileged.
We must defeat this ideology which tramples on everyone that gets in its way. But it is important to bear in mind that not everyone who voted for Brexit was driven by that same ideology.
The act of so many of our fellow country people in our poorest communities in voting for Brexit was an act arising from frustration, arising from a feeling of inequality; it was a cry against poverty and powerlessness.
Pledges were made that life would be better following Brexit, but gradually the dream is being destroyed and more and more people are realising that it was all based on lies.
And with that realisation comes the feeling of powerlessness once again, and we must guard against that. We must not allow hopelessness to take hold.
We have two choices facing us as Welsh parliamentarians.
We can put our heads in the sand and hope that, through some miracle, a way forward can be found within the unequal, broken Westminster constitution… or we can face reality. The reality is that things must change.
I believe that independence for Wales – taking the reins for ourselves and deciding our own fate – is the best way forward.
We need to hold a sensible debate on how democracy in Wales should evolve. That’s why Plaid Cymru has proposed a Government-led National Constitutional Convention. Its conclusions could drive change and provide hope for a better future. We don’t need a talking shop and we need to take detailed options to the people of Wales at the end of these discussions and we must prepare for a referendum which would include independence as an option.
Let us provide hope for everyone, including those in our poorest communities, so that they don’t go back to feeling powerless and frustrated.
And what better response to the recent impetuous actions of Boris Johnson than starting a meaningful and hopeful discussion with our people on the future of our nation?