An elected chamber with hybrid vigour

STEPHEN Kinnock (Western Mail article August 15) and Gwyn Hopkins (Western Mail Letters August 19) both make very good points in their article and letter.

However, Mr Kinnock seems to fail to realise that the type of nationalistic conflict he fears arises from the oppression, to whatever degree, of a smaller country by a larger neighbour. Mutual respect never causes conflict.

At present, what we see in the UK is the domination of the political agenda by England over Wales and Scotland. The present chaos over Brexit, with Westminster’s one-eyed focus ignoring the implications for Wales and Scotland, naturally leaves them fearing for their future. Hence the possible threat to the future of the UK.

Mr Kinnock is correct; the UK has many great and beneficial aspects, but it is far from perfect. The magistrates who called in the troops at St Peter’s Fields 200 years ago undoubtedly thought they were defending a just and wholesome society. Just how wrong were they?

As a vision of how the UK may develop the potential of its countries and citizens, we might consider Devo-Max, with a Westminster with far fewer members, who would meet as a federal representation, taking care of matters of mutual concern, such as defence, etc. This would surely be an improvement on the present-day example of braying hordes, divided by petty party loyalties.

Why not complete this development with an elected second chamber? This would be populated by representatives of the various occupations, professions and charities of the UK. This chamber would oversee and advise accordingly the aspects of governance of the different Parliaments of the three countries. This model would be a true partnership of equals, whereby cultural differences are valued and appreciated. After all, the healthiest animal is that which displays hybrid vigour. Let that be the vision for the new UK. Siôn Griffiths Trawsgoed, Aberystwyth