Friday 17 August 2007

The Reunification of Wales

Wales re-united – what a great thing that would be if it were to happen!

In fact, it is happening and the rate of reunification will accelerate as more and more people see the deleterious effect that the Union has had on Wales, along with the damaging or neglectful policies of Westminster politicians, whether they be Labour or Conservative. At least, we cannot blame the Liberals as Britain has not had a Liberal government since the days of David Lloyd George. When we speak of reunification, what areas do we need to attend to?

First, there is infrastructure, not just links but integration between the north and the south, the east and the west. This involves new roads and railways, new bridges and new tunnels, and the revivifying and renovation of canals. It also involves containment and national self-sufficiency so that all necessary services and facilities are obtainable and accessible within the boundaries of the nation.

Secondly there is language and culture, so that we lose that terrible term “Anglo-Welsh”, and see ourselves as Welsh – not Anglo-Welsh, not British. Language need not be a divisive issue, but a sensible policy of bilingualism, under which both languages have equal status and Welsh is regarded as the native language of the nation and English is seen as the international language of communication (as it is used today throughout the world) will reunite those who speak Welsh with those who do not, through education and adult learning programmes.

Thirdly, we have the differences between the people of the Werin and the people of the anglicised areas of south, central and east Wales, where there has been some antipathy towards the reintroduction of national icons and traditions. Many people today still regard themselves as British (in the sense that British applies to all the peoples of the Union). It is not logical, however, to be both Welsh and British, or Scots and British, as Wales and Scotland are both nations (and are proud of it), but Britain is not a nation, but a conglomerate, or union of nations. One can be a citizen of the island of Britain, as Britain is an island or land-mass, but the allegiance should be to the nation, and not the Union which was forced upon the nations of Ireland, Wales and Scotland under legislation enacted by former kings of England.

The document that was put together by Rhodri Morgan and Ieuan Wyn Jones is known as the One Wales Agreement. The previous attempt at coalition was known as the All Wales Accord. Both these documents sought to reconcile the differences which I have highlighted above and to reunify the disparate elements of the community of Wales and provide cohesion and commonality for the benefit of the people of Wales. “Making a difference” is all about this reunification process, which has been instigated by far-seeing politicians, and which will inevitably lead to the emergence of a better, a freer, a happier and a re-united Wales.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well Alan, as I told Normal Mouth, at least you're consistent.

I've got a great idea. Why don't I put some simple questions and comment to you and, instead of trotting out the same old cliches, you give some cogent response?

I support your call for improvements to the infrastructure but unfortunately you spoil the idea by introducing a suggestion of "containment". Just what, exactly, does that mean?

Are you suggesting some kind of wall or barrier? Please explain.

Your second suggestion opens up the old chestnut of Language.

You'd better get used to the fact that we monoglots are not going to be persuaded to speak Welsh, when English, a far more useful language, is universally spoken.

Just what is the point of us speaking Welsh?

Your third point really takes the biscuit. You refer to the differences between "the people of the Werin" and the "people of the Anglicised (capital A please Alan) areas....

Now that's a first class divisive comment. Tell me Alan, am I a member of this Werin or am I to be excluded by such as you?

As you well know, I am British. I am a British national. I am a British subject (did you get that Al? A subject).

I have served the British NATION and that includes Wales and the rest of the UK and have never excluded anyone in this United KINGDOM from the benefit of that service.

Does this mean that I have lost my status as part of this Werin.

According to my Geiriadur 'gwerin' means: men, people, democracy, crew or folk. Take your pick.

You continually debase your point of view with these divisive ideas.

You state that there is antipathy towards the reintroduction of "traditional icons and traditions". Exactly what icons and traditions do you mean? Please explain.

If you choose to address these points and questions, please don't trot out the same old cliches that Normal has already ticked you off about.

Please give some sensible answers.

Your pensive pal.

johnny.

Unknown said...

Johnny and Jimmy (you speak with two voices). At least your comments are becoming more sensible, though still schizoid.
Containment here means that all is contained in Wales without being dependent on England. No barriers.
The point of speaking Welsh is to unify the nation and preserve culture and identity.
I am talking about inclusion and not exclusion - come and join us.
There is no British NATION, sorry!
Werin means 'folk'.
Icons and traditions : flying the flag, the language, eisteddfodau etc.
Yes I'd say these are sensible answers. Please do not address these issues again, and ask sensible questions.
Your pugilistic pal.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
vanfuertes said...

You say Wales and Scotland are nations and so to be Welsh/Scottish AND British is impossible.

Just out of interest, is Cornwall a nation? If so, do you advocate independence for Cornwall?

Also, are you interested in Spain at all? Do you think Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia are nations?

vanfuertes said...

Also (sorry to ask endless questions)....

Aren't Scotland and Wales diferent in the sense that Wales was actually conquesred by the English, whereas Scotland agreed to political Union? Perhaps a reason for Scottish nationalism being consistently stronger than its Welsh counterpart?

Unknown said...

Thx for your comments Van -

If you ask the Cornish (or the Bretons) yes, they would say they are nations. I support them both.
As for Spain - Galicia, Catalonia and Euskadia (Basque) are national groups with aspirations to be nations. The pan-Celtic regions were denied self-rule by dominant neighbours, viz. England/France/Spain, and out of them only Ireland has achieved full sovereignty.

Unknown said...

I do not accept your argument that Scottish nationalism is stronger than Welsh because of those historical facts. The common people in both countries were never consulted and nationalism stems from the grassroots.

Anonymous said...

Just to keep on-thread, I would ask whether or not you consider that the people of Lancashire or Yorkshire are entitled to 'independence', given their historical differences?

Your pondering pal.

johnny.

Unknown said...

They are not classed as nations but could well be entitled to some degree of autonomy under England, but that is up to the English government.