Comment

Welsh nationalism needs to embrace and redefine Britishness to win

Published

5 months ago

July 1, 2025

by Jonathan Edwards

A BRITISH and Irish Lions rugby tour always used to stir up mixed emotions for me as a Welsh nationalist once I became politically active. My politics was very much driven by considering everything Welsh as good and conversely anything British as bad. However, the Lions concept of four nations coming together challenged that notion, especially as skilled unionists such as former First Minister Carwyn Jones would often equate the Lions as an example of his vision of a reformed British State based on a partnership of equals in a con/federal structure. The argument put forward by Mr Jones was very persuasive but in fact wasn’t quite true as one of the Lions nations was an independent country, at least 26 counties of the 32 Irish counties that make up the Irish national rugby team are in the Republic and not the UK.

Unionists proclaim the Lions as the embodiment of the UK State whilst of course it is not, it is the rugby side of the British Isles. The British Isles and the British State are two different entities and as time has gone by, I have concluded that Welsh nationalists are missing a trick in not embracing our common British identity and redefining it to serve the aim of achieving Welsh political independence.

The political strategy of polarising Welshness against Britishness, amplified most vividly by the famous ‘Viva Gareth Bale’ football chant sang by Welsh football supporters has undoubtedly served a purpose in the social media age we live in where electoral politics is far more about energising bases than triangulating opponents.

The last census however indicated that only 55% of the people of Wales identified as Welsh. Whilst in party electoral politics this provides enough people for Plaid Cymru to operate on an energising the base basis, especially a Senedd election where the turnout is small and those participating are more likely to be Welsh identifier. In the context of a referendum the Yes campaign would have to be far more nuanced. The personal attacks on Louis Rees Zammit this week for his photo shoot with a Union Jack flag indicates the problems that traditional nationalist strategies face. Before getting accused of hypocrisy, I got myself into plenty of trouble during my time as MP with stupid social media posts.

To compound the difficulties facing the Yes campaign will face in the future, statistics by the Office for National Statistics indicate that each year on average 59,000 people move from England to Wales, whilst 53,000 move the other way. Whilst population flows are complex and not straightforward, it’s obvious that a Yes campaign based on polarisation based on identity is probably doomed to failure. Speaking to the converted in social media echo chambers is easy, to win Wales the Yes campaign would have to convert a huge chunk of our fellow citizens who do not consider themselves to be Welsh despite the deliberate attempt to define our national identity on a civic basis.

Welsh nationalism should go further and embrace the common identity of the people of the British Isles whilst directing its critique at the failure of the British State. When I developed a political strategy based on the hashtag #westminsterisntworkingforwales it was very much to pivot the vanguard of attack towards challenging the legitimacy of the British State as opposed to deconstructing British identity and anti-Englishness.

Instead, Welsh nationalists if they were clever should be the biggest Anglophiles on the planet as a part of the process of creating a new common British identity where the people of Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England face the future as distinct equals.

An independent Wales would need the closest possible relationship economically with our neighbours to the West and East. We would also need to work together on matters such as defence and foreign policy. There is a strong case for a common currency with England and Scotland, the creation of a sterling currency zone as I labelled it with appropriate political accountability by the Central Bank to the constituent political members. I was personally relaxed about leaving the fight on the Head of State for another day as well to not immediately turn off royalists.

In embracing Britishness and the need to redefine it as something beyond the structures of the British State, the Yes campaign will not only begin to answer some of the questions of how an independent Wales would work with our neighbours but also expand the appeal of independence to those who will need to be persuaded to win a vote. It will also pose a challenge to Unionists, that for the British State to survive it will have to reform decisively by becoming far less centralised.

British identity is the Unionist’s strongest political card especially as Welsh nationalism polarises against it. Negate its impact on the political debate and Unionist politicians will be left with the UK State. Striped of being the embodiment of British identity, what would be the point of Westminster?

In my periodic discussions with indy-sceptic fellow citizens, there is little love for Westminster and the British establishment which seems increasingly hysterical – witness the response to the performance of Kneecap at the Glastonbury festival as a case in point. The attacks on the band, the festival and the BBC have been off the wall delirious. Personally speaking, I would be worried if the youth of today had been anesthetised to such an extent that they weren’t voicing their concerns at events in Gaza. Festival organisers and the BBC must resist pressure to censor. Those leading the charge on the right in faux outrage aren’t worried about the lyrics of ‘Recap’, it’s about cultural control and very North Korean in nature.

Returning to the rugby, whilst I consider the Welsh tour of Japan as the most important rugby event this summer, I will be cheering my fellow Amman Valley citizen Jac Morgan, the sole remaining Welsh tourists, and the rest of the Lion squad in Australia. As the Lions epitomises a future political structure for the British Isles where four independent countries will chart their own path in the world but also must work within common structures to replace the British State when father time eventually calls on Westminster rule.

