MORNING SERIAL

EVEN when parliamentary numbers did not benefit Wales, a democracy still required voices to be listened to and Welsh interests were not entirely marginalised. But this did not achieve enough or go far enough for some, and direct action and violence also played their part in getting Welsh interests noticed and listened to. This worked because it seemed to be a tip of an iceberg.

Behind those willing to break the law for their nation were thousands of others who were sympathetic to their cause. It was through various combinations of these pressures that significant concessions were made to Wales. The church was devolved, the pubs were shut on Sundays, Welsh was allowed in courts, Wales was given representation at cabinet and an official capital and flag, the Welsh language received financial support, public bilingualism became the norm, Welsh was taught to every schoolchild, and significant powers devolved to a new self-governing body.

Some would argue that these developments were not about helping Wales but about keeping it within the union. If this is the case, then colonialism might be a term that has some validity. This does require, however, a rather conspiratorial view of all politicians that always assumes the worst. It also overlooks how it was Welsh politicians enacting some of these changes through their positions in British government. It is further difficult to describe recognitions of specifically Welsh interests as colonialism because it was part of a wider process where the British establishment made concessions when its authority was challenged. It thus gradually extended the vote to the working classes and allowed their representatives into the corridors of power, as long as they contained their demands. Thus radical Welsh and working-class leaders, who might otherwise have brought the establishment down, became part of the very entity they were challenging. It was through this route of compromise and accommodation that democracy, a welfare state and a devolved United Kingdom evolved.

> Wales: England’s Colony? by Martin Johnes is published by Parthian in the Modern Wales series www.parthianbooks.com