Comment

Community gathers in Tenby to remember the fallen

Published

4 weeks ago

November 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY residents gathered in solemn reflection at the town’s cenotaph this on Sunday (Nov 8) to mark Armistice Day and honour all those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Rain fails to dampen spirits

Despite the drizzle, a large crowd assembled at the war memorial on South Parade as the clock struck 11:00am. The Last Post was sounded, followed by two minutes’ silence observed across the town.

Civic leaders and young representatives

The Mayor of Tenby, town councillors, veterans, members of the Royal British Legion and representatives from youth groups, cadets, emergency services and local schools took part in the wreath-laying ceremony. Among them was a young boy who stepped forward to lay a poppy wreath—symbolising the next generation’s gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A service of unity and respect

As the names engraved on the cenotaph were read aloud, the assembled crowd stood shoulder to shoulder, remembering those from Tenby and beyond who never returned home. Local clergy led prayers, and the service was accompanied by music from the Salvation Army Band.

Following the ceremony, the parade marched through the town walls led by the Royal British Legion standard bearers, with applause from residents lining the streets.

The annual service once again showed Tenby’s deep respect for its history, its veterans and the continuing legacy of remembrance.

Lest we forget.

Photos by Gareth Davies/Herald

Comment

Take a bow, the government’s own comedy duo

Published

4 weeks ago

November 8, 2025

Staff Writer

This column is “THE ALTERNATIVE VIEW” by Mike Dello

THERE have been some terrific comedy double acts over the years – Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, Morecambe and Wise. Well, take a bow, at considerable expense, the government’s own pair: Mahmood and Lammy – the Home Secretary and Justice Secretary.

It would all be rather funny if this hapless duo hadn’t compromised the safety of the British public. The system somehow managed to accidentally release migrant sex offender Hadush Kepatu – yes, by mistake. From all accounts, this individual even tried to get back into prison, but was sent away, wandering the streets for forty-eight hours before being re-arrested.

He was then promptly deported to Ethiopia – with £500 of taxpayers’ money in his pocket. And, given we’re still bound by the European Convention on Human Rights, one suspects he may soon turn up again on a small boat, free of all checks.

Meanwhile, 49-year-old Wayne Broadhunt was murdered while walking his dog this week – reportedly by a migrant – as this scandal reaches epidemic proportions.

Starmer’s house of cards

Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership continues to unravel. Lucy Powell has defeated Bridget Phillipson in a members’ vote for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party – despite being sacked from the Cabinet by the Prime Minister only a few short weeks ago.

As BBC Political Editor Chris Mason dryly observed: “It’s a result the Prime Minister did not want.”

Then there’s Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, now under fire over alleged rule breaches involving her personal rental affairs. Starmer is standing by her, of course – though one might think the person managing the nation’s finances should at least keep her own in order.

Conflict abroad and chaos at home

The paper-thin ceasefire in Gaza has been shattered once again, with Israel launching air strikes that killed more than a hundred civilians after the killing of an Israeli soldier by Hamas.

And across the Atlantic, Hurricane Melissa has devastated Jamaica, with winds of up to 185mph leaving a trail of destruction. In an ironic twist, some climate campaigners are finally conceding that such disasters are not becoming more frequent – as they long claimed – but more severe.

Meanwhile, Net Zero by 2030 looks increasingly like a fantasy. Wind farms aren’t delivering what was promised, and these expensive steel giants are driving energy bills through the roof. One wonders if Sir Ed Miliband, the government’s “climate chappy,” has received his knighthood yet.

True heroes among us

The word “hero” is often used loosely – but seldom has it been more deserved than in the horrific events of Saturday night, when 32-year-old Anthony Williams went on a stabbing spree aboard a passenger train between Doncaster and London.

Eleven people, including the driver, were injured – some seriously. Driver Andrew Johnston showed exceptional skill and courage in diverting the train into a platform at Huntingdon, enabling police to apprehend Williams within minutes.

Among the passengers was Nottingham Forest fan Stephen Crean, who quite literally put his body on the line to protect others, suffering grave injuries in the process. He and others on that train are the true heroes of our times – far more deserving of honours than certain MPs, lords or celebrity “captains of industry.”

Thankfully, such incidents remain rare – a small comfort when more than five million people travel safely on Britain’s railways every day.

A final word

It is worth remembering that during the 1982 Falklands conflict, Prince Andrew – as he then was – served as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot on numerous dangerous missions, including anti-surface operations and casualty evacuations. He was rightly honoured for that service.

Today, his reputation lies in ruins due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. While King Charles was right to strip him of certain titles and privileges, his wartime honours should stand. If not, the word “hero” loses all meaning.

And finally, the BBC once again finds itself accused of manipulating footage – this time allegedly inserting false words into Donald Trump’s mouth during a Panorama documentary to suggest he incited the 2020 Capitol riot.

If true, it’s yet another reason why the broadcaster should be defunded and made to stand on its own feet, rather than forcing taxpayers to bankroll what many now see as a partisan, outdated institution.

Comment

How did we beat Nigel Farage and Reform in Caerphilly? We stood by our convictions

Published

1 month ago

October 26, 2025

Staff Writer

By Rhun ap Iorwerth, Leader of Plaid Cymru

PLAID CYMRU’S decisive victory in the Caerphilly byelection proves that Labour’s century of dominance in Wales is over. Voters now face a clear choice between two very different futures, and Caerphilly shows that it is Plaid Cymru’s bold, inclusive vision that carries momentum.

Caerphilly was one of the safest Labour seats in Wales. Many London commentators expected the seat to fall to Reform – perhaps even hoped it would. It would have fit the narrative that post-industrial communities naturally drift to the populist right. We proved them wrong. A message built on fairness, community and national purpose resonated with voters, and a comfortable majority voted for it.

Reform UK threw everything it had at this campaign. Busloads of activists came from Kent. Their anti-refugee banners and billboards made local people feel uneasy and sought to pit neighbour against neighbour. Reform thought it could surf a wave of anger and fear, but people in Caerphilly saw through their cynicism. They rejected the idea that Wales should be used as a stepping stone for Farage’s next Westminster project.

Plaid Cymru’s message of hope beat Reform’s hate. Where Reform shouted division, we talked about belonging. Where they peddled blame, we talked about community. That matters not just for us in Wales, but for progressives everywhere. The populist right can be beaten when people are offered hope and a vision of a fairer future.

The result couldn’t be more damning of Labour. Eluned Morgan and Keir Starmer’s brand of managerial politics does not speak to Welsh voters any more. Labour once claimed to be the natural party of Wales. “Natural” parties die when they stop standing for something. In Caerphilly, decades of complacency caught up with them.

People here no longer believe Labour represents their communities, their values or their ambitions. They see a party that has swapped conviction for calculation and focus-grouped slogans. The byelection result shows that Labour’s hold on Wales is gone.

Winning almost half the vote was no statistical fluke. It was the result of thousands of doorstep conversations, a campaign powered by volunteers, a message grounded in belief, and the charisma of a local champion in Lindsay Whittle, whose decades of hard graft mean he is known and loved by people here.

Conviction politics still works. Clarity and passion can defeat cynicism and drift.

Momentum is now with Plaid Cymru. As we move towards a fully proportional Senedd, the possibilities for genuine, people-led government have never been greater. Caerphilly has lit a fuse under Welsh politics, and it is burning brightly towards 2026.

Wales faces a simple choice. One path is regressive, built on resentment and division, dressed up in Reform’s slogans. The other is progressive, inclusive and confident, led by Plaid Cymru. The people of Caerphilly have already chosen, and their message will echo far beyond their constituency.

There are lessons here for every progressive movement in the UK. You don’t defeat extremism by copying its language or trimming your values to fit a poll. You defeat it by standing for something real. When Reform tried to weaponise Welsh programmes that help refugees to integrate, making Ukrainians feel unwelcome, we stood up to them. We defended what is right and stayed true to our values.

We are focusing on policies that will transform people’s lives, not just tinker at the edges. Our free-childcare plan is worth more than £30,000 in childcare costs in the first four years of a child’s life – the most ambitious in the UK. Our manifesto will be grounded in a recognition that too many in our communities have been left behind. We are determined to change that. Like Scotland, we will take real action to tackle child poverty through a new child payment. This is what bold, practical politics looks like – politics with purpose, ambition and heart.

When voters see authenticity, they respond. Former Labour voters, and many who had given up on politics, did not come to Plaid reluctantly. They came enthusiastically. They saw a movement that reflects their aspirations and speaks their language.

This result carries weight far beyond one seat. It shows that Starmer’s Labour, and Westminster politics as a whole, can no longer take Wales for granted. The old order of British politics is breaking down.

Starmer’s cautious managerialism offers no answers to the cost-of-living crisis, the climate emergency or the constitutional question. People want more than competence. They want conviction. Caerphilly shows that Wales is ready to build the government it deserves, in the country it believes in.

This was never about just one seat. It marks a shift in spirit. Caerphilly has opened a new chapter in Welsh politics. Hope has proved stronger than hate, belief has beaten cynicism.

The people of Caerphilly have shown the way. Labour’s old Wales is fading, and a new, self-assured Wales is taking its place – one led by Plaid Cymru.

— Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru, Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn