As the government sinks into the morass and there are more revelations of underhandedness and deception leading all the way up to the General Secretary of the Labour Party, and we hear the pleadings of ignorance of the rules and administrative forgetfulness, can we not wonder in amazement at the sheer effrontery and arrogance of the leaders of the "nation"? The "nation" is of course Britain which lays claim to being the nation of the Union, when in fact there are four nations which make up the Union, not one! These are England, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall (which was along with Wales subsumed into the British state centuries ago). Let us deal with historical facts, not historical manipulations and deceptions. Let us consider the history of the British Isles, as it actually was in its often sordid and turbulent reality, and not dwell on Britain and its conquests and campaigns, and educate our children in a history that is based on truth and not wishful thinking or outright dishonesty. There is only the actuality of events and not the interpretation of events, which varies according to one's beliefs or ideology. History should be taught, not according to interpretation, but according to actuality so that the truth may be known. The reason that there are so many disaffected Welsh men and women is that they were taught the wrong version of history and grew up believing it, and were not permitted to be aware of the true facts. Thus they grew up in the belief that they had a British identity and not a separate Welsh identity, and were discouraged from speaking their language or expressing their rich and vibrant culture. It is only now that many are becoming awakened - to the reality of who they are. Truth will out!
Prynhawn da (Good afternoon), Mr. Jones,
You might remember me as the American fellow with whom you debated a few months ago regarding "Britishness." I think the word in Cymraeg is "Brythonaidd." Anyway, at our local Cwrs Cymraeg (Welsh Language Course) the other night, some of my Cymry (Comrades) and I were talking about this Union Jack issue. Someone suggested incorporating Y Dddraig Goch (The Red Dragon) into the Union Jack. In response, I argued that if Cymru (Wales) is to be represented in the Union Jack, it would not be the dragon, but Saint David's Cross instead which would accompany Saint Andrew's Cross (Alban / Scotland) & Saint George's Cross (Lloegr / England).
The Red Dragon Flag of Wales is one of my favorite flags in the world. This is not only because of my fascination with Roman Britain and the Welsh language, but also just because it's just so darned beautiful visually. I guess I just think dragons look cool. Anyway, whenever our local Welsh-American orgainization is in a local festival or parade, we try to break out all the Welsh symbolism we can. So we use the dragon flag, St. Dave's Cross, leeks, daffodils, etc. It just so happens that the colors of St. Dave's Cross are similar to the colors of our local sports teams. At one festival, we even expanded our representation slightly beyond Wales and into the realm of Brythonic Celts by flying the Breton flag along with our Welsh ones. One man from Brittany was shocked & delighted by this.
Something just occured to me as I was writing this. Icons of Saint George often depict him slaying a dragon. I think he was a Greekophonic Roman soldier who was Christian before that became acceptable. I presume that the dragon in such a context is a symbol for Satan. Now that he is associated with England, however, I wondered if the dragon could be Wales -- like a symbol of Wales being conquered by England. If you Google images of St. George, you will see that sometimes the dragon is red (which makes me think of Wales), but sometimes it is green (which makes me think of Ireland -- which also has been dominated by England).
Just a few thoughts,
-- N. Rob Willis, Board Member, Saint David's Society of Pittsburgh, Inc.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
P.S.: I tried to reply to all, but my email provider seems not to be able to deal with more than 50 recipients in one transmission, so I only carbon copied to a small # of people on your list. I was hoping to kick ideas around with a lot of people at once, so if you feel like forwarding this to some or all of the parties who didn't receive this, feel free.
"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
Friday, 30 November 2007
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Wales' Delayed Law-Making Powers and a "Welsh" Secretary Discredited
Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain has admitted that he failed to register a £5,000 donation to his deputy leadership campaign by Labour's new chief fund raiser.
Mr Hain blamed an "administrative error" for the failure to inform the Electoral Commission of the donation by Jon Mendelsohn.
"In the light of recent events, it has come to my attention that a donation from Jon Mendelsohn to my deputy leadership campaign was mistakenly not registered with the Electoral Commission," Mr Hain said in a statement on Thursday night.
"Jon Mendelsohn made a personal contribution of £5,000 at the end of June 2007. We wish to make clear that this was entirely an administrative error on the part of my campaign.
"I very much regret that the donation was not registered as it should have been and I am taking immediate steps to do so."
Mr Mendelsohn, who was not the party's fund raiser at the time, is already facing calls for his resignation after the disclosure that he was aware two months ago of the proxy donations to the party made by property developer David Abrahams.
Mr Peter Hain has made it clear that he is all in favour of a Welsh referendum on the establishment of a Welsh Parliament. It appears that he intends to slow down the process as best he can (along with the approval of LCO's handed down from the Assembly) so that it may be another 50 years before Wales has full self-governing powers, by which time the population of Wales will be so multi-ethnic that nobody will care very much whether Wales is an independent nation or not, and all this silly hullabaloo about national status will be dead in the water. Unfortunately for him, he has not reckoned with the dogged determination of patriotic countrymen and women of Wales who see Britain as an archaic irrelevance in this contemporary European setting.
Occasionally comments are offered on this blog which deserve to be given prominence, so please read on:
Evan has left a new comment on your post "Wales' Delayed Law-Making Powers":
You know, you make a solid point in this post, which is something I worry about-- what if Nulabour winds up flooding Wales so much with newcomers that Welsh identity dissipates? Thus far this has chiefly been a problem for England, much more than Wales and Scotland but it could be an issue long-term.
One suggestion I have here-- strengthen Welsh cultural markers enough, especially the Welsh language, such that any immigrants to Wales who want a work permit as well as their children, must learn Cymraeg. Especially for doing public sector jobs.
This way, Wales can absorb the newcomers but make sure that they are integrated into the broader Welsh society and cultural structure. If we fail to do this, then it's just Anglicization by other means, and a further submission of Welsh identity to the English.
Along with your own emphasis here-- on accelerated devolution of powers to a Welsh parliament-- placing a stronger emphasis on the Welsh language may be the best safeguard to ensuring that newcomers to Wales are connected up to Welsh society and integrate, rather than diluting it out. Welsh should also be used increasingly as the medium for schools and for media. This is similar to what the Irish are increasingly doing in Ireland-- requiring that Irish Gaelic be used in schools, in media, and also that immigrants to Ireland and their children learn and actively use Irish Gaelic for their daily business.
When a country, especially a small country with a small base population (such as Wales) accepts immigrants, it is imperative to require the immigrants to learn and absorb the local culture in return for the privilege of immigrating and working here. For us, that means compulsory learning and usage of the Welsh language.
Mr Hain blamed an "administrative error" for the failure to inform the Electoral Commission of the donation by Jon Mendelsohn.
"In the light of recent events, it has come to my attention that a donation from Jon Mendelsohn to my deputy leadership campaign was mistakenly not registered with the Electoral Commission," Mr Hain said in a statement on Thursday night.
"Jon Mendelsohn made a personal contribution of £5,000 at the end of June 2007. We wish to make clear that this was entirely an administrative error on the part of my campaign.
"I very much regret that the donation was not registered as it should have been and I am taking immediate steps to do so."
Mr Mendelsohn, who was not the party's fund raiser at the time, is already facing calls for his resignation after the disclosure that he was aware two months ago of the proxy donations to the party made by property developer David Abrahams.
Mr Peter Hain has made it clear that he is all in favour of a Welsh referendum on the establishment of a Welsh Parliament. It appears that he intends to slow down the process as best he can (along with the approval of LCO's handed down from the Assembly) so that it may be another 50 years before Wales has full self-governing powers, by which time the population of Wales will be so multi-ethnic that nobody will care very much whether Wales is an independent nation or not, and all this silly hullabaloo about national status will be dead in the water. Unfortunately for him, he has not reckoned with the dogged determination of patriotic countrymen and women of Wales who see Britain as an archaic irrelevance in this contemporary European setting.
Occasionally comments are offered on this blog which deserve to be given prominence, so please read on:
Evan has left a new comment on your post "Wales' Delayed Law-Making Powers":
You know, you make a solid point in this post, which is something I worry about-- what if Nulabour winds up flooding Wales so much with newcomers that Welsh identity dissipates? Thus far this has chiefly been a problem for England, much more than Wales and Scotland but it could be an issue long-term.
One suggestion I have here-- strengthen Welsh cultural markers enough, especially the Welsh language, such that any immigrants to Wales who want a work permit as well as their children, must learn Cymraeg. Especially for doing public sector jobs.
This way, Wales can absorb the newcomers but make sure that they are integrated into the broader Welsh society and cultural structure. If we fail to do this, then it's just Anglicization by other means, and a further submission of Welsh identity to the English.
Along with your own emphasis here-- on accelerated devolution of powers to a Welsh parliament-- placing a stronger emphasis on the Welsh language may be the best safeguard to ensuring that newcomers to Wales are connected up to Welsh society and integrate, rather than diluting it out. Welsh should also be used increasingly as the medium for schools and for media. This is similar to what the Irish are increasingly doing in Ireland-- requiring that Irish Gaelic be used in schools, in media, and also that immigrants to Ireland and their children learn and actively use Irish Gaelic for their daily business.
When a country, especially a small country with a small base population (such as Wales) accepts immigrants, it is imperative to require the immigrants to learn and absorb the local culture in return for the privilege of immigrating and working here. For us, that means compulsory learning and usage of the Welsh language.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Britain's Chameleon P.M. - Our View
Or how the present British Prime Minister has changed, from "Stalin to Mr Bean" in the space of 155 days in office. The watchword of the day is "transparency". Only when the facts are known and the truth is out is there transparency. Transparency as a principle is clearly not in evidence in the machinations and manipulations of the British Labour Party. It is obvious to those members of the public who are not staunch Labour supporters - who claim the party can do no wrong - that politicians of today care little for principle and integrity and more about self-promotion and financial gain.
Put our Welsh dragon on the Union Jack! Or not!!
There has been overwhelming distaste for including the dragon on the Union Flag.
BBC NEWS | UK | Welsh dragon call for Union flag
The Union Jack should be combined with the Welsh flag, according to an MP who wants the change to be made to reflect Wales's status within the UK. What do you reckon - a good idea?
BBC Local News says that in a Commons debate, Wrexham's Labour MP Ian Lucas said Wales' Red Dragon should be added to the Union Jack's red, white and blue pattern.
He said the Union Jack currently only represented the other three UK nations. But Stewart Jackson, Conservative MP for Peterborough, said the plan was "eccentric" and would be unpopular.
Unpopular? Surely not in Wales if you want us to be 'recognised' on the Union flag - or perhaps the feeling is that Wales should not be on there so we stand apart. What do you think?
* Nick - Web Team
* 1.
* At 12:01 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Leigh wrote:
Completely and utterly unwanted.
At a time when Wales is looking toward a future with increased self governance it seems like a backward step to symbolically ingrain ourselves in the UK when we should be looking to cement our place as a European nation.
* 2.
* At 12:01 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Steve wrote:
I thought we wanted to be independent from the rest of the UK. It seems that we only want a national or international presence when it suits us. Waste of time and money. Hasn't Ian Lucas got better things to do?
* 3.
* At 12:26 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Craig wrote:
I was agreeing with Ian Lucas when i was reading the article a minute ago, but then i saw your comments. And I totally disagreed with Lucas! You guys have brought a valid point up which I totally agree with. Why go backwards when we're going forward?
* 4.
* At 12:57 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Alex McGee wrote:
Why dont we just run the cross of St David (a gold cross on a black field) through the centre of the red central cross of the union flag?
* 5.
* At 12:59 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Rhys wrote:
Hasn't Ian Lucas got better things to do?
Obviously not. Like most Labour MP's from Wales he knows the days of a cushy life in London will soon over when the number of Welsh MP's are reduced and is clutching at straws. I almost feel sorry for him.
* 6.
* At 01:21 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Daffyd wrote:
Keep it distinctive to Wales. And use the flag more and more. Trying to add it to the Union Jack is a retrograde step.
* 7.
* At 02:10 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* sion wrote:
na we dont 2nd place of us on the flag lets go for 1st place of independence!! Cymru AM byth!
* 8.
* At 02:19 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Liam Harries wrote:
no way...100%WELSH NOT BRITISH!!!
* 9.
* At 02:58 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Tiffany wrote:
I agree with everyones comments it would be a bad idea to try to put the red dragon on the flag. We want wales to be independant from the UK plus where exactly on the flag are they going to put the red dragon? it will look stupid!
* 10.
* At 03:00 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Huw Rollinson wrote:
This must absolutely NOT happen. I suspect Ian Lucas is merely seeking some publicity for himself. The bottom line is that the Union has only really existed in the minds of the English. The Welsh have always been Welsh, the Scots, Scottish etc.,
The Ddraig Goch is too fantastic a symbol to be tarnished by a dubious and unwarranted association with the Union flag.
* 11.
* At 03:50 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Katherine wrote:
No, thank you.
It would, I think, be a shame to see Y Ddraig Goch diminished in this way.
*12. deleted
* 13.
* At 03:59 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Mic Thomas wrote:
More freedom less union
Leave the Draig alone - literally
*14.
* At 04:00 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Free Wales wrote:
Wales should not be represented on the union flag, as we were never conquered by the English.
Theres only one flag, and thats "Y Ddraig Goch"
* 15.
* At 04:40 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* screen wrote:
I think the political leaders want media coverage and are in wrong impression that they can create history by bringing such changes, I just laugh on this. I quite don't understand what is the need of doing this? In my opinion no one should be allowed to change the traditional emblem and heritage which is attached to our tradition, culture and belief.
* 16.
* At 07:07 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Ken Williams wrote:
All four emblems should be on the flag, a Welsh Dragon, Scottish Thistle, Irish Harp or Shamrock and English Rose. Perhaps in the middle of the Union Jack.
Lets unite our differences and build on the past.
* 17.
* At 07:49 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Rosalin Wakeman wrote:
I think the inclusion of the Welsh Dragon is an excellent idea. I deeply resent the present design of the union flag being taking to represent Britain when it patently does no such thing.
I would also abandon the 'Prince of Wales feathers' as a symbol of Wales and things Welsh. It represents a spurious title, and the German motto only compounds its inappropriateness.
The Welsh dragon is far more suitable from a cultural, historical and aesthetic standpoint.
Ros Wakeman
* 18.
* At 08:36 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Arfon Jones wrote:
Ian Lucas is not in touch with public opinion in Wales. What we want is our own national flags and bin the Union flag. Lucas wants to reinvent the Union as he well knows with the unstoppable march to greater devolution he and his MP colleagues are going to be redundant and the sooner the better if this suggestion is the best he can come up with.
* 19.
* At 08:41 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* dave wrote:
why don't we call the dragon mohammed and be done with it.
what a waste of time and effort,
is this all we pay our mps for.no wonder the counry`s in the mess it is
* 20.
* At 11:23 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* St George wrote:
I'm English, very proud of it and I live in Wales.The Union Flag represents Great Britain but how many people class themselves as British? Mainly the immigrants living in the country. Every Welsh man I know is proud of his country and the flag that represents it, the Welsh Dragon. You really don't know how lucky you are to able to fly the flag. Unfortunately being English is not very P.C. at the moment and even flying the Cross of St George on St Georges day is offensive to the minorities!!!
The Welsh dont need any more representation, fly your flags while you still can because you never know when Mr Minority will turn up and try to put an end to all.
* 21.
* At 02:15 AM on 28 Nov 2007,
* Taliesin wrote:
Ian Lucas may be a Welsh MP, but he is English and decidely Unionist: his motives clearly reflect that and his suggestion should be seen in the context of Gordon "Rule Britannia" Brown's drive to promote a contructed "Britishness" (hence the "British" soccer squad for the London Olympics, a "Home Nations" tournament, etc,).
The solution here is obvious. Firstly, Northern Ireland is NOT a country but a province; republicans see it as part of Ireland and loyalists fly the flag of England, so neither side would object to removing Ireland from the flag. Secondly, we Welsh are quite happy with our own national flag so you can keep us off the UK flag with pleasure. Thirdly, the Scots will be bidding adieu shortly anyway. Remove us Celts and what you are left with is what the imperialist rag has always represented: dear old England, the land where bigotry has no name and all nations are regarded as equal(honest guv...). What the English do with it then is your their affair. How about selling it to the Yanks?
* 22.
* At 02:30 AM on 28 Nov 2007,
* destination wrote:
I am not British but I am aware about the historical and culture of Wales, to preserve our cultural value and tradition let it as it is.
BBC NEWS | UK | Welsh dragon call for Union flag
The Union Jack should be combined with the Welsh flag, according to an MP who wants the change to be made to reflect Wales's status within the UK. What do you reckon - a good idea?
BBC Local News says that in a Commons debate, Wrexham's Labour MP Ian Lucas said Wales' Red Dragon should be added to the Union Jack's red, white and blue pattern.
He said the Union Jack currently only represented the other three UK nations. But Stewart Jackson, Conservative MP for Peterborough, said the plan was "eccentric" and would be unpopular.
Unpopular? Surely not in Wales if you want us to be 'recognised' on the Union flag - or perhaps the feeling is that Wales should not be on there so we stand apart. What do you think?
* Nick - Web Team
* 1.
* At 12:01 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Leigh wrote:
Completely and utterly unwanted.
At a time when Wales is looking toward a future with increased self governance it seems like a backward step to symbolically ingrain ourselves in the UK when we should be looking to cement our place as a European nation.
* 2.
* At 12:01 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Steve wrote:
I thought we wanted to be independent from the rest of the UK. It seems that we only want a national or international presence when it suits us. Waste of time and money. Hasn't Ian Lucas got better things to do?
* 3.
* At 12:26 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Craig wrote:
I was agreeing with Ian Lucas when i was reading the article a minute ago, but then i saw your comments. And I totally disagreed with Lucas! You guys have brought a valid point up which I totally agree with. Why go backwards when we're going forward?
* 4.
* At 12:57 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Alex McGee wrote:
Why dont we just run the cross of St David (a gold cross on a black field) through the centre of the red central cross of the union flag?
* 5.
* At 12:59 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Rhys wrote:
Hasn't Ian Lucas got better things to do?
Obviously not. Like most Labour MP's from Wales he knows the days of a cushy life in London will soon over when the number of Welsh MP's are reduced and is clutching at straws. I almost feel sorry for him.
* 6.
* At 01:21 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Daffyd wrote:
Keep it distinctive to Wales. And use the flag more and more. Trying to add it to the Union Jack is a retrograde step.
* 7.
* At 02:10 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* sion wrote:
na we dont 2nd place of us on the flag lets go for 1st place of independence!! Cymru AM byth!
* 8.
* At 02:19 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Liam Harries wrote:
no way...100%WELSH NOT BRITISH!!!
* 9.
* At 02:58 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Tiffany wrote:
I agree with everyones comments it would be a bad idea to try to put the red dragon on the flag. We want wales to be independant from the UK plus where exactly on the flag are they going to put the red dragon? it will look stupid!
* 10.
* At 03:00 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Huw Rollinson wrote:
This must absolutely NOT happen. I suspect Ian Lucas is merely seeking some publicity for himself. The bottom line is that the Union has only really existed in the minds of the English. The Welsh have always been Welsh, the Scots, Scottish etc.,
The Ddraig Goch is too fantastic a symbol to be tarnished by a dubious and unwarranted association with the Union flag.
* 11.
* At 03:50 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Katherine wrote:
No, thank you.
It would, I think, be a shame to see Y Ddraig Goch diminished in this way.
*12. deleted
* 13.
* At 03:59 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Mic Thomas wrote:
More freedom less union
Leave the Draig alone - literally
*14.
* At 04:00 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Free Wales wrote:
Wales should not be represented on the union flag, as we were never conquered by the English.
Theres only one flag, and thats "Y Ddraig Goch"
* 15.
* At 04:40 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* screen wrote:
I think the political leaders want media coverage and are in wrong impression that they can create history by bringing such changes, I just laugh on this. I quite don't understand what is the need of doing this? In my opinion no one should be allowed to change the traditional emblem and heritage which is attached to our tradition, culture and belief.
* 16.
* At 07:07 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Ken Williams wrote:
All four emblems should be on the flag, a Welsh Dragon, Scottish Thistle, Irish Harp or Shamrock and English Rose. Perhaps in the middle of the Union Jack.
Lets unite our differences and build on the past.
* 17.
* At 07:49 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Rosalin Wakeman wrote:
I think the inclusion of the Welsh Dragon is an excellent idea. I deeply resent the present design of the union flag being taking to represent Britain when it patently does no such thing.
I would also abandon the 'Prince of Wales feathers' as a symbol of Wales and things Welsh. It represents a spurious title, and the German motto only compounds its inappropriateness.
The Welsh dragon is far more suitable from a cultural, historical and aesthetic standpoint.
Ros Wakeman
* 18.
* At 08:36 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* Arfon Jones wrote:
Ian Lucas is not in touch with public opinion in Wales. What we want is our own national flags and bin the Union flag. Lucas wants to reinvent the Union as he well knows with the unstoppable march to greater devolution he and his MP colleagues are going to be redundant and the sooner the better if this suggestion is the best he can come up with.
* 19.
* At 08:41 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* dave wrote:
why don't we call the dragon mohammed and be done with it.
what a waste of time and effort,
is this all we pay our mps for.no wonder the counry`s in the mess it is
* 20.
* At 11:23 PM on 27 Nov 2007,
* St George wrote:
I'm English, very proud of it and I live in Wales.The Union Flag represents Great Britain but how many people class themselves as British? Mainly the immigrants living in the country. Every Welsh man I know is proud of his country and the flag that represents it, the Welsh Dragon. You really don't know how lucky you are to able to fly the flag. Unfortunately being English is not very P.C. at the moment and even flying the Cross of St George on St Georges day is offensive to the minorities!!!
The Welsh dont need any more representation, fly your flags while you still can because you never know when Mr Minority will turn up and try to put an end to all.
* 21.
* At 02:15 AM on 28 Nov 2007,
* Taliesin wrote:
Ian Lucas may be a Welsh MP, but he is English and decidely Unionist: his motives clearly reflect that and his suggestion should be seen in the context of Gordon "Rule Britannia" Brown's drive to promote a contructed "Britishness" (hence the "British" soccer squad for the London Olympics, a "Home Nations" tournament, etc,).
The solution here is obvious. Firstly, Northern Ireland is NOT a country but a province; republicans see it as part of Ireland and loyalists fly the flag of England, so neither side would object to removing Ireland from the flag. Secondly, we Welsh are quite happy with our own national flag so you can keep us off the UK flag with pleasure. Thirdly, the Scots will be bidding adieu shortly anyway. Remove us Celts and what you are left with is what the imperialist rag has always represented: dear old England, the land where bigotry has no name and all nations are regarded as equal(honest guv...). What the English do with it then is your their affair. How about selling it to the Yanks?
* 22.
* At 02:30 AM on 28 Nov 2007,
* destination wrote:
I am not British but I am aware about the historical and culture of Wales, to preserve our cultural value and tradition let it as it is.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Dragons in Waiting! Published in Friday's Western Mail
The Labour MP Mr Ian Lucas has called for Wales to be represented on the Union flag. Well, it's a start I suppose, but it is also true that a dragon inserted into the Union flag will not make "any difference to the unity of the country", as Conservative unionists say. First of all, which "country" are they talking about? Obviously Britain. Let us not forget that here in Wales it is Wales (or rather Cymru) which is "our country".
Wales is not represented on the flag because Wales was incorporated into England in 1535. Therefore Wales is not interested in being represented on the Union flag. Wales is interested only in flying its own flag, the flag of the Red Dragon.
Not to be included is a disgrace, it is true, but Wales has a perfectly good flag of its own which many people in Wales are proud to fly, on their cars and in their gardens. Long may this continue, and may the flag continue to be the only flag of Wales. Wales has no use for the Union flag because Wales is on the way to independence and the intention is to free Wales from the clutches of the union.
Wales is not represented on the flag because Wales was incorporated into England in 1535. Therefore Wales is not interested in being represented on the Union flag. Wales is interested only in flying its own flag, the flag of the Red Dragon.
Not to be included is a disgrace, it is true, but Wales has a perfectly good flag of its own which many people in Wales are proud to fly, on their cars and in their gardens. Long may this continue, and may the flag continue to be the only flag of Wales. Wales has no use for the Union flag because Wales is on the way to independence and the intention is to free Wales from the clutches of the union.
Monday, 26 November 2007
Announcement of Events
CILMERI 2007
Amserlen
8/12/07
10.30. Ymgunnull tu allan Tafarn Tywysog Llywelyn a thrafaeulu mewn modurdaith i Eglwys Llanynys am Wasanaeth Coffa (11.15).
Meet outside the Prince Llywelyn Tafarn then travel in a motorcade to Llanynys Church for Remembrance Service (11.15).
12.30. Dychwelyd i'r tafarn am ginio.
Return to the pub for lunch.
2.30. Gorymdaith a Rali Llywelyn wrth y Garreg Goffa.
Parade and rally at the Memorial Stone.
5.00. Noson Lawen yn y tafarn.
Noson Lawen in the pub.
7.30. Noson Werin yn Neuadd y Pentref, Cilmeri.
Folk evening in Cilmeri Village Hall
9/12/07
10.00. Clwb Golff, Llanfair y Muallt. Gosod torchau er cof Llywelyn a'i fyddin.
Builth Golf Club. Laying of wreaths in memory of Llywelyn and his army.
11.00. Castell Aberedw - darlith fer a thro fyr.
Aberedw Castle - short walk and talk.
1.00. Abaty Cwm Hir. Gwasanaeth yn yr Abaty; darlith a lluniaeth yn Neuadd Phillips wedyn.
Abaty Cwm Hir. Service in the Abbey; lecture and refreshments in the Phillips Hall later.
Dewch mewn lluoedd, gwisgwch iorwg a phaid anghofio eich 'sgidiau glaw!!
Come in droves, wear ivy and don't forget your wellingtons !!
www.cilmeri.org
Amserlen
8/12/07
10.30. Ymgunnull tu allan Tafarn Tywysog Llywelyn a thrafaeulu mewn modurdaith i Eglwys Llanynys am Wasanaeth Coffa (11.15).
Meet outside the Prince Llywelyn Tafarn then travel in a motorcade to Llanynys Church for Remembrance Service (11.15).
12.30. Dychwelyd i'r tafarn am ginio.
Return to the pub for lunch.
2.30. Gorymdaith a Rali Llywelyn wrth y Garreg Goffa.
Parade and rally at the Memorial Stone.
5.00. Noson Lawen yn y tafarn.
Noson Lawen in the pub.
7.30. Noson Werin yn Neuadd y Pentref, Cilmeri.
Folk evening in Cilmeri Village Hall
9/12/07
10.00. Clwb Golff, Llanfair y Muallt. Gosod torchau er cof Llywelyn a'i fyddin.
Builth Golf Club. Laying of wreaths in memory of Llywelyn and his army.
11.00. Castell Aberedw - darlith fer a thro fyr.
Aberedw Castle - short walk and talk.
1.00. Abaty Cwm Hir. Gwasanaeth yn yr Abaty; darlith a lluniaeth yn Neuadd Phillips wedyn.
Abaty Cwm Hir. Service in the Abbey; lecture and refreshments in the Phillips Hall later.
Dewch mewn lluoedd, gwisgwch iorwg a phaid anghofio eich 'sgidiau glaw!!
Come in droves, wear ivy and don't forget your wellingtons !!
www.cilmeri.org
Sunday, 25 November 2007
Come One, Come All
PUBLIC MEETING WITH
HELEN MARY JONES AM
Memorial Hall/Neuadd Goffa
Burry Port/Porth Tywyn
Thursday 29th November 2007
At 7:00 pm
All are invited / Croeso i bawb
HELEN MARY JONES AM
Memorial Hall/Neuadd Goffa
Burry Port/Porth Tywyn
Thursday 29th November 2007
At 7:00 pm
All are invited / Croeso i bawb
Saturday, 24 November 2007
The End
No, sorry to disappoint some anti-devolutionists and pro-unionists - it is not the end of the Blog! It is the end of a long chapter in the history of Britain.
It is the end of New Labour, particularly with regard to Wales and Scotland.
It is the end of Conservative Unionism, also with regard to Wales.
It is the end of bureaucratic centralism in Whitehall and Westminster. It is the end of bungling and incompetence, spin and sleaze. It is the end of closures and lay-offs, cut-backs and the withdrawal of essential services.
It is the end of Britain's proudly proclaimed unwritten constitution which has no regard for its constituent nations - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It is the end of the undemocratic approach of government where policies are steam-rollered through without due consultation and attention to the wishes of the electorate.
It is the end of the road for those MPs, and one lord, in Westminster who turn their backs on the land of their fathers and who seek their fortune and recognition in the corridors of a foreign power.
It is the end of tyranny, the end of injustice, the end of exploitation and the end of subjection to an alien culture, with alien values and alien beliefs.
It is the beginning of a new era, for every end augurs a new beginning, with a new spirit and a new anticipation for what will emerge from the ashes of the old regime.
"There is a tide in the affairs of men which, if taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." It is a growing tide which will sweep all vestiges of the Union away forever and transform this land, bringing with it peace and harmony, justice and hope, and a welcome revival in community life.
It is the end of New Labour, particularly with regard to Wales and Scotland.
It is the end of Conservative Unionism, also with regard to Wales.
It is the end of bureaucratic centralism in Whitehall and Westminster. It is the end of bungling and incompetence, spin and sleaze. It is the end of closures and lay-offs, cut-backs and the withdrawal of essential services.
It is the end of Britain's proudly proclaimed unwritten constitution which has no regard for its constituent nations - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It is the end of the undemocratic approach of government where policies are steam-rollered through without due consultation and attention to the wishes of the electorate.
It is the end of the road for those MPs, and one lord, in Westminster who turn their backs on the land of their fathers and who seek their fortune and recognition in the corridors of a foreign power.
It is the end of tyranny, the end of injustice, the end of exploitation and the end of subjection to an alien culture, with alien values and alien beliefs.
It is the beginning of a new era, for every end augurs a new beginning, with a new spirit and a new anticipation for what will emerge from the ashes of the old regime.
"There is a tide in the affairs of men which, if taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." It is a growing tide which will sweep all vestiges of the Union away forever and transform this land, bringing with it peace and harmony, justice and hope, and a welcome revival in community life.
Friday, 23 November 2007
All Good Things Come to an End
The party's over for New Labour.
The government of Britain is disintegrating, among increasing incidents of incompetence and sleaze. The people have had enough and have lost their trust in the ministers of the Crown. Attention is now being focused on the emerging governments of Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland. Let Wales and Scotland provide their own funding and take control of their own water supplies, investing in their own growth and prosperity. Ireland has proved that it can be done, and the arguments for financial and economic independence are sound. Taking control of our own resources and manpower will provide a new impetus and stimulate the national economy and stem the flow of labour and talent beyond the borders. Devolved government should be unrestricted and not bound by the necessity to have laws that are passed in Cardiff regulated and approved in London.
The government of Britain is disintegrating, among increasing incidents of incompetence and sleaze. The people have had enough and have lost their trust in the ministers of the Crown. Attention is now being focused on the emerging governments of Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland. Let Wales and Scotland provide their own funding and take control of their own water supplies, investing in their own growth and prosperity. Ireland has proved that it can be done, and the arguments for financial and economic independence are sound. Taking control of our own resources and manpower will provide a new impetus and stimulate the national economy and stem the flow of labour and talent beyond the borders. Devolved government should be unrestricted and not bound by the necessity to have laws that are passed in Cardiff regulated and approved in London.
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Breaking Away from a Debased Britain
A Scottish Spring for Independence
Gerry Hassan
Sunday Times (Scotland) article, 18 November 2007
In a week in which it became quicker to get from London to Paris by rail than Edinburgh to London it is not surprising that Scotland and England are beginning to feel more like separate worlds.
Alex Salmond this week made the prediction that Scotland will be independent by 2017 and set out to woo the waverers he needs to achieve this. He has made these sort of predictions before, but this time things are different with the SNP in power in the UK and wider world.
Britain in the Thatcher and Blair eras has become an over-centralised nation, where the centre has its finger in nearly every pie, despite devolution. The sad state of local government, which merely presides over central government diktats, is testimony to this. Even more, is the extent to which Westminster ministers decide the most minute local issues about what happens in relation to hospitals, schools, prisons and bridges. The centralism of the UK is combined with a narrow idea of politics and democracy. The three main parties at Westminster - Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems - agree on everything (Iraq apart): the inequality and poverty which scars British society, the degree of corporate greed and irresponsibility, the fanatical commitment to the American relationship.
British politics have become debased in the last few years, under Thatcher and then under Blair. And there is no sign that the warm words from Gordon Brown about constitutional reform show any sign of bringing about fundamental change. Now we have figures from the respected Oxford Economics consultancy which show that the idea of Scotland being over-subsidised is just another myths - and that the part of the UK with the most public spending (Northern Ireland apart) is the apex of power: London. In terms of public spending the parts of the UK which do least well are the English regions outside London. None of these figures are really that surprising; we should know that the UK, given its state, politics and culture, has never really worked well for the majority of working people.
The interesting thing from these figures is that many of the Unionist arguments for Scotland remaining in the union were based on finances alone and Scotland being incapable of governing itself. Where do such people turn to now? In reality, whether Scotland become independent or not has never been about the money. This has always been a smoke screen. It was always the case that if Unionist politicians were to find that Scotland could be viably independent, they wouldn't turn around and say they'd got their figures wrong and change their views. The same is true of SNP politicians. If, post-independence, the Scottish structural deficit proved to be a chasm, they would not change their positions and settle for the Union. So independence has never been a money issue. It is also not about what happened in the past. The rights and wrongs of 1707 should have little bearing on whether Scotland should be independent. Instead, we should be looking to the future.
It is striking that those who now make the case for independence are internationalist and outward-looking whereas Unionists tend to cling to British insularism and the politics of fear. It never used to be so. Nationalists used to invoke couthy, romantic notions of Scotland, tartan and shortbread. The Unionists felt the UK was the future bringing poor Scots and poor English people out of poverty. Unionists such as Gordon Brown and Douglas Alexander love to wax lyrically about the progressiveness and uniqueness of the United Kingdom. They talk of a land that is a great big melting pot of multi-culturalism and multi-national values; a force for good at home and abroad. This is the kind of British chauvinism which the Labour Party has raised since its inception, ignoring other diverse countries in the world, and turning a blind eye to how we look after our own people, let alone the consequences of how we act in the wider world.
One of the worst arguments made by Unionists against Scottish independence is to invoke the age of 'globalisation' and 'interdependence' and patronise Nationalists with being out of time and out of tune with the modern world. This is a marvellously insular British argument which ignores what has happened beyond the shores of the UK. The last decade and a half has seen an unprecedented springtime for nations across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. From the Adriatic to the Baltic and Black Sea, an astonishing twenty-three new nations have become independent. Indeed, only days after the recent Scottish Parliament elections, the small, former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro became the latest entrant to this expanding club and 192nd member of the United Nations.
Small countries around the world - and particularly in Europe, whether newly independent such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, or nations which became independent earlier in the 20th century such as Ireland and Norway - have all managed to be successes, economically, socially and culturally. When Unionists talk about these nations - and cite the Irish success story or what has happened in Estonia - they fascinatingly want to talk about every factor (church vs. state, public investment) bar one; the fact that they are independent. Independence has been a major impact in bringing about change in all these countries. It may have taken the Irish several decades to embark on the road to prosperity, but the Baltic nations and many others starting from a more rocky place than Scotland have succeeded in the
transition from being part of a transnational Empire to independent states.
The road to independence is as much about culture and psyche as it is about economics. Independence provides the Scots with an opportunity to develop a new national narrative and story - one which motivates and inspires us, including most elements of Scottish society, giving us a sense of purpose and mission. This would be exciting and emboldening for most people in Scotland - and not without some risk. However, the opportunities are so much more. Scottish independence would be good for Scotland and good for the United Kingdom, dealing a crucial blow to the deformed nature of Westminster and British politics. And it would be good internationally, weakening the Atlanticist nature of British foreign policy. I would like to contribute a small part to this.
Gerry Hassan has written extensively on Scottish and UK politics and was
Head of the recent Demos Scotland 2020 and Glasgow 2020 projects.
Gerry Hassan
Sunday Times (Scotland) article, 18 November 2007
In a week in which it became quicker to get from London to Paris by rail than Edinburgh to London it is not surprising that Scotland and England are beginning to feel more like separate worlds.
Alex Salmond this week made the prediction that Scotland will be independent by 2017 and set out to woo the waverers he needs to achieve this. He has made these sort of predictions before, but this time things are different with the SNP in power in the UK and wider world.
Britain in the Thatcher and Blair eras has become an over-centralised nation, where the centre has its finger in nearly every pie, despite devolution. The sad state of local government, which merely presides over central government diktats, is testimony to this. Even more, is the extent to which Westminster ministers decide the most minute local issues about what happens in relation to hospitals, schools, prisons and bridges. The centralism of the UK is combined with a narrow idea of politics and democracy. The three main parties at Westminster - Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems - agree on everything (Iraq apart): the inequality and poverty which scars British society, the degree of corporate greed and irresponsibility, the fanatical commitment to the American relationship.
British politics have become debased in the last few years, under Thatcher and then under Blair. And there is no sign that the warm words from Gordon Brown about constitutional reform show any sign of bringing about fundamental change. Now we have figures from the respected Oxford Economics consultancy which show that the idea of Scotland being over-subsidised is just another myths - and that the part of the UK with the most public spending (Northern Ireland apart) is the apex of power: London. In terms of public spending the parts of the UK which do least well are the English regions outside London. None of these figures are really that surprising; we should know that the UK, given its state, politics and culture, has never really worked well for the majority of working people.
The interesting thing from these figures is that many of the Unionist arguments for Scotland remaining in the union were based on finances alone and Scotland being incapable of governing itself. Where do such people turn to now? In reality, whether Scotland become independent or not has never been about the money. This has always been a smoke screen. It was always the case that if Unionist politicians were to find that Scotland could be viably independent, they wouldn't turn around and say they'd got their figures wrong and change their views. The same is true of SNP politicians. If, post-independence, the Scottish structural deficit proved to be a chasm, they would not change their positions and settle for the Union. So independence has never been a money issue. It is also not about what happened in the past. The rights and wrongs of 1707 should have little bearing on whether Scotland should be independent. Instead, we should be looking to the future.
It is striking that those who now make the case for independence are internationalist and outward-looking whereas Unionists tend to cling to British insularism and the politics of fear. It never used to be so. Nationalists used to invoke couthy, romantic notions of Scotland, tartan and shortbread. The Unionists felt the UK was the future bringing poor Scots and poor English people out of poverty. Unionists such as Gordon Brown and Douglas Alexander love to wax lyrically about the progressiveness and uniqueness of the United Kingdom. They talk of a land that is a great big melting pot of multi-culturalism and multi-national values; a force for good at home and abroad. This is the kind of British chauvinism which the Labour Party has raised since its inception, ignoring other diverse countries in the world, and turning a blind eye to how we look after our own people, let alone the consequences of how we act in the wider world.
One of the worst arguments made by Unionists against Scottish independence is to invoke the age of 'globalisation' and 'interdependence' and patronise Nationalists with being out of time and out of tune with the modern world. This is a marvellously insular British argument which ignores what has happened beyond the shores of the UK. The last decade and a half has seen an unprecedented springtime for nations across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. From the Adriatic to the Baltic and Black Sea, an astonishing twenty-three new nations have become independent. Indeed, only days after the recent Scottish Parliament elections, the small, former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro became the latest entrant to this expanding club and 192nd member of the United Nations.
Small countries around the world - and particularly in Europe, whether newly independent such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, or nations which became independent earlier in the 20th century such as Ireland and Norway - have all managed to be successes, economically, socially and culturally. When Unionists talk about these nations - and cite the Irish success story or what has happened in Estonia - they fascinatingly want to talk about every factor (church vs. state, public investment) bar one; the fact that they are independent. Independence has been a major impact in bringing about change in all these countries. It may have taken the Irish several decades to embark on the road to prosperity, but the Baltic nations and many others starting from a more rocky place than Scotland have succeeded in the
transition from being part of a transnational Empire to independent states.
The road to independence is as much about culture and psyche as it is about economics. Independence provides the Scots with an opportunity to develop a new national narrative and story - one which motivates and inspires us, including most elements of Scottish society, giving us a sense of purpose and mission. This would be exciting and emboldening for most people in Scotland - and not without some risk. However, the opportunities are so much more. Scottish independence would be good for Scotland and good for the United Kingdom, dealing a crucial blow to the deformed nature of Westminster and British politics. And it would be good internationally, weakening the Atlanticist nature of British foreign policy. I would like to contribute a small part to this.
Gerry Hassan has written extensively on Scottish and UK politics and was
Head of the recent Demos Scotland 2020 and Glasgow 2020 projects.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
The Union of Peace in Our Time
After the calamitous and vastly destructive effects of the Second World War it was seen be some far-sighted individuals that the only answer in preventing another conflagration in Europe was to unite politically and economically with friends and former foes and work for a peaceful and economically prosperous relationship with all the countries of Europe. The result was the establishment of the European Economic Community which led to the European Union and finally the adoption of the Euro as the unit of currency in most of the member states, and the admission of more European countries from the former Eastern Bloc into the EU.
Wales will be proud to enter this Union as an independent nation state, once the British Union has collapsed and the nations of the British Isles have attained freedom and self-government. This is the kind of Union which will bring about the necessary changes in society, socially, economically and even psychologically. The nations of Britain will be free to chart their own political course within the secure framework of the European Union.
This blog is read, not only within Wales and England, but increasingly within the various nation states of Europe - France, Poland, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, Russia, to name a few, as well as in many of the states of America. There is an interest abroad in the struggle taking place in the Celtic diaspora and other places, Belgium, Spain for example in the cause of national self-expression. Wales is poised to join the club and take its place with the other nations of Europe, as Ireland has, and make its own unique contribution to the welfare of the whole.
Wales will be proud to enter this Union as an independent nation state, once the British Union has collapsed and the nations of the British Isles have attained freedom and self-government. This is the kind of Union which will bring about the necessary changes in society, socially, economically and even psychologically. The nations of Britain will be free to chart their own political course within the secure framework of the European Union.
This blog is read, not only within Wales and England, but increasingly within the various nation states of Europe - France, Poland, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, Russia, to name a few, as well as in many of the states of America. There is an interest abroad in the struggle taking place in the Celtic diaspora and other places, Belgium, Spain for example in the cause of national self-expression. Wales is poised to join the club and take its place with the other nations of Europe, as Ireland has, and make its own unique contribution to the welfare of the whole.
Salute the Cornish Nationalists
The following is from This is Cornwall blog.
In 1969 Daniel Cohn-Bendit faced the authorities by declaring : "We are all German Jews!" Similarly those who sympathise with Cornish independence aspirations could say: " We are all Cornish terrorists." Lech Walenska confronted the Polish Communists with Solidarity. The Cornish motto is "One and All" and indeed that says it all.
'I AM NOT A CORNISH TERRORIST'
09:00 - 19 September 2007
A senior member of the Cornish Stannary Parliament protested his innocence yesterday after he was arrested by armed police investigating alleged terror plots against chefs Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver.Hugh Rowe, 53, vowed to clear his name following a dramatic dawn swoop on his home and the alleged seizure of dozens of his possessions.
He said the hoard of items taken from his flat included three St Piran flags, Cornish language tapes, computer equipment and a copy of a book on the commissioning of the QE II and the Twin Towers in New York.
Mr Rowe was one of four men held by detectives in a series of coordinated raids on addresses in Camborne and Falmouth.
Police said they were taken into custody on suspicion of the illegal possession of a firearm. All have been bailed to a date next January ahead of further inquiries. The operations are understood to be linked to a major probe into alleged plots by Cornish extremists against two of the country's most famous chefs.
A group calling itself the Cornish National Liberation Army (CNLA) is said to have earlier threatened to burn down one of Mr Stein's businesses in Padstow and declared the cars of his customers to be legitimate targets.
It said Fifteen - a charitable restaurant at Watergate Bay set up by Mr Oliver to help disadvantaged Cornish youngsters - was also in its sights.
The shadowy extremists branded the chef an "incomer" and claimed he was hurting local people by driving up house prices and living costs.
Their threats in an e-mail to a local newspaper in June were said to have been made via an Arabic web-hosting service.
Yesterday, Mr Rowe described the chilling moment when he was arrested outside his Camborne home by armed officers at around 7am.
"I was in my bedroom when I heard a loud knocking at the door," he said. "It didn't register at first but then I went downstairs to be confronted by police looking through the window.
"According to neighbours, there were 14 to 15 officers outside who had announced themselves as a tactical firearms unit. They shouted: 'Come out or we're coming in'. I replied: 'I can't wait to come out'."
Mr Rowe, an engineer, said he was arrested under the Data Protection Act then taken in handcuffs to Camborne police station where he said he spent more than nine hours in a cell. I explained some of my background and the jobs that I've had. I said I was a member of the Cornish Stannary Parliament and a member of many Cornish groups - on history, culture, agriculture, archaeology, book-writing and proof-reading."
The search warrant for his address - issued by a district judge to a detective constable based at Launceston police station and seen by the Cornish Guardian - reveals that officers were looking for a rifle and ammunition.
It also gave officers the authority to search for any computer or similar equipment "capable of taking, storing or sending images and emails" as well as "face masks, clothing and other items" displayed in a photograph.
This picture - published in a national paper shortly after the threats were made against the chefs - was said to feature hooded members of the CNLA.
"They were looking for the three people in the photograph which had appeared in the Sunday Express, or anyone connected to them," said Mr Rowe.
"I was shown it and stated that I knew none of the persons involved - and as they were masked, it would make that harder.
"Because of the seriousness with which they are treating this inquiry, and because I'm quite openly involved in the Cornish movement, they have wrongly linked me with this scenario.
"The Stannary Parliament is a completely peaceful, proactive and positive organisation."
Mr Rowe said he told officers involved in the raid where they would find what he described as his legally-held air rifle, which he said was not seized.
"They took three St Piran flags - they didn't seize my personal computer but they seized the computer tower which holds information and it seems they've also seized a computer-compatible digital camera."
He said the confiscated possessions also included a copy of Breaking the Chains by leading Cornish author John Angarrack; a human rights study guide; notes from the public inquiry into plans for a holiday village at Carlyon Bay; a silver An Gof anvil badge; his address book and hundreds of documents linked to regeneration projects in Camborne, Pool and Redruth.
Colin Murley, spokesman for the 24-member Cornish Stannary Parliament, said he was appalled by the police action.
He said: "While our member was in custody, they went through his home and we want confirmation from the police of the items they've taken.
"We've been writing to Government departments and European departments solidly for at least the last 10 years.
"They know all our phone numbers and email addresses. They probably know all about us.
"I don't like it at all - the true history of Cornwall is being suppressed," claimed Mr Murley, "It's a terrible thing that it (the parliament) should be associated with this investigation."
Mr Rowe, who says he suffers from blood pressure problems, was arrested on September 6 along with a 55-year-old man from Camborne and two men, aged 58 and 41, from the Falmouth area.
They were questioned by detectives before being bailed to return to Camborne police station on January 16 next year.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police refused to be drawn on any details of the probe.
PC Ashley Brooks said: "With regard to the items seized, they are part of an ongoing investigation and, as a result of that, we cannot make any further comment."
Reader comments
In todays paranoid society it seems the threat of being a terrorist is enough to get you locked up. has this government forgotten that this country of ours has been dealing with terrorist activities for centuries but as soon as the all mighty americans panic our government jumps into line and follows there lead doh how stupid are they . also if i say my wife and i are terrorists will they come and lock us up please as we are due to be homeless in 16 days then maybe we will atleast have a roof over our heads.
DPenn, Falmouth
The Cornish Motto is "One & All". " Onen hag Oll,"
Together we stand, Divided we fall!
In 1969 Daniel Cohn-Bendit faced the authorities by declaring : "We are all German Jews!" Similarly those who sympathise with Cornish independence aspirations could say: " We are all Cornish terrorists." Lech Walenska confronted the Polish Communists with Solidarity. The Cornish motto is "One and All" and indeed that says it all.
'I AM NOT A CORNISH TERRORIST'
09:00 - 19 September 2007
A senior member of the Cornish Stannary Parliament protested his innocence yesterday after he was arrested by armed police investigating alleged terror plots against chefs Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver.Hugh Rowe, 53, vowed to clear his name following a dramatic dawn swoop on his home and the alleged seizure of dozens of his possessions.
He said the hoard of items taken from his flat included three St Piran flags, Cornish language tapes, computer equipment and a copy of a book on the commissioning of the QE II and the Twin Towers in New York.
Mr Rowe was one of four men held by detectives in a series of coordinated raids on addresses in Camborne and Falmouth.
Police said they were taken into custody on suspicion of the illegal possession of a firearm. All have been bailed to a date next January ahead of further inquiries. The operations are understood to be linked to a major probe into alleged plots by Cornish extremists against two of the country's most famous chefs.
A group calling itself the Cornish National Liberation Army (CNLA) is said to have earlier threatened to burn down one of Mr Stein's businesses in Padstow and declared the cars of his customers to be legitimate targets.
It said Fifteen - a charitable restaurant at Watergate Bay set up by Mr Oliver to help disadvantaged Cornish youngsters - was also in its sights.
The shadowy extremists branded the chef an "incomer" and claimed he was hurting local people by driving up house prices and living costs.
Their threats in an e-mail to a local newspaper in June were said to have been made via an Arabic web-hosting service.
Yesterday, Mr Rowe described the chilling moment when he was arrested outside his Camborne home by armed officers at around 7am.
"I was in my bedroom when I heard a loud knocking at the door," he said. "It didn't register at first but then I went downstairs to be confronted by police looking through the window.
"According to neighbours, there were 14 to 15 officers outside who had announced themselves as a tactical firearms unit. They shouted: 'Come out or we're coming in'. I replied: 'I can't wait to come out'."
Mr Rowe, an engineer, said he was arrested under the Data Protection Act then taken in handcuffs to Camborne police station where he said he spent more than nine hours in a cell. I explained some of my background and the jobs that I've had. I said I was a member of the Cornish Stannary Parliament and a member of many Cornish groups - on history, culture, agriculture, archaeology, book-writing and proof-reading."
The search warrant for his address - issued by a district judge to a detective constable based at Launceston police station and seen by the Cornish Guardian - reveals that officers were looking for a rifle and ammunition.
It also gave officers the authority to search for any computer or similar equipment "capable of taking, storing or sending images and emails" as well as "face masks, clothing and other items" displayed in a photograph.
This picture - published in a national paper shortly after the threats were made against the chefs - was said to feature hooded members of the CNLA.
"They were looking for the three people in the photograph which had appeared in the Sunday Express, or anyone connected to them," said Mr Rowe.
"I was shown it and stated that I knew none of the persons involved - and as they were masked, it would make that harder.
"Because of the seriousness with which they are treating this inquiry, and because I'm quite openly involved in the Cornish movement, they have wrongly linked me with this scenario.
"The Stannary Parliament is a completely peaceful, proactive and positive organisation."
Mr Rowe said he told officers involved in the raid where they would find what he described as his legally-held air rifle, which he said was not seized.
"They took three St Piran flags - they didn't seize my personal computer but they seized the computer tower which holds information and it seems they've also seized a computer-compatible digital camera."
He said the confiscated possessions also included a copy of Breaking the Chains by leading Cornish author John Angarrack; a human rights study guide; notes from the public inquiry into plans for a holiday village at Carlyon Bay; a silver An Gof anvil badge; his address book and hundreds of documents linked to regeneration projects in Camborne, Pool and Redruth.
Colin Murley, spokesman for the 24-member Cornish Stannary Parliament, said he was appalled by the police action.
He said: "While our member was in custody, they went through his home and we want confirmation from the police of the items they've taken.
"We've been writing to Government departments and European departments solidly for at least the last 10 years.
"They know all our phone numbers and email addresses. They probably know all about us.
"I don't like it at all - the true history of Cornwall is being suppressed," claimed Mr Murley, "It's a terrible thing that it (the parliament) should be associated with this investigation."
Mr Rowe, who says he suffers from blood pressure problems, was arrested on September 6 along with a 55-year-old man from Camborne and two men, aged 58 and 41, from the Falmouth area.
They were questioned by detectives before being bailed to return to Camborne police station on January 16 next year.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police refused to be drawn on any details of the probe.
PC Ashley Brooks said: "With regard to the items seized, they are part of an ongoing investigation and, as a result of that, we cannot make any further comment."
Reader comments
In todays paranoid society it seems the threat of being a terrorist is enough to get you locked up. has this government forgotten that this country of ours has been dealing with terrorist activities for centuries but as soon as the all mighty americans panic our government jumps into line and follows there lead doh how stupid are they . also if i say my wife and i are terrorists will they come and lock us up please as we are due to be homeless in 16 days then maybe we will atleast have a roof over our heads.
DPenn, Falmouth
The Cornish Motto is "One & All". " Onen hag Oll,"
Together we stand, Divided we fall!
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Britain is Antiquated and Fundamentally Flawed
As published in the Letter page of the "Western Mail" - Wednesday, November 21st,2007
Gordon Brown has been warned that his promotion of Britishness is in contravention of Wales' devolutionary progress. He should realise that Britain is fundamentally flawed and belongs to an age which is past and gone, never to return. His efforts to restore a ramshackle institution which has outlived its purpose are doomed to failure. Welsh people identify with Wales, a nation in resurgence, and the Scottish people with Scotland. By transforming itself from a socialist party to a bureaucratic pseudo-conservative party embracing capitalist and vaguely totalitarian principles New Labour has lost the Welsh and Scottish votes, and has no hope of winning another election. Popular opinion is quickly moving away from Labour and towards parties which have the peoples' interests at heart. The gap is widening in Britain between the haves and the have-nots, and inequality is on the increase throughout society. Politicians have lost the art of listening to their constituents and are out of touch with the needs and wishes of the electorate. The promotion of Britishness is divisive and is intended to exacerbate divisions in society, between those who cling to Unionist beliefs, though their forebears might have been Welsh loyalists, and those who wish to regain their nation's true and unique identity, and shake loose the ties which bind it to a flawed constitution which does not recognise Wales as a separate entity (For Wales see England). Let those representatives of Wales and Scotland who now fill the seats of the Westminster parliament stand up for their respective nations and promote the interests of their compatriots (the Cymry and the Scots)- or resign. Let them remove their blinkers and see the writing on the wall. In the words of the song:
"I'm a gonna travel on the road to freedom
I'm a gonna travel on the road to freedom,
I'm a gonna travel on the road to freedom,
I'll keep a-travellin' on....."
Gordon Brown has been warned that his promotion of Britishness is in contravention of Wales' devolutionary progress. He should realise that Britain is fundamentally flawed and belongs to an age which is past and gone, never to return. His efforts to restore a ramshackle institution which has outlived its purpose are doomed to failure. Welsh people identify with Wales, a nation in resurgence, and the Scottish people with Scotland. By transforming itself from a socialist party to a bureaucratic pseudo-conservative party embracing capitalist and vaguely totalitarian principles New Labour has lost the Welsh and Scottish votes, and has no hope of winning another election. Popular opinion is quickly moving away from Labour and towards parties which have the peoples' interests at heart. The gap is widening in Britain between the haves and the have-nots, and inequality is on the increase throughout society. Politicians have lost the art of listening to their constituents and are out of touch with the needs and wishes of the electorate. The promotion of Britishness is divisive and is intended to exacerbate divisions in society, between those who cling to Unionist beliefs, though their forebears might have been Welsh loyalists, and those who wish to regain their nation's true and unique identity, and shake loose the ties which bind it to a flawed constitution which does not recognise Wales as a separate entity (For Wales see England). Let those representatives of Wales and Scotland who now fill the seats of the Westminster parliament stand up for their respective nations and promote the interests of their compatriots (the Cymry and the Scots)- or resign. Let them remove their blinkers and see the writing on the wall. In the words of the song:
"I'm a gonna travel on the road to freedom
I'm a gonna travel on the road to freedom,
I'm a gonna travel on the road to freedom,
I'll keep a-travellin' on....."
Monday, 19 November 2007
The Controversial Military Academy Issue
A comment from one of our readers
Comment
Anne said...
Jill is the only politician in Wales with the courage to challenge the privatisation and concentration of military training at St Athan to be delivered by a consortium which includes arms dealers Raytheon associated with the deliver of cluster bombs.
Where did this figure of 5,000 even 6,000 jobs come from? That is pure spin at best or deliberate falsehood! The BBC, Peter Black, Huw Lewis and Bryant are all quoting 5/6,000 jobs at St Athan when they know that most are to be transferred in to St Athan and that the MOD has announced 1,100 after it dumped half the initial plan - or package 2? It will be 1,100 - yes 1,100 and nothing near the 5,000 jobs promised and that Emperor Rhodri Morgan was drinking champagne to celebrate! Most of the ‘high skill’ jobs been transferred in are for instructional officers who are in the main ex-forces with additional training of 5 years on top of that. Not many of those going to Barry job centre will have those qualifications.
PCS, the union that represents many MOD staff says that the number of jobs in scope of package 1 has dropped from 1500 to 1100. These 400 posts are those not directly linked to training delivery. Package 2 has been dumped by the government as it is too expensive.
This contract will be the largest PFI/PPP project ever undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and will be the largest partnering arrangement ever undertaken in the UK. A Private Finance Initiative (PFI) for DTR in simplistic terms means that the winning consortia will effectively own all of the real estate and services for training for the next 25 years. For this they will be paid an annual sum and must, by law, make a profit for their shareholders. The contract is worth £19 billion.
They couldn’t make a privatised railway work so it is pretty unbelievable that we even suggest privatising military training never mind applauding it especially when it is to be delivered by private arms companies that are excluded from any ethical investing country, bank or charity as in Norway and Belgium.
In a recent press release PCS, (Union) welcomed the MoD U-turn on training privatisation and the announcement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to halt the privatisation of approximately 4,000 staff who train the armed forces in driving armoured vehicles, lorries and jeeps as well as languages. The union hailed the decision to keep one half of defence training in the public sector as a victory for common sense which would ensure world class training for the armed forces whilst providing value for money for the taxpayer.
PCS called on the MoD to see sense and halt the privatisation of the other half of defence training which includes technical and mechanical training. The union warned that pushing ahead with remaining half of defence training would represent poor value for money and lead to a loss of knowledge and experience as staff would refuse to relocate to the new training base in South Wales….
Jill is right that we should stop and take an honest look at what is being proposed for St Athan.
For more information See http://www.cynefinywerin see also our blog www.metrixconsortium.blogspot.com
http://www.nomurderacademyatstathans.com/
our briefings on:Qinetiq - http://www.cynefinywerin.org.uk/index.php?docid=286
Raytheon - http://www.cynefinywerin.org.uk/index.php?docid=287
and our cluster bombs press release -
http://www.cynefinywerin.org.uk/index.php?docid=288
19 November 2007 10:15
Delete
Comment
Anne said...
Jill is the only politician in Wales with the courage to challenge the privatisation and concentration of military training at St Athan to be delivered by a consortium which includes arms dealers Raytheon associated with the deliver of cluster bombs.
Where did this figure of 5,000 even 6,000 jobs come from? That is pure spin at best or deliberate falsehood! The BBC, Peter Black, Huw Lewis and Bryant are all quoting 5/6,000 jobs at St Athan when they know that most are to be transferred in to St Athan and that the MOD has announced 1,100 after it dumped half the initial plan - or package 2? It will be 1,100 - yes 1,100 and nothing near the 5,000 jobs promised and that Emperor Rhodri Morgan was drinking champagne to celebrate! Most of the ‘high skill’ jobs been transferred in are for instructional officers who are in the main ex-forces with additional training of 5 years on top of that. Not many of those going to Barry job centre will have those qualifications.
PCS, the union that represents many MOD staff says that the number of jobs in scope of package 1 has dropped from 1500 to 1100. These 400 posts are those not directly linked to training delivery. Package 2 has been dumped by the government as it is too expensive.
This contract will be the largest PFI/PPP project ever undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and will be the largest partnering arrangement ever undertaken in the UK. A Private Finance Initiative (PFI) for DTR in simplistic terms means that the winning consortia will effectively own all of the real estate and services for training for the next 25 years. For this they will be paid an annual sum and must, by law, make a profit for their shareholders. The contract is worth £19 billion.
They couldn’t make a privatised railway work so it is pretty unbelievable that we even suggest privatising military training never mind applauding it especially when it is to be delivered by private arms companies that are excluded from any ethical investing country, bank or charity as in Norway and Belgium.
In a recent press release PCS, (Union) welcomed the MoD U-turn on training privatisation and the announcement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to halt the privatisation of approximately 4,000 staff who train the armed forces in driving armoured vehicles, lorries and jeeps as well as languages. The union hailed the decision to keep one half of defence training in the public sector as a victory for common sense which would ensure world class training for the armed forces whilst providing value for money for the taxpayer.
PCS called on the MoD to see sense and halt the privatisation of the other half of defence training which includes technical and mechanical training. The union warned that pushing ahead with remaining half of defence training would represent poor value for money and lead to a loss of knowledge and experience as staff would refuse to relocate to the new training base in South Wales….
Jill is right that we should stop and take an honest look at what is being proposed for St Athan.
For more information See http://www.cynefinywerin see also our blog www.metrixconsortium.blogspot.com
http://www.nomurderacademyatstathans.com/
our briefings on:Qinetiq - http://www.cynefinywerin.org.uk/index.php?docid=286
Raytheon - http://www.cynefinywerin.org.uk/index.php?docid=287
and our cluster bombs press release -
http://www.cynefinywerin.org.uk/index.php?docid=288
19 November 2007 10:15
Delete
A View from Wales and a Welsh Lottery
When have Welsh views been considered seriously?
When has Wales been given a voice in matters of defence,law and national security?
When has Wales been seen to have national status except on the rugby field?
When has Wales received adequate funding for its particular problems : poverty, unemployment, social disintegration, community needs, affordable housing?
When will Wales receive its own independent news channels and television coverage?
Why is Wales denied adequate state funding for the National Eisteddfod and other national and cultural activities? Why is lottery money diverted to the London Olympics?
There is now a call for an independent Welsh lottery, with lottery money distributed more equally, and not a lottery with pay-outs running into the millions of pounds.
Money accrued from a Welsh lottery will not be squandered but will be spent wisely on projects which directly benefit the society and cultural needs of the nation. This will reflect the true egalitarian nature and age-old spirit of the Welsh community.
To many there is only one nation, the "British nation", and Wales is still regarded as a regional backwater of England. Until the legislation enacted in 1535 is dissolved and Wales achieves its long-awaited independence this will continue to be the case. To many national consciousness and cultural aspirations are part of fantasy land and a dream which can never be realised. Wales has had to fight for everything it has obtained and the fight for rights and justice will continue. The age of imperialism and domination is at an end. The reason Welsh nationalists are in the House of Commons and the reason they will soon be in the House of Lords is solely to fight for the just rights and privileges for a nation in resurgence, claiming its rightful place as a nation in the heart of Europe.
When has Wales been given a voice in matters of defence,law and national security?
When has Wales been seen to have national status except on the rugby field?
When has Wales received adequate funding for its particular problems : poverty, unemployment, social disintegration, community needs, affordable housing?
When will Wales receive its own independent news channels and television coverage?
Why is Wales denied adequate state funding for the National Eisteddfod and other national and cultural activities? Why is lottery money diverted to the London Olympics?
There is now a call for an independent Welsh lottery, with lottery money distributed more equally, and not a lottery with pay-outs running into the millions of pounds.
Money accrued from a Welsh lottery will not be squandered but will be spent wisely on projects which directly benefit the society and cultural needs of the nation. This will reflect the true egalitarian nature and age-old spirit of the Welsh community.
To many there is only one nation, the "British nation", and Wales is still regarded as a regional backwater of England. Until the legislation enacted in 1535 is dissolved and Wales achieves its long-awaited independence this will continue to be the case. To many national consciousness and cultural aspirations are part of fantasy land and a dream which can never be realised. Wales has had to fight for everything it has obtained and the fight for rights and justice will continue. The age of imperialism and domination is at an end. The reason Welsh nationalists are in the House of Commons and the reason they will soon be in the House of Lords is solely to fight for the just rights and privileges for a nation in resurgence, claiming its rightful place as a nation in the heart of Europe.
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Weapons firm’s role in St Athan academy condemned
From the Western Mail :
Nov 9 2007 by Martin Shipton, Western Mail
CAMPAIGNERS have condemned the Assembly Government for backing a huge military training project, despite the involvement of a weapons company previously linked to cluster bombs.The St Athan Defence Academy is due to create 5,000 jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan by 2013.
But an anti-military group called the Cluster Munition Coalition says that one of the major companies involved in the academy, Raytheon, has been involved in manufacturing devices that carry cluster munitions. Raytheon, a leading American arms firm, insists it no longer produces weapons capable of carrying cluster bombs. But campaigners say they remain concerned. Anne Greagsby, co-ordinator of the campaign to stop the St Athan academy from being built, said, “In 2005 a European Parliament resolution was introduced to ban investments in companies, such as Raytheon, that have produced cluster munitions. In response to this, Norway and Belgium have already endorsed this call. Liverpool City Council has also recently adopted a similar position. “Yet the Welsh government has ignored all of these concerns, and instead launched a high profile development project with Raytheon.“Raytheon is a central member of the Metrix Consortium that was awarded the St Athan Defence Training Academy contract in January 2007. The St Athan Defence Academy has been supported by all of the main political parties in Wales and sold to the public on the basis of alleged benefits to the economy. “The involvement in the project of the world’s largest arms companies has so far not received any attention.” Ms Greagsby added, “Given the evident public concern over cluster bombs and the arms trade more generally, I am sure that most people would be shocked to hear that the Assembly has laid a welcome mat for such companies, especially after other governments have turned their backs on them.”
In 2005, the Advisory Council on Ethics for the Norwegian Government Pension Fund excluded Raytheon from the fund’s investment portfolio, along with other manufacturers associated with cluster munitions. In 2007, Belgium passed a law banning all investments in any companies still producing cluster munitions. Raytheon is still producing the AGM154 Joint Standoff Weapon, which according to its website,“is a family of low-cost, highly lethal weapons that can engage a wide spectrum of targets – from soft targets to hardened point targets – over a range of threat environments by using highly integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Measurement System guidance.” Ms Greagsby said, “It has been reported that a Raytheon device hit the Shu’ale market in Baghdad in 2003, killing at least 62 civilians, and that a Raytheon device hit Qana in Lebanon in 2006, killing at least 28 civilians, including 16 children.” Veteran former Labour MP Tony Benn has signed a petition opposing plans to build the £14bn defence training academy at RAF St Athan. The project has also been criticised by CND Cymru.
A spokesman for Raytheon said, “Raytheon does not manufacture cluster bombs or any associated delivery vehicles. Any assertion to the contrary is based on dated information that is no longer valid or correct. “To clarify, Raytheon has never manufactured cluster bombs, but in the past we have been associated with their manufacture because of our contract to produce a missile that can carry different types of munition payloads, determined by the customer. One configuration allowed it to carry cluster bomb payloads, which were not produced by Raytheon. “But in any case, Raytheon has completed its contracted production run for this particular missile, and we have no plans to resume production. Furthermore, Raytheon has no other products in development that are designed to dispense cluster submunitions.”First Minister Rhodri Morgan said, “The development at St Athan is vital if our armed forces are to have the best possible training to equip them to deal with any threat to the safety and security of this country and its people. “The training activities at St Athan are related to engineering and IT skills, which are also useful in civilian life as well. “Under the Metrix consortium’s proposals, the army, navy and air force will get better training to protect the UK from enemies, both now and in the future. “Raytheon is one of the partners in the consortium. They have made it clear to the Welsh Assembly Government that they do not manufacture cluster bombs or any missiles capable of delivering the weapons, and they have no plans to do so in future Any claim to the contrary is wrong and based on old information. “The UK government is committed to banning the production, stockpiling and use of cluster bombs, and has signed a joint declaration with 45 other countries to achieve this aim.”
Nov 9 2007 by Martin Shipton, Western Mail
CAMPAIGNERS have condemned the Assembly Government for backing a huge military training project, despite the involvement of a weapons company previously linked to cluster bombs.The St Athan Defence Academy is due to create 5,000 jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan by 2013.
But an anti-military group called the Cluster Munition Coalition says that one of the major companies involved in the academy, Raytheon, has been involved in manufacturing devices that carry cluster munitions. Raytheon, a leading American arms firm, insists it no longer produces weapons capable of carrying cluster bombs. But campaigners say they remain concerned. Anne Greagsby, co-ordinator of the campaign to stop the St Athan academy from being built, said, “In 2005 a European Parliament resolution was introduced to ban investments in companies, such as Raytheon, that have produced cluster munitions. In response to this, Norway and Belgium have already endorsed this call. Liverpool City Council has also recently adopted a similar position. “Yet the Welsh government has ignored all of these concerns, and instead launched a high profile development project with Raytheon.“Raytheon is a central member of the Metrix Consortium that was awarded the St Athan Defence Training Academy contract in January 2007. The St Athan Defence Academy has been supported by all of the main political parties in Wales and sold to the public on the basis of alleged benefits to the economy. “The involvement in the project of the world’s largest arms companies has so far not received any attention.” Ms Greagsby added, “Given the evident public concern over cluster bombs and the arms trade more generally, I am sure that most people would be shocked to hear that the Assembly has laid a welcome mat for such companies, especially after other governments have turned their backs on them.”
In 2005, the Advisory Council on Ethics for the Norwegian Government Pension Fund excluded Raytheon from the fund’s investment portfolio, along with other manufacturers associated with cluster munitions. In 2007, Belgium passed a law banning all investments in any companies still producing cluster munitions. Raytheon is still producing the AGM154 Joint Standoff Weapon, which according to its website,“is a family of low-cost, highly lethal weapons that can engage a wide spectrum of targets – from soft targets to hardened point targets – over a range of threat environments by using highly integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Measurement System guidance.” Ms Greagsby said, “It has been reported that a Raytheon device hit the Shu’ale market in Baghdad in 2003, killing at least 62 civilians, and that a Raytheon device hit Qana in Lebanon in 2006, killing at least 28 civilians, including 16 children.” Veteran former Labour MP Tony Benn has signed a petition opposing plans to build the £14bn defence training academy at RAF St Athan. The project has also been criticised by CND Cymru.
A spokesman for Raytheon said, “Raytheon does not manufacture cluster bombs or any associated delivery vehicles. Any assertion to the contrary is based on dated information that is no longer valid or correct. “To clarify, Raytheon has never manufactured cluster bombs, but in the past we have been associated with their manufacture because of our contract to produce a missile that can carry different types of munition payloads, determined by the customer. One configuration allowed it to carry cluster bomb payloads, which were not produced by Raytheon. “But in any case, Raytheon has completed its contracted production run for this particular missile, and we have no plans to resume production. Furthermore, Raytheon has no other products in development that are designed to dispense cluster submunitions.”First Minister Rhodri Morgan said, “The development at St Athan is vital if our armed forces are to have the best possible training to equip them to deal with any threat to the safety and security of this country and its people. “The training activities at St Athan are related to engineering and IT skills, which are also useful in civilian life as well. “Under the Metrix consortium’s proposals, the army, navy and air force will get better training to protect the UK from enemies, both now and in the future. “Raytheon is one of the partners in the consortium. They have made it clear to the Welsh Assembly Government that they do not manufacture cluster bombs or any missiles capable of delivering the weapons, and they have no plans to do so in future Any claim to the contrary is wrong and based on old information. “The UK government is committed to banning the production, stockpiling and use of cluster bombs, and has signed a joint declaration with 45 other countries to achieve this aim.”
Sain Tathan Military Academy Future in Question
Plaid MEP queries military centre
Plaid Cymru's vice-president has questioned whether the party should support a military training academy at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan.
MEP Jill Evans said the proposed 5,000-job centre was inconsistent with the spirit of the party's defence policy and pacifist vision for Wales.
Her views are in a paper for the party's ruling national council in Aberystwyth on Saturday.
But Vale Labour MP John Smith said her comments were "dangerous nonsense".
Ms Evans also said that if Wales were to become independent, it should slash spending on defence and pull out of Nato.
She said Plaid should condemn what she said was the increasing militarisation of Wales.
Her paper suggested that Plaid should be committed to purely defensive armaments.
Existing military infrastructure, it said, would come under Welsh control with a chain of command answerable to the Welsh Parliament.
Plaid has been in coalition with Labour in the assembly government since last May.
She called on the assembly government to investigate any links between the private companies involved in St Athan and the international arms trade.
Building work on the centre is due to start in 2009, with the final phase expected to be completed by 2013.
The academy is predicted to provide an economic boost to the area, but will it, and should it?
Plaid has deferred the issue for further examination
Plaid Cymru's vice-president has questioned whether the party should support a military training academy at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan.
MEP Jill Evans said the proposed 5,000-job centre was inconsistent with the spirit of the party's defence policy and pacifist vision for Wales.
Her views are in a paper for the party's ruling national council in Aberystwyth on Saturday.
But Vale Labour MP John Smith said her comments were "dangerous nonsense".
Ms Evans also said that if Wales were to become independent, it should slash spending on defence and pull out of Nato.
She said Plaid should condemn what she said was the increasing militarisation of Wales.
Her paper suggested that Plaid should be committed to purely defensive armaments.
Existing military infrastructure, it said, would come under Welsh control with a chain of command answerable to the Welsh Parliament.
Plaid has been in coalition with Labour in the assembly government since last May.
She called on the assembly government to investigate any links between the private companies involved in St Athan and the international arms trade.
Building work on the centre is due to start in 2009, with the final phase expected to be completed by 2013.
The academy is predicted to provide an economic boost to the area, but will it, and should it?
Plaid has deferred the issue for further examination
Friday, 16 November 2007
There is no Way to Peace - Peace is the Way
Peace cannot be attained while preparing for war. War is a wasteful and expensive anathema. There is no victor in a vengeful war - both are losers. How many beautiful and ancient cities have been razed to the ground in the name of war, beginning with Troy and Carthage? How many lives have been lost and relationships torn apart by the evils of war? In the words of another Dylan : "How many deaths will it take till we know that too many people have died?"
Wales has no quarrel with anybody yet Britain still suffers from the karma of war. When will people come to their senses and see the path of self-destruction? Is this nature's plan, to restore equilibrium to the Earth and a natural balance and harmony, by inflicting upon mankind sickness and disease, natural calamities, and the purging of an escalating population through the perpetration of violence in the name of democracy, sanctified by a fervent and wholly irrational belief in God?
So now let us consider the question of Peace.....
World Peace Talk to the U.N. by J. Krishnamurti, 1985, aged 89
1 " I am supposed to talk on World Peace beyond the 40th anniversary of the United Nations.
2 Mankind, man, has lived on this earth over fifty thousand years, and perhaps much longer, or for less duration. During all this long evolution man has not found peace on earth - 'pacem in terris' has been preached long before Christianity, by the ancient Hindus and the Buddhists. And during all this time man has lived in conflict, not only conflict with his neighbour but with people of his own community, with his own society, with his own family, he has fought, struggled against man for the last five thousand years, and perhaps more. Historically there have been wars practically every year. And we are still at war. I believe there are forty wars going on at the present time. And the religious hierarchy, not only the Catholics but the other groups have talked about 'pacem in terris', peace on earth, goodwill among men. It has never come about - to have peace on earth. And they have talked about peace when you die and go to heaven and you have peace there.
3 One wonders, if one is at all serious, why man kills another human being - in the name of god, in the name of peace, in the name of some ideology, or for his country - whatever that may mean - or for the king and the queen, and all the rest of that business. Probably we all know this: that man has never lived on this earth, which is being slowly destroyed, and why man cannot live at peace with another human being. Why there are separate nations, which is after all a glorified tribalism. And religions, whether it be Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism, they are also at war with each other. Nations are at war, groups are at war, ideologies, whether it is the Russian, or the American, or any other category of ideologies, they are all at war with each other, conflict. And after living on this earth for so many centuries, why is it man cannot live peacefully on this marvellous earth? This
question has been asked over and over again. An organization like this has been formed round that. What is the future of this particular organization? After the 40th year what lies beyond?
4 Time is a strange factor in life. Time is very important for all of us. And the future is, what is present. The future is now, because the present, which is also the past, modifying itself now, becomes the future. This has been the cycle of time, the path of time. And now, not beyond 40 years of this organization, but now, at the present time if there is no radical change, fundamental mutation, the future is, what is now. And that has been historically proved, and we can prove it in our daily lives.
5 So the question really is: whether human beings, you and us, sitting on the platform - I am sorry to be sitting up here - are human beings? And as long as we with each other, or with man and woman, are in perpetual conflict there will be no peace on this earth. One may talk about it endlessly. The Roman Catholic hierarchy talks about 'pacem in terris', and they have been also responsible for appalling wars in the past. A hundred years of war, torture, all kinds of horrible things they have done to man. These are all facts, actualities, not the speaker's wish. And religions, are all facts, actualities, not the speaker's wish. And religions, including Islam, Hindus, Buddhists, and so on, they have had their own kind of war. And the future beyond the 40th anniversary is what is going on now.
6 One wonders if one realizes that. The present is not only the past, but also contains the future; the past modifying itself constantly through the present and projecting the future. If we don't stop quarrels, struggles, antagonism, hate, now it will be like that tomorrow. And you can stretch out that tomorrow for a thousand years, it will be still tomorrow.
7 So it behoves us to ask ourselves whether we, as human beings, single or a community, or in a family, whether we can live peacefully with each other? Organizations have not solved this problem. You can reorganize but war still goes on. So organizations, whether it is world organization or a particular kind of organization to bring about peace, such organizations will never succeed because human beings individually, collectively, nationally, are in conflict. Strong nations, like America or Russia, are at war with each other - economically, ideologically, and actually - not bloodshed yet. So peace cannot possibly exist on this earth if there are nationalities, which, as we said, is glorified tribalism. Nationalities give certain security, man needs security and he invests in nationalism, or in a particular ideology or belief. Beliefs, ideologies and so on, have separated man. And organizations cannot possibly bring about peace between man and man because he believes in something, he believes in certain ideologies, he believes in god and others don't.
8 I wonder if one has ever considered, religions based on a book - like the Koran or the Bible - become very bigoted, narrow and fundamentalist. And religions like the Hindu and the Buddhist, they have many, many books, all considered sacred, real, straight from god's mouth! They are not so bigoted, they are tolerant, they absorb. So there is this conflict going on: those who rely, put their faith in books, and those who do not put their faith in any book. So conflict between the book and those who accept multiple books. I wonder if one is aware of all this.
9 And we are asking deeply, if you are serious at all, whether you and I, and those of us who are involved in organizations, can live at peace with each other? Peace requires a great deal of intelligence, not just demonstrations against a particular form of war, against a nuclear or atom bomb and so on. Those are the products of minds, brains that are entrenched in some particular form of belief, ideology, so they are supplying armaments - the powerful ones, whether it be Russia, America, or England or France - armaments to the rest of the world, and they also talk about peace, supplying at the same time armaments.
10 It is a vast cynical world and cynicism can never tolerate affection, care, love. I think we have lost that quality - quality of compassion. Not analyse what is compassion - it can be analysed very easily. You cannot analyse love, love is not within the limits of the brain, because the brain is the instrument of sensation, it is the centre of all reaction and action, and we try to find peace, love, within this limited area. Which means, thought is not love because thought is based on experience, which is limited, and on knowledge, which is always limited, whether now or in the future. So knowledge is always limited. And having knowledge, which is contained in the brain as memory, from that memory springs thought. This can be observed very simply and easily if one examines oneself, if one looks at one's own activity of thought, experience, knowledge. You don't have to read any book, or become a specialist to understand
11 So thought is always limited, whether it is now or in the future. And we try to solve all our problems, both technological, religious, and personal, through the activity of thought. Surely thought is not love, love is not sensation or pleasure, it is not the result of desire? It is something entirely different. To come upon that love, which is compassion, which has its own intelligence, one has to understand oneself, what we are - not through analysts, but understanding our own sorrows, our own pleasures, our own beliefs.
12 You know wherever you go, all over the world, mankind, human beings, suffer, for various reasons, it might be petty or some very, very deep incident which has caused pain, sorrow. And every human being on this earth goes through that on a minor scale or a tremendous incident, as death. And sorrow is shared by all mankind, it is not your sorrow or mine, it is mankind's sorrow, mankind's anxiety, pain, loneliness, despair, aggressiveness. So you, and we, are the rest of humanity, we are not separate human beings psychologically. You may be a woman, or a man, you may be tall, dark, short and so on, but inwardly, psychologically, which is far more important, we are the rest of mankind. You are the rest of mankind, and so if you kill another, if you are in conflict with another, you are destroying yourself. You can observe this very, very carefully if you look at yourself without any distortion.
13 So there can only be peace when mankind, when you and I, have no conflict in ourselves. And you might say, "If one achieves, or comes to an end of all conflict within oneself, how will it affect the rest of mankind?" This is a very, very old question. This has been put thousands of years before Christ, if he ever existed. And we have to ask whether in ourselves sorrow, pain and anxiety, and all that, can ever end? If one applies, looks, observes, with great attention, as you look with considerable attention when you are combing your hair, or shaving, with that quality of attention, heightened, you can observe yourself - all the nuances, subtleties. And the mirror is your relationship between human beings, in that mirror you can see yourself exactly as you are. But most of us are frightened to see what we are, and so we gradually develop resistance, guilt, and all the rest of that business. So we never ask for total freedom - not to do what you like, but to be free from choice. Where there are multiple choices there are multiple confusions.
14 So can we live on this earth, 'pacem in terris', with great understanding of mankind, which is to understand yourself so profoundly, not according to some psychologist, analyst. They too have to be analysed. So we can, without turning to the professionals, as simple laymen we can observe our own idiosyncrasies, tendencies. Our brain - the speaker is not a specialist about brain matter - our brain has been conditioned to war, to hate, to conflict. It is conditioned through this long period of evolution, whether that brain with its cells, which contain all the memories, whether that brain can free itself from its own conditioning. You know it is very simple to answer such a question. If you have been going north all the days of your life, as humanity has been going in a particular direction, which is conflict, and somebody comes along and says, "That leads nowhere". He is serious, and perhaps you are serious. Then he says, "Go south, go east, any other direction but that". And when you actually move away from that direction there is a mutation in the very brain cells themselves because you have broken the pattern. And that pattern must be broken now, not forty or a hundred years later.
15 And can human beings have the vitality, the energy, to transform themselves to civilized human beings, not killing each other?
- J. Krishnamurti / New York. United Nations 11th April 1985
(after Krishnamurti had left the conference room the Peace Medal which had been presented to him was lying on the table).
http://www.krishnamurtiaustralia.org/articles/world_peace.htm
Wales has no quarrel with anybody yet Britain still suffers from the karma of war. When will people come to their senses and see the path of self-destruction? Is this nature's plan, to restore equilibrium to the Earth and a natural balance and harmony, by inflicting upon mankind sickness and disease, natural calamities, and the purging of an escalating population through the perpetration of violence in the name of democracy, sanctified by a fervent and wholly irrational belief in God?
So now let us consider the question of Peace.....
World Peace Talk to the U.N. by J. Krishnamurti, 1985, aged 89
1 " I am supposed to talk on World Peace beyond the 40th anniversary of the United Nations.
2 Mankind, man, has lived on this earth over fifty thousand years, and perhaps much longer, or for less duration. During all this long evolution man has not found peace on earth - 'pacem in terris' has been preached long before Christianity, by the ancient Hindus and the Buddhists. And during all this time man has lived in conflict, not only conflict with his neighbour but with people of his own community, with his own society, with his own family, he has fought, struggled against man for the last five thousand years, and perhaps more. Historically there have been wars practically every year. And we are still at war. I believe there are forty wars going on at the present time. And the religious hierarchy, not only the Catholics but the other groups have talked about 'pacem in terris', peace on earth, goodwill among men. It has never come about - to have peace on earth. And they have talked about peace when you die and go to heaven and you have peace there.
3 One wonders, if one is at all serious, why man kills another human being - in the name of god, in the name of peace, in the name of some ideology, or for his country - whatever that may mean - or for the king and the queen, and all the rest of that business. Probably we all know this: that man has never lived on this earth, which is being slowly destroyed, and why man cannot live at peace with another human being. Why there are separate nations, which is after all a glorified tribalism. And religions, whether it be Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism, they are also at war with each other. Nations are at war, groups are at war, ideologies, whether it is the Russian, or the American, or any other category of ideologies, they are all at war with each other, conflict. And after living on this earth for so many centuries, why is it man cannot live peacefully on this marvellous earth? This
question has been asked over and over again. An organization like this has been formed round that. What is the future of this particular organization? After the 40th year what lies beyond?
4 Time is a strange factor in life. Time is very important for all of us. And the future is, what is present. The future is now, because the present, which is also the past, modifying itself now, becomes the future. This has been the cycle of time, the path of time. And now, not beyond 40 years of this organization, but now, at the present time if there is no radical change, fundamental mutation, the future is, what is now. And that has been historically proved, and we can prove it in our daily lives.
5 So the question really is: whether human beings, you and us, sitting on the platform - I am sorry to be sitting up here - are human beings? And as long as we with each other, or with man and woman, are in perpetual conflict there will be no peace on this earth. One may talk about it endlessly. The Roman Catholic hierarchy talks about 'pacem in terris', and they have been also responsible for appalling wars in the past. A hundred years of war, torture, all kinds of horrible things they have done to man. These are all facts, actualities, not the speaker's wish. And religions, are all facts, actualities, not the speaker's wish. And religions, including Islam, Hindus, Buddhists, and so on, they have had their own kind of war. And the future beyond the 40th anniversary is what is going on now.
6 One wonders if one realizes that. The present is not only the past, but also contains the future; the past modifying itself constantly through the present and projecting the future. If we don't stop quarrels, struggles, antagonism, hate, now it will be like that tomorrow. And you can stretch out that tomorrow for a thousand years, it will be still tomorrow.
7 So it behoves us to ask ourselves whether we, as human beings, single or a community, or in a family, whether we can live peacefully with each other? Organizations have not solved this problem. You can reorganize but war still goes on. So organizations, whether it is world organization or a particular kind of organization to bring about peace, such organizations will never succeed because human beings individually, collectively, nationally, are in conflict. Strong nations, like America or Russia, are at war with each other - economically, ideologically, and actually - not bloodshed yet. So peace cannot possibly exist on this earth if there are nationalities, which, as we said, is glorified tribalism. Nationalities give certain security, man needs security and he invests in nationalism, or in a particular ideology or belief. Beliefs, ideologies and so on, have separated man. And organizations cannot possibly bring about peace between man and man because he believes in something, he believes in certain ideologies, he believes in god and others don't.
8 I wonder if one has ever considered, religions based on a book - like the Koran or the Bible - become very bigoted, narrow and fundamentalist. And religions like the Hindu and the Buddhist, they have many, many books, all considered sacred, real, straight from god's mouth! They are not so bigoted, they are tolerant, they absorb. So there is this conflict going on: those who rely, put their faith in books, and those who do not put their faith in any book. So conflict between the book and those who accept multiple books. I wonder if one is aware of all this.
9 And we are asking deeply, if you are serious at all, whether you and I, and those of us who are involved in organizations, can live at peace with each other? Peace requires a great deal of intelligence, not just demonstrations against a particular form of war, against a nuclear or atom bomb and so on. Those are the products of minds, brains that are entrenched in some particular form of belief, ideology, so they are supplying armaments - the powerful ones, whether it be Russia, America, or England or France - armaments to the rest of the world, and they also talk about peace, supplying at the same time armaments.
10 It is a vast cynical world and cynicism can never tolerate affection, care, love. I think we have lost that quality - quality of compassion. Not analyse what is compassion - it can be analysed very easily. You cannot analyse love, love is not within the limits of the brain, because the brain is the instrument of sensation, it is the centre of all reaction and action, and we try to find peace, love, within this limited area. Which means, thought is not love because thought is based on experience, which is limited, and on knowledge, which is always limited, whether now or in the future. So knowledge is always limited. And having knowledge, which is contained in the brain as memory, from that memory springs thought. This can be observed very simply and easily if one examines oneself, if one looks at one's own activity of thought, experience, knowledge. You don't have to read any book, or become a specialist to understand
11 So thought is always limited, whether it is now or in the future. And we try to solve all our problems, both technological, religious, and personal, through the activity of thought. Surely thought is not love, love is not sensation or pleasure, it is not the result of desire? It is something entirely different. To come upon that love, which is compassion, which has its own intelligence, one has to understand oneself, what we are - not through analysts, but understanding our own sorrows, our own pleasures, our own beliefs.
12 You know wherever you go, all over the world, mankind, human beings, suffer, for various reasons, it might be petty or some very, very deep incident which has caused pain, sorrow. And every human being on this earth goes through that on a minor scale or a tremendous incident, as death. And sorrow is shared by all mankind, it is not your sorrow or mine, it is mankind's sorrow, mankind's anxiety, pain, loneliness, despair, aggressiveness. So you, and we, are the rest of humanity, we are not separate human beings psychologically. You may be a woman, or a man, you may be tall, dark, short and so on, but inwardly, psychologically, which is far more important, we are the rest of mankind. You are the rest of mankind, and so if you kill another, if you are in conflict with another, you are destroying yourself. You can observe this very, very carefully if you look at yourself without any distortion.
13 So there can only be peace when mankind, when you and I, have no conflict in ourselves. And you might say, "If one achieves, or comes to an end of all conflict within oneself, how will it affect the rest of mankind?" This is a very, very old question. This has been put thousands of years before Christ, if he ever existed. And we have to ask whether in ourselves sorrow, pain and anxiety, and all that, can ever end? If one applies, looks, observes, with great attention, as you look with considerable attention when you are combing your hair, or shaving, with that quality of attention, heightened, you can observe yourself - all the nuances, subtleties. And the mirror is your relationship between human beings, in that mirror you can see yourself exactly as you are. But most of us are frightened to see what we are, and so we gradually develop resistance, guilt, and all the rest of that business. So we never ask for total freedom - not to do what you like, but to be free from choice. Where there are multiple choices there are multiple confusions.
14 So can we live on this earth, 'pacem in terris', with great understanding of mankind, which is to understand yourself so profoundly, not according to some psychologist, analyst. They too have to be analysed. So we can, without turning to the professionals, as simple laymen we can observe our own idiosyncrasies, tendencies. Our brain - the speaker is not a specialist about brain matter - our brain has been conditioned to war, to hate, to conflict. It is conditioned through this long period of evolution, whether that brain with its cells, which contain all the memories, whether that brain can free itself from its own conditioning. You know it is very simple to answer such a question. If you have been going north all the days of your life, as humanity has been going in a particular direction, which is conflict, and somebody comes along and says, "That leads nowhere". He is serious, and perhaps you are serious. Then he says, "Go south, go east, any other direction but that". And when you actually move away from that direction there is a mutation in the very brain cells themselves because you have broken the pattern. And that pattern must be broken now, not forty or a hundred years later.
15 And can human beings have the vitality, the energy, to transform themselves to civilized human beings, not killing each other?
- J. Krishnamurti / New York. United Nations 11th April 1985
(after Krishnamurti had left the conference room the Peace Medal which had been presented to him was lying on the table).
http://www.krishnamurtiaustralia.org/articles/world_peace.htm
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Sorry Folks, St David's Day is Cancelled
"Whilst the Government is pleased that so many people are interested, as you can imagine it is not possible to please everyone as to who or what should be celebrated. Unlike Northern Ireland, where St Patrick's Day is a bank holiday, bank and public holidays in Great Britain do not, by tradition commemorate particular individuals, events, or institutions, other than those associated with Christmas and Easter. Moreover, many individuals and communities in Wales already celebrate St David's Day in a way they consider more suitable. The present pattern of bank holidays in the United Kingdom is well established and accepted, and the Government has no current plans to change the arrangements."
The Labour Government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The Labour Government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Independence Cymru Condemns Militarization
As this issue is to be discussed very shortly, Independence Cymru takes a stand against the militarization of Wales by the British military establishment and the founding of a Military Academy at Sain Tathan, which is to be a training institute for ever more sophisticated forms of warfare with links to American military technology and companies such as Raytheon, the producer of 'cluster bombs'. In fact, we say that Wales, which has formerly played a major role in the British military machine, should now eschew all forms of warfare and merely maintain a defence force on the Swiss model for the security of its citizens. Along with Scotland we oppose the Trident missile system. Wales as an independent and non-aligned nation state would not require an aggressive fighting force or to be a member of NATO, but would maintain its neutrality as Sweden has done for generations. We would call upon Scotland and Ireland to support this stance and show that this nation of Wales is a peace-loving nation and condemns the use of military force to interfere in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
A Full Day in Llanelli
Today (Thursday) is a day of nationalist activity in Llanelli, starting with the Funeral of Ray Gravell at Strade Park. Later the hustings will be conducted for the election of the candidate to become the next Member of Parliament to represent the Llanelli Constituency (!). This will be followed by a Talk to the WEA at the Town Hall by Dafydd Wigley.
Wales' Constitutional Position vis-à-vis England
Another post from Cllr Gwyn Hopkins
Wales' Constitutional Position vis-à-vis England - Past and Present
Since the military conquest of Wales by the Normans of England in 1282-83, there have been 4 Laws relating to the status of Wales and its inhabitants:-
1. The first Statute of Westminster (1284).
Also called the "Statute of Rhuddlan", this was the basis for all that followed in the other three Acts. It was this Act that made Wales, as a political entity, a part of Norman England. It was a direct consequence of the military victory of the Norman King of England, Edward I, over Llewelyn II and his government in Wales. The Act legalised (in English Law) the absorption of Wales by England on the basis of military conquest, although it was attributed in the Act as the "Divine Right" of Edward I! Proximity enabled Wales to become a colony that could be, and was, swallowed-up by England. The Statute states :- "To put the country of Wales and her inhabitants under feudal authority" and "to annex and unify the said country with the crown of the Kingdom (of England) .........in one (political) body".
This Statute was repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act of 1887. However, this had little real effect because the Statute of Rhuddlan was confirmed, and effectively superseded, by the 1536 and 1542 Acts.
2 and 3. The Acts of 1536 and 1542.
In the Statute Books these Acts are referred to as "27 Henry VIII C26" and "34 Henry VIII C26" respectively. The first means the 26th Statute passed in the 27th year of the reign of Henry VIII; etc.
The first of these became known as "the Act of Union" in the 19th century. Both Acts deal with the status of Wales and confirmed the relationship that had existed between Wales and England since 1284. They put the stamp of authority of the English Parliament on the whole relationship in words that echo the words "annex", "unite" and "one body" of the 1284 Act. The Act proclaimed "The Country or Dominion of Wales shall be, stand and continue for ever from henceforth incorporated, united and annexed to and with the Realm of England".
The two Acts – imposed by an English Parliament that had no Welsh representation - are best considered together. Between them very detailed Orders were made for administrating Wales including the provision and appointing of Justices of the Peace, establishing Assize Courts and a new thirteen County structure. The right to elect members to England's Parliament was established. Superficially this appears to have been a magnanimous gesture. In reality it was a very astute and cunning means of reinforcing, and of conferring legitimacy on, the status of Wales as an absorbed colony, for on entering Parliament the 27 Welsh MP’s implicitly provided “home-made” endorsement of the incorporation of Wales into England. Of course, these Welsh MP's posed no threat whatsoever to England’s huge, built-in, hegemony because they were so hopelessly outnumbered by 322 English MP's. Currently the ratio is 529 English MPs to 40 Welsh MPs so this swamping is now even more overwhelming.
The Acts contained draconian anti-Welsh language measures. The language was banished from all official and public life in Wales - where almost all the people spoke only Welsh! It must, even then, have been perfectly clear that ultimately the inevitable consequence of these Acts would be the genocide of the Welsh nation - not by physical extermination but - by (i) eradicating its language and associated culture; (ii) being swallowed-up in the very much larger English nation and (iii) swamping Wales with alien laws, government, administration, customs, language, culture and people. I leave it to the reader to surmise the extent to which these Acts succeeded in their purpose. Almost identical oppression is being inflicted by the Chinese on the inhabitants of Tibet today.
Both the 1536 and the 1542 Acts were finally repealed by Section 35 (Schedule 2) of the Welsh Language Act 1993. Hence the previous "de facto" recognition that Wales is a different country to (and from) England became "de jure" only in 1993.
4. The Wales and Berwick Act 1746.
This Act proclaimed that in future the term England was to be understood to include Wales (even though not explicitly mentioned) in Acts of Parliament. This Act was repealed by Section 3 of the Welsh Language Act 1967.
N.B. There is no mention of Great Britain or the United Kingdom in any of the above Acts as these political entities did not exist until the 18th Century.
The current position
As a result of the repealing of the above mentioned Acts, Wales is no longer a part of England, legally or in any other respect. However, Wales is still a part of a political entity known as "England and Wales", because of the mass of political and administrative Laws and Orders passed by the Westminster parliament that refer to this entity and which are still operational.
However, the principle of “self-government” for Wales was established by the setting up of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999. The Assembly Government has taken over the bulk of government administration within Wales and has wide powers to “plough its own furrow” in this respect, that includes the administration of some laws that relate only to Wales. Moreover, the Government of Wales Act (2006) has resulted in the Westminster government granting the National Assembly powers to enact laws relating to its own functions as from May 2007, albeit in a clumsy, grudging, demeaning and patronising manner by means of “Orders in Council”, i.e., subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Wales, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is however inevitable that the National Assembly will be granted proper primary legislative powers – the same as those enjoyed by the Scottish Parliament (and the Northern Ireland Assembly) - in the not-too-distant future. The Labour – Plaid Cymru Assembly Coalition Government’s manifesto “One Wales” contains a commitment to hold a referendum on the issue by 2011.
Thereafter it will be a matter for the people of Wales to decide what degree of self-government they choose at any particular point in time. As time progresses it may well be that the people of Wales will gradually discard the centuries of intensive indoctrination to which they have been submitted that has succeeded in producing a stunted, down trodden and subjugated nation. They should then gain sufficient self-confidence to choose the only degree of national status that would satisfy any self-respecting nation, namely that aspired to by Owain Glyndwr – Independence, as it is understood in today’s highly interdependent world.
Carmarthenshire County Councillor Gwyn Hopkins
Wales' Constitutional Position vis-à-vis England - Past and Present
Since the military conquest of Wales by the Normans of England in 1282-83, there have been 4 Laws relating to the status of Wales and its inhabitants:-
1. The first Statute of Westminster (1284).
Also called the "Statute of Rhuddlan", this was the basis for all that followed in the other three Acts. It was this Act that made Wales, as a political entity, a part of Norman England. It was a direct consequence of the military victory of the Norman King of England, Edward I, over Llewelyn II and his government in Wales. The Act legalised (in English Law) the absorption of Wales by England on the basis of military conquest, although it was attributed in the Act as the "Divine Right" of Edward I! Proximity enabled Wales to become a colony that could be, and was, swallowed-up by England. The Statute states :- "To put the country of Wales and her inhabitants under feudal authority" and "to annex and unify the said country with the crown of the Kingdom (of England) .........in one (political) body".
This Statute was repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act of 1887. However, this had little real effect because the Statute of Rhuddlan was confirmed, and effectively superseded, by the 1536 and 1542 Acts.
2 and 3. The Acts of 1536 and 1542.
In the Statute Books these Acts are referred to as "27 Henry VIII C26" and "34 Henry VIII C26" respectively. The first means the 26th Statute passed in the 27th year of the reign of Henry VIII; etc.
The first of these became known as "the Act of Union" in the 19th century. Both Acts deal with the status of Wales and confirmed the relationship that had existed between Wales and England since 1284. They put the stamp of authority of the English Parliament on the whole relationship in words that echo the words "annex", "unite" and "one body" of the 1284 Act. The Act proclaimed "The Country or Dominion of Wales shall be, stand and continue for ever from henceforth incorporated, united and annexed to and with the Realm of England".
The two Acts – imposed by an English Parliament that had no Welsh representation - are best considered together. Between them very detailed Orders were made for administrating Wales including the provision and appointing of Justices of the Peace, establishing Assize Courts and a new thirteen County structure. The right to elect members to England's Parliament was established. Superficially this appears to have been a magnanimous gesture. In reality it was a very astute and cunning means of reinforcing, and of conferring legitimacy on, the status of Wales as an absorbed colony, for on entering Parliament the 27 Welsh MP’s implicitly provided “home-made” endorsement of the incorporation of Wales into England. Of course, these Welsh MP's posed no threat whatsoever to England’s huge, built-in, hegemony because they were so hopelessly outnumbered by 322 English MP's. Currently the ratio is 529 English MPs to 40 Welsh MPs so this swamping is now even more overwhelming.
The Acts contained draconian anti-Welsh language measures. The language was banished from all official and public life in Wales - where almost all the people spoke only Welsh! It must, even then, have been perfectly clear that ultimately the inevitable consequence of these Acts would be the genocide of the Welsh nation - not by physical extermination but - by (i) eradicating its language and associated culture; (ii) being swallowed-up in the very much larger English nation and (iii) swamping Wales with alien laws, government, administration, customs, language, culture and people. I leave it to the reader to surmise the extent to which these Acts succeeded in their purpose. Almost identical oppression is being inflicted by the Chinese on the inhabitants of Tibet today.
Both the 1536 and the 1542 Acts were finally repealed by Section 35 (Schedule 2) of the Welsh Language Act 1993. Hence the previous "de facto" recognition that Wales is a different country to (and from) England became "de jure" only in 1993.
4. The Wales and Berwick Act 1746.
This Act proclaimed that in future the term England was to be understood to include Wales (even though not explicitly mentioned) in Acts of Parliament. This Act was repealed by Section 3 of the Welsh Language Act 1967.
N.B. There is no mention of Great Britain or the United Kingdom in any of the above Acts as these political entities did not exist until the 18th Century.
The current position
As a result of the repealing of the above mentioned Acts, Wales is no longer a part of England, legally or in any other respect. However, Wales is still a part of a political entity known as "England and Wales", because of the mass of political and administrative Laws and Orders passed by the Westminster parliament that refer to this entity and which are still operational.
However, the principle of “self-government” for Wales was established by the setting up of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999. The Assembly Government has taken over the bulk of government administration within Wales and has wide powers to “plough its own furrow” in this respect, that includes the administration of some laws that relate only to Wales. Moreover, the Government of Wales Act (2006) has resulted in the Westminster government granting the National Assembly powers to enact laws relating to its own functions as from May 2007, albeit in a clumsy, grudging, demeaning and patronising manner by means of “Orders in Council”, i.e., subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Wales, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is however inevitable that the National Assembly will be granted proper primary legislative powers – the same as those enjoyed by the Scottish Parliament (and the Northern Ireland Assembly) - in the not-too-distant future. The Labour – Plaid Cymru Assembly Coalition Government’s manifesto “One Wales” contains a commitment to hold a referendum on the issue by 2011.
Thereafter it will be a matter for the people of Wales to decide what degree of self-government they choose at any particular point in time. As time progresses it may well be that the people of Wales will gradually discard the centuries of intensive indoctrination to which they have been submitted that has succeeded in producing a stunted, down trodden and subjugated nation. They should then gain sufficient self-confidence to choose the only degree of national status that would satisfy any self-respecting nation, namely that aspired to by Owain Glyndwr – Independence, as it is understood in today’s highly interdependent world.
Carmarthenshire County Councillor Gwyn Hopkins
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Bring Back the Ancient Woodlands
Assembly Minister Elin Jones AM will be asked to support the preservation and restoration of ancient deciduous woodlands in Wales. There are vast acres of coniferous forest plantations and these trees are not natural to the environment, and lead to acidic soils. Only 2% of forest in th UK is ancient deciduous woodland and the Celtic peoples of Britain revered these trees and assigned a nature spirit to every species.
Ancient woodland under threat
Ancient semi-natural woodland disappeared at an alarming rate during the last century. Nearly half the ancient woodland remaining in the 1930s was either cleared for agriculture. Recent research shows that 44 per cent of Britain’s remaining ancient woodland is now plantation, and about two-thirds of this plantation is coniferous or mixed8. Overlay of the AWIs with the NIWT undertaken by Oxford University’s Forestry Institute in association with Forest Research, commissioned by the Woodland Trust, reveals the following figures:
England Wales Scotland Total GB
ASNW (ha) 193,460 26,972 64,570 285,002
PAWS (ha) 140,125 24,703 54,725 219,553
Total AW (ha) 333,585 51,675 119,295 504,555
PAWS/AW (%) 42 48 46 44
On this basis the percentage of Britain’s woodland cover that is ancient in origin is less than 19% (10.5% ancient semi-natural woodland and 8% planted ancient woodland sites). However, these figures differ significantly from those that can be derived from the AWIs alone, especially in Scotland, illustrating the need for further work to reconcile different datasets.
In Northern Ireland, the Woodland Trust’s work showed that only 0.73 per cent of the land is covered with woodland that has been continuously present since at least 1830, when the first OS maps were produced. Only 0.08 per cent of Northern Ireland (just over 1,000 ha) is woodland that can be shown with certainty to be ancient. Around a third of ancient and long-established woods is now conifer or mixed plantations.
Increasingly our ancient woods are small islands within a hostile landscape of intensive agriculture and urban sprawl. Only 617 ancient woods in GB exceed 100 hectares (one square kilometre) and only 46 ASNWs exceed 300 hectares. Of the ancient woods recorded on the AWIs in Britain, 48 per cent are smaller than five hectares9. Given that there is likely to be a substantial number smaller than two hectares, this means that most ancient woods may have no core area unaffected by edge effects from surrounding land use10. Most may also be too small to sustain healthy populations of many woodland species, and too isolated to allow migration, particularly given that many ancient woodland species are relatively immobile. As climate change accelerates, species that are unable to relocate to occupy suitable climate space may face local extinction11.
More species have become nationally extinct in the last 100 years from broadleaved woodland than any other habitat (46 species), and it also has the most globally threatened and rapidly declining species (78 species)3. The Institute for Terrestrial Ecology’s Countryside Survey 90 showed that between 1978 and 1990 losses in species richness of woodland (14 per cent) from plots located at random exceeded that for all other semi-natural habitats. And in 2000, a pilot re-survey of 14 of the sites last looked at in 1971 revealed a range of potential issues, including a striking general decline in the variety of woodland plants, with those characteristic of ancient woods suffering most12.
Yet ancient woods are still under threat, particularly from development. In a study commissioned by the Woodland Trust13, 23 per cent of organisations that responded to a questionnaire (including planning authorities, wildlife trusts, Forestry Commission and countryside campaigning bodies) were aware of ancient woods currently under threat. The responses brought to light 109 cases across Britain of ancient woods lost to or threatened by development in the last few years. Development threats associated with transport and infrastructure appeared to be the most significant (31 per cent of cases), followed by amenity and leisure developments (14 per cent), housing (10 per cent), and quarrying and mineral extraction (six per cent). Add to this the more insidious but still very real threats of degradation of our ancient woods through inappropriate use or management and repeated replanting with non-native species1, and the future looks bleak indeed.
As the last bastions of so much of our wildlife heritage, ancient woods deserve protection. Yet only 14 per cent of the UK’s ancient woodland is included within Sites of Special Scientific Interest14 and the remainder, including 14 of the 46 largest ASNWs in Great Britain, has no statutory protection. More recent national planning policies in Scotland and Wales give some cause for hope. In Scotland, NPPG14 states that ‘planning authorities should seek to protect…ancient and semi-natural woodlands [which] have the greatest value for nature conservation’ (para 51). Planning Policy Wales states ‘Ancient and semi-natural woodlands are irreplaceable habitats of high biodiversity value which should be protected from development that would result in significant damage’ (para 5.2.8). In England, PPS9 states that local authorities should “identify any areas of ancient woodland in their areas that do not have statutory protection” and normally “not grant planning permission for any development which would result in its loss or deterioration.”
Ancient woodland under threat
Ancient semi-natural woodland disappeared at an alarming rate during the last century. Nearly half the ancient woodland remaining in the 1930s was either cleared for agriculture. Recent research shows that 44 per cent of Britain’s remaining ancient woodland is now plantation, and about two-thirds of this plantation is coniferous or mixed8. Overlay of the AWIs with the NIWT undertaken by Oxford University’s Forestry Institute in association with Forest Research, commissioned by the Woodland Trust, reveals the following figures:
England Wales Scotland Total GB
ASNW (ha) 193,460 26,972 64,570 285,002
PAWS (ha) 140,125 24,703 54,725 219,553
Total AW (ha) 333,585 51,675 119,295 504,555
PAWS/AW (%) 42 48 46 44
On this basis the percentage of Britain’s woodland cover that is ancient in origin is less than 19% (10.5% ancient semi-natural woodland and 8% planted ancient woodland sites). However, these figures differ significantly from those that can be derived from the AWIs alone, especially in Scotland, illustrating the need for further work to reconcile different datasets.
In Northern Ireland, the Woodland Trust’s work showed that only 0.73 per cent of the land is covered with woodland that has been continuously present since at least 1830, when the first OS maps were produced. Only 0.08 per cent of Northern Ireland (just over 1,000 ha) is woodland that can be shown with certainty to be ancient. Around a third of ancient and long-established woods is now conifer or mixed plantations.
Increasingly our ancient woods are small islands within a hostile landscape of intensive agriculture and urban sprawl. Only 617 ancient woods in GB exceed 100 hectares (one square kilometre) and only 46 ASNWs exceed 300 hectares. Of the ancient woods recorded on the AWIs in Britain, 48 per cent are smaller than five hectares9. Given that there is likely to be a substantial number smaller than two hectares, this means that most ancient woods may have no core area unaffected by edge effects from surrounding land use10. Most may also be too small to sustain healthy populations of many woodland species, and too isolated to allow migration, particularly given that many ancient woodland species are relatively immobile. As climate change accelerates, species that are unable to relocate to occupy suitable climate space may face local extinction11.
More species have become nationally extinct in the last 100 years from broadleaved woodland than any other habitat (46 species), and it also has the most globally threatened and rapidly declining species (78 species)3. The Institute for Terrestrial Ecology’s Countryside Survey 90 showed that between 1978 and 1990 losses in species richness of woodland (14 per cent) from plots located at random exceeded that for all other semi-natural habitats. And in 2000, a pilot re-survey of 14 of the sites last looked at in 1971 revealed a range of potential issues, including a striking general decline in the variety of woodland plants, with those characteristic of ancient woods suffering most12.
Yet ancient woods are still under threat, particularly from development. In a study commissioned by the Woodland Trust13, 23 per cent of organisations that responded to a questionnaire (including planning authorities, wildlife trusts, Forestry Commission and countryside campaigning bodies) were aware of ancient woods currently under threat. The responses brought to light 109 cases across Britain of ancient woods lost to or threatened by development in the last few years. Development threats associated with transport and infrastructure appeared to be the most significant (31 per cent of cases), followed by amenity and leisure developments (14 per cent), housing (10 per cent), and quarrying and mineral extraction (six per cent). Add to this the more insidious but still very real threats of degradation of our ancient woods through inappropriate use or management and repeated replanting with non-native species1, and the future looks bleak indeed.
As the last bastions of so much of our wildlife heritage, ancient woods deserve protection. Yet only 14 per cent of the UK’s ancient woodland is included within Sites of Special Scientific Interest14 and the remainder, including 14 of the 46 largest ASNWs in Great Britain, has no statutory protection. More recent national planning policies in Scotland and Wales give some cause for hope. In Scotland, NPPG14 states that ‘planning authorities should seek to protect…ancient and semi-natural woodlands [which] have the greatest value for nature conservation’ (para 51). Planning Policy Wales states ‘Ancient and semi-natural woodlands are irreplaceable habitats of high biodiversity value which should be protected from development that would result in significant damage’ (para 5.2.8). In England, PPS9 states that local authorities should “identify any areas of ancient woodland in their areas that do not have statutory protection” and normally “not grant planning permission for any development which would result in its loss or deterioration.”
Monday, 12 November 2007
We'll Keep a Welcome
Ireland is a country that has benefited considerably from returning emigrants. Descendants of those who were forced to leave their native land on account of famine, neglect and persecution are flooding back to reinvigorate the country of their ancestors. It has been said that there are a total of 60,000,000 Americans of Irish descent. Then there are many who are descendants of those intrepid Scots and Welsh settlers, who made their home in the New World. There are Welsh societies throughout America and Australia who still retain their devotion to the Land of their Fathers. It is only in Patagonia, however, where the true Welsh traditions, culture and language have survived, as they were not so easily assimilated into the mass society.
We at Plaid Cymru reach out and welcome all immigrants from home and overseas who have made their home in Wales, as well as friends and absent relatives from other lands across the world, to join with us and support us in our endeavours to promote Wales and the culture, language and community of Wales, as we pursue our constant and relentless struggle for justice and dignity, and advance towards our goal of independence and freedom for the country which is our ancestral home. We trust that each and everyone will come to regard Wales as his or her adopted homeland and bear in mind that Plaid alone is the Party of Wales.
We at Plaid Cymru reach out and welcome all immigrants from home and overseas who have made their home in Wales, as well as friends and absent relatives from other lands across the world, to join with us and support us in our endeavours to promote Wales and the culture, language and community of Wales, as we pursue our constant and relentless struggle for justice and dignity, and advance towards our goal of independence and freedom for the country which is our ancestral home. We trust that each and everyone will come to regard Wales as his or her adopted homeland and bear in mind that Plaid alone is the Party of Wales.
Sunday, 11 November 2007
It's What the People Want
John Griffiths AM: Welsh Labour Grass Roots is an organization that very much wants to see strong left of centre policies in Wales with a very strong Welsh character and that's very much what I'd like to see and I think we've been quite successful in developing, and I think that's what we have to do for the future because I think that's what the people of Wales have demonstrated that they want in election after election, it is strong centre-left policies with that strong Welsh character that meets the distinctive needs of Wales.
Plaid Cymru of course has the same agenda and that is why they decided to join Labour in coalition.
Plaid Cymru of course has the same agenda and that is why they decided to join Labour in coalition.
Royalty Recognises no Welsh Identity
From "Wales on Sunday"
Prince Harry in flag storm
Nov 11 2007 by James McCarthy, Wales On Sunday
OUTRAGED republicans have blasted Prince Harry for failing to include Wales on his personal flag.
The 23-year-old heir to the throne was handed the livery on his 18th birthday.With its own crest, the standard is made up of four quarterings – two for England, one for Scotland and one for Ireland.
The proud Prince, a lieutenant in the army’s Blues and Royals regiment, flew it for the first time when he visited Portsmouth naval base last week.
But he has now come under fire for not featuring Wales on his crest.
And like his great-great-great- great grandmother Queen Victoria, Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood is not amused.She said: “This is just another example of how out of touch the monarchy is with Wales. The sooner we have an elected head of state for Wales the better.
“Prince William is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, but a firm supporter of the English rugby team. But despite being an England fan, who shows no genuine interest in Wales, he still has a cup named in his honour for which Wales and South Africa will compete.”
Newport West MP Paul Flynn – who is pictured riding a Welsh dragon on his website – said: “The expensive vanity of heraldry should have been buried a century ago.
“The palace of Westminster is littered with symbols of Britain which ignore Wales. If Harry wishes to indulge himself by continuing this ridiculous flummery he should have had the good sense to include Wales instead of continuing with the neglect of the past, where people tended to think of England and Wales as one place.”
Yesterday, Clarence House said Wales was not included on the Prince’s standard due to it’s special place within the Principality.
A Royal spokeswoman said: “Only the Prince of Wales has Wales represented in his coat of arms.
“Prince Harry, like other members of the Royal Family, takes his from the monarch which begs the question ‘Why doesn’t the Queen have Wales represented on the Royal Standard?’
“There are four quarterings, two for England, one for Scotland and one for Ireland. Wales is not represented because of its special position as a Principality.”
Royalist campaign group Monarchy Wales says Prince Harry does enough for Wales.
Spokesman Neil Welton said: “Prince Harry has many connections to Wales, whether through his birth as a Prince of Wales, his numerous visits to the Principality or, indeed, his charity work. Prince Harry puts Wales on the map far better than any flag or Royal standard ever could.
“Did you know that in March, Prince Harry became the first ever Royal patron of the Welsh charity Dolen Cymru?
“This charity aims to promote friendship and understanding between the people of Wales and the people of Lesotho, South Africa.
“Friendship and understanding is something the people of Wales treasure and value highly. It is always better to be outward-looking, open and friendly than narrow-minded, short-sighted and parochial.”
james.mccarthy@mediawales.co.uk
Prince Harry in flag storm
Nov 11 2007 by James McCarthy, Wales On Sunday
OUTRAGED republicans have blasted Prince Harry for failing to include Wales on his personal flag.
The 23-year-old heir to the throne was handed the livery on his 18th birthday.With its own crest, the standard is made up of four quarterings – two for England, one for Scotland and one for Ireland.
The proud Prince, a lieutenant in the army’s Blues and Royals regiment, flew it for the first time when he visited Portsmouth naval base last week.
But he has now come under fire for not featuring Wales on his crest.
And like his great-great-great- great grandmother Queen Victoria, Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood is not amused.She said: “This is just another example of how out of touch the monarchy is with Wales. The sooner we have an elected head of state for Wales the better.
“Prince William is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, but a firm supporter of the English rugby team. But despite being an England fan, who shows no genuine interest in Wales, he still has a cup named in his honour for which Wales and South Africa will compete.”
Newport West MP Paul Flynn – who is pictured riding a Welsh dragon on his website – said: “The expensive vanity of heraldry should have been buried a century ago.
“The palace of Westminster is littered with symbols of Britain which ignore Wales. If Harry wishes to indulge himself by continuing this ridiculous flummery he should have had the good sense to include Wales instead of continuing with the neglect of the past, where people tended to think of England and Wales as one place.”
Yesterday, Clarence House said Wales was not included on the Prince’s standard due to it’s special place within the Principality.
A Royal spokeswoman said: “Only the Prince of Wales has Wales represented in his coat of arms.
“Prince Harry, like other members of the Royal Family, takes his from the monarch which begs the question ‘Why doesn’t the Queen have Wales represented on the Royal Standard?’
“There are four quarterings, two for England, one for Scotland and one for Ireland. Wales is not represented because of its special position as a Principality.”
Royalist campaign group Monarchy Wales says Prince Harry does enough for Wales.
Spokesman Neil Welton said: “Prince Harry has many connections to Wales, whether through his birth as a Prince of Wales, his numerous visits to the Principality or, indeed, his charity work. Prince Harry puts Wales on the map far better than any flag or Royal standard ever could.
“Did you know that in March, Prince Harry became the first ever Royal patron of the Welsh charity Dolen Cymru?
“This charity aims to promote friendship and understanding between the people of Wales and the people of Lesotho, South Africa.
“Friendship and understanding is something the people of Wales treasure and value highly. It is always better to be outward-looking, open and friendly than narrow-minded, short-sighted and parochial.”
james.mccarthy@mediawales.co.uk
Saturday, 10 November 2007
On Sain Tathan - from the Western Mail
One of my commenters has suggested an "Academy for Peace" in place of a Military Academy". A good idea, in my opinion, and more in keeping with the spirit of Cymru Fydd.
Weapons firm’s role in St Athan academy condemned
Nov 9 2007 by Martin Shipton, Western Mail
CAMPAIGNERS have condemned the Assembly Government for backing a huge military training project, despite the involvement of a weapons company previously linked to cluster bombs.The St Athan Defence Academy is due to create 5,000 jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan by 2013.
But an anti-military group called the Cluster Munition Coalition says that one of the major companies involved in the academy, Raytheon, has been involved in manufacturing devices that carry cluster munitions. Raytheon, a leading American arms firm, insists it no longer produces weapons capable of carrying cluster bombs. But campaigners say they remain concerned. Anne Greagsby, co-ordinator of the campaign to stop the St Athan academy from being built, said, “In 2005 a European Parliament resolution was introduced to ban investments in companies, such as Raytheon, that have produced cluster munitions. In response to this, Norway and Belgium have already endorsed this call. Liverpool City Council has also recently adopted a similar position. “Yet the Welsh government has ignored all of these concerns, and instead launched a high profile development project with Raytheon.“Raytheon is a central member of the Metrix Consortium that was awarded the St Athan Defence Training Academy contract in January 2007. The St Athan Defence Academy has been supported by all of the main political parties in Wales and sold to the public on the basis of alleged benefits to the economy. “The involvement in the project of the world’s largest arms companies has so far not received any attention.” Ms Greagsby added, “Given the evident public concern over cluster bombs and the arms trade more generally, I am sure that most people would be shocked to hear that the Assembly has laid a welcome mat for such companies, especially after other governments have turned their backs on them.”
In 2005, the Advisory Council on Ethics for the Norwegian Government Pension Fund excluded Raytheon from the fund’s investment portfolio, along with other manufacturers associated with cluster munitions. In 2007, Belgium passed a law banning all investments in any companies still producing cluster munitions. Raytheon is still producing the AGM154 Joint Standoff Weapon, which according to its website,“is a family of low-cost, highly lethal weapons that can engage a wide spectrum of targets – from soft targets to hardened point targets – over a range of threat environments by using highly integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Measurement System guidance.” Ms Greagsby said, “It has been reported that a Raytheon device hit the Shu’ale market in Baghdad in 2003, killing at least 62 civilians, and that a Raytheon device hit Qana in Lebanon in 2006, killing at least 28 civilians, including 16 children.” Veteran former Labour MP Tony Benn has signed a petition opposing plans to build the £14bn defence training academy at RAF St Athan. The project has also been criticised by CND Cymru.
A spokesman for Raytheon said, “Raytheon does not manufacture cluster bombs or any associated delivery vehicles. Any assertion to the contrary is based on dated information that is no longer valid or correct. “To clarify, Raytheon has never manufactured cluster bombs, but in the past we have been associated with their manufacture because of our contract to produce a missile that can carry different types of munition payloads, determined by the customer. One configuration allowed it to carry cluster bomb payloads, which were not produced by Raytheon. “But in any case, Raytheon has completed its contracted production run for this particular missile, and we have no plans to resume production. Furthermore, Raytheon has no other products in development that are designed to dispense cluster submunitions.”First Minister Rhodri Morgan said, “The development at St Athan is vital if our armed forces are to have the best possible training to equip them to deal with any threat to the safety and security of this country and its people. “The training activities at St Athan are related to engineering and IT skills, which are also useful in civilian life as well. “Under the Metrix consortium’s proposals, the army, navy and air force will get better training to protect the UK from enemies, both now and in the future. “Raytheon is one of the partners in the consortium. They have made it clear to the Welsh Assembly Government that they do not manufacture cluster bombs or any missiles capable of delivering the weapons, and they have no plans to do so in future Any claim to the contrary is wrong and based on old information. “The UK government is committed to banning the production, stockpiling and use of cluster bombs, and has signed a joint declaration with 45 other countries to achieve this aim.”
When will mankind come to its senses and see that war is destructive and obscene?
Wales should declare a state of neutrality and outlaw all forms of warfare as detrimental to the human race.
Weapons firm’s role in St Athan academy condemned
Nov 9 2007 by Martin Shipton, Western Mail
CAMPAIGNERS have condemned the Assembly Government for backing a huge military training project, despite the involvement of a weapons company previously linked to cluster bombs.The St Athan Defence Academy is due to create 5,000 jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan by 2013.
But an anti-military group called the Cluster Munition Coalition says that one of the major companies involved in the academy, Raytheon, has been involved in manufacturing devices that carry cluster munitions. Raytheon, a leading American arms firm, insists it no longer produces weapons capable of carrying cluster bombs. But campaigners say they remain concerned. Anne Greagsby, co-ordinator of the campaign to stop the St Athan academy from being built, said, “In 2005 a European Parliament resolution was introduced to ban investments in companies, such as Raytheon, that have produced cluster munitions. In response to this, Norway and Belgium have already endorsed this call. Liverpool City Council has also recently adopted a similar position. “Yet the Welsh government has ignored all of these concerns, and instead launched a high profile development project with Raytheon.“Raytheon is a central member of the Metrix Consortium that was awarded the St Athan Defence Training Academy contract in January 2007. The St Athan Defence Academy has been supported by all of the main political parties in Wales and sold to the public on the basis of alleged benefits to the economy. “The involvement in the project of the world’s largest arms companies has so far not received any attention.” Ms Greagsby added, “Given the evident public concern over cluster bombs and the arms trade more generally, I am sure that most people would be shocked to hear that the Assembly has laid a welcome mat for such companies, especially after other governments have turned their backs on them.”
In 2005, the Advisory Council on Ethics for the Norwegian Government Pension Fund excluded Raytheon from the fund’s investment portfolio, along with other manufacturers associated with cluster munitions. In 2007, Belgium passed a law banning all investments in any companies still producing cluster munitions. Raytheon is still producing the AGM154 Joint Standoff Weapon, which according to its website,“is a family of low-cost, highly lethal weapons that can engage a wide spectrum of targets – from soft targets to hardened point targets – over a range of threat environments by using highly integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Measurement System guidance.” Ms Greagsby said, “It has been reported that a Raytheon device hit the Shu’ale market in Baghdad in 2003, killing at least 62 civilians, and that a Raytheon device hit Qana in Lebanon in 2006, killing at least 28 civilians, including 16 children.” Veteran former Labour MP Tony Benn has signed a petition opposing plans to build the £14bn defence training academy at RAF St Athan. The project has also been criticised by CND Cymru.
A spokesman for Raytheon said, “Raytheon does not manufacture cluster bombs or any associated delivery vehicles. Any assertion to the contrary is based on dated information that is no longer valid or correct. “To clarify, Raytheon has never manufactured cluster bombs, but in the past we have been associated with their manufacture because of our contract to produce a missile that can carry different types of munition payloads, determined by the customer. One configuration allowed it to carry cluster bomb payloads, which were not produced by Raytheon. “But in any case, Raytheon has completed its contracted production run for this particular missile, and we have no plans to resume production. Furthermore, Raytheon has no other products in development that are designed to dispense cluster submunitions.”First Minister Rhodri Morgan said, “The development at St Athan is vital if our armed forces are to have the best possible training to equip them to deal with any threat to the safety and security of this country and its people. “The training activities at St Athan are related to engineering and IT skills, which are also useful in civilian life as well. “Under the Metrix consortium’s proposals, the army, navy and air force will get better training to protect the UK from enemies, both now and in the future. “Raytheon is one of the partners in the consortium. They have made it clear to the Welsh Assembly Government that they do not manufacture cluster bombs or any missiles capable of delivering the weapons, and they have no plans to do so in future Any claim to the contrary is wrong and based on old information. “The UK government is committed to banning the production, stockpiling and use of cluster bombs, and has signed a joint declaration with 45 other countries to achieve this aim.”
When will mankind come to its senses and see that war is destructive and obscene?
Wales should declare a state of neutrality and outlaw all forms of warfare as detrimental to the human race.
Friday, 9 November 2007
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
The Superfluous Wales Office Gets Funding
The purpose of the Wales Office is to scrutinise the Legislative Competence Orders from the Welsh Assembly, and to funnel them through Westminster in order that approval may be given to the Assembly decisions which have already been agreed within Wales. Thus, all laws passed by the Assembly have to be given permission by Peter Hain and the Westminster government before they are granted and the policies delivered to the people of Wales.
All this is quite unnecessary, as the government is now conducted competently by the Welsh National Assembly. This was the intention of devolution in any case. There is no need for the Wales Office to interfere in the governing of Wales, and it is quite superfluous. By almost doubling the amount of funding it receives the Treasury is wasting taxpayers money, which could be better spent by providing services within Wales, particularly as money is tight, due to the excesses and mismanagement of resources during the ten years that Labour has been in office.
We say : give Wales the Parliament it deserves NOW - abolish the Wales Office.
All this is quite unnecessary, as the government is now conducted competently by the Welsh National Assembly. This was the intention of devolution in any case. There is no need for the Wales Office to interfere in the governing of Wales, and it is quite superfluous. By almost doubling the amount of funding it receives the Treasury is wasting taxpayers money, which could be better spent by providing services within Wales, particularly as money is tight, due to the excesses and mismanagement of resources during the ten years that Labour has been in office.
We say : give Wales the Parliament it deserves NOW - abolish the Wales Office.
The British WRU's Response to the Petition
Thank you so much for your comments about Ray Gravell, a truly great Welshman who will be sadly missed by us all.
The Welsh Rugby Union will acknowledge the sad loss and celebrate his memory at the game against South Africa in November. We will consult with his family and friends before deciding on exactly what action is appropriate and fitting.
Ray had agreed to hand out the shirts to the Welsh team before the South Africa international which adds to the poignancy of this match and its place in his memory.
The Prince William Cup was named to illustrate the important place the history and future of these fixtures will have in both countries and beyond our borders. Ray’s memory has a special place in all our hearts and we will agree a special way to celebrate his life and pay rightful tribute to a devoted family man, a passionate Welshman and a wonderful ambassador for rugby and for Wales
Regards
Diane
The Welsh Rugby Union will acknowledge the sad loss and celebrate his memory at the game against South Africa in November. We will consult with his family and friends before deciding on exactly what action is appropriate and fitting.
Ray had agreed to hand out the shirts to the Welsh team before the South Africa international which adds to the poignancy of this match and its place in his memory.
The Prince William Cup was named to illustrate the important place the history and future of these fixtures will have in both countries and beyond our borders. Ray’s memory has a special place in all our hearts and we will agree a special way to celebrate his life and pay rightful tribute to a devoted family man, a passionate Welshman and a wonderful ambassador for rugby and for Wales
Regards
Diane
Monday, 5 November 2007
More on Renaming the "Prince William Cup"
PETITION UPDATE
Thank you - Diolch o galon i chi!
Cambria’s Petition to rename the Prince William Cup the Ray Gravell Cup tops 1600 signatures in under two days!
Ray Gravell Cup
The people of Wales have responded in fiery fashion to the petition to rename the WRU cup to honour the memory of national hero Ray Gravell. AMs, MPs, writers, singers and poets from all over Wales and beyond have joined hundreds of fellow Welsh men and women by adding their signatures to the list, and many have made comments which are, in themselves, powerful and moving tributes to a great patriot, gentleman and sportsman. And the support continues to build by the hour.
A journalist from the weekly news magazine Golwg told Cambria this afternoon that he had contacted the Welsh Rugby Union and was informed by a spokesperson that despite growing popular demand, the organisation had ‘no intention of changing the name’ of the Prince William Cup.
Cambria’s publisher, Henry Jones-Davies said this evening "I think we need to need to send the WRU a very clear message indeed about what the people of Wales expect. We still hope that the WRU will respond positively to public demand. After all, the people signing this petition are the very ones who pay for the tickets which keep our national game going, and, indeed, ultimately pay the salaries of the management!"
Let’s make sure we spread the word even further and aim for 5000+ signatures over the next week. If the WRU management won’t respond to that, it will be nothing less than a national scandal - and they will become nothing less than a national embarrassment!
Henry Jones-Davies
Publisher
Thank you - Diolch o galon i chi!
Cambria’s Petition to rename the Prince William Cup the Ray Gravell Cup tops 1600 signatures in under two days!
Ray Gravell Cup
The people of Wales have responded in fiery fashion to the petition to rename the WRU cup to honour the memory of national hero Ray Gravell. AMs, MPs, writers, singers and poets from all over Wales and beyond have joined hundreds of fellow Welsh men and women by adding their signatures to the list, and many have made comments which are, in themselves, powerful and moving tributes to a great patriot, gentleman and sportsman. And the support continues to build by the hour.
A journalist from the weekly news magazine Golwg told Cambria this afternoon that he had contacted the Welsh Rugby Union and was informed by a spokesperson that despite growing popular demand, the organisation had ‘no intention of changing the name’ of the Prince William Cup.
Cambria’s publisher, Henry Jones-Davies said this evening "I think we need to need to send the WRU a very clear message indeed about what the people of Wales expect. We still hope that the WRU will respond positively to public demand. After all, the people signing this petition are the very ones who pay for the tickets which keep our national game going, and, indeed, ultimately pay the salaries of the management!"
Let’s make sure we spread the word even further and aim for 5000+ signatures over the next week. If the WRU management won’t respond to that, it will be nothing less than a national scandal - and they will become nothing less than a national embarrassment!
Henry Jones-Davies
Publisher
A Point of View on the Grav Cup
It is precisely this mentality that holds sway within the WRU, that sends Welsh Rugby players out onto the field of International contest, representing Wales with a Bavarian Prince's gift from his father of, three ostrich feathers over a German motto of servitude. And tells them to wear the 'white dragon' of England on their shirt collars. IF they must display logos on their kit, they should be WELSH logos, shouldn't they? The public should be made aware of what these logos represent.
Our team lost so early on in the world cup, not because of the weakness or lack of skill of our players, or the inability of the coach, but because of this disgraceful attitude of the most senior members of the WRU.
Toadying to English royalty is just one of their continuing failings and has been prevalent for years.
What makes anyone think that they will take any notice of a petition even signed by every Welshman and woman?
What would draw their attention to this issue would be for everyone who attends the match to proudly display their own feelings in some obvious way. They could stand at an appropriate and predetermined moment in the proceedings and raise their hands as a 'gesture', whilst shouting "Grav." Everyone could wear a coloured (scarlet as opposed to red) ribbon or somesuch thing. As long as the press and media were made aware that it was going to be carried out and the significance of the 'gesture'.
Then the WRU would witness the strength of thousands of individual's feelings on the matter. If, then, they did not take notice of the widespread concerns raised. They should be asked to resign or be voted out by the member clubs of the WRU.
This seems unlikely, as major issues have been cleverly brushed aside by these people before.They are adept at 'side stepping' motions to remove them.
A campaign that consistantly brings pressure to bear on them to go, brought about by popular involvement in the national press and at 'club level'. Everyone concerned with Wales and Welsh rugby should be galvanised into action to rid the WRU of these dangerous toadies.
by David Petersen
by David Petersen
Never in any Doubt - Independence Wins the Day
November 3, 2007
From icWales.co.uk
Wales 'could survive independently'
Labour will today signal a change of approach to the challenge posed by the Nationalists, accepting it must speak for people's hopes as well as fears and admitting Scotland would not "wither and die" as an independent country.
Today one of Labour's senior figures at Westminster says that the party has to change its approach to voters and accept that Scotland could survive as an independent country.
An SNP spokesman said:
"Labour in Scotland have played the same scaremongering game for years, flying in the face of the facts about Scotland's ability to prosper as an independent country."
Labour in Wales have played the same scaremongering game for years too. Before long it is very likely that there will be again a Conservative Government in Westminster. Only a minority of the Welsh people are likely to have voted for it yet Wales will still be bound to that Conservative Government. All this is likely to happen on or before 2010. Those opposing a referendum on a full law making Parliament for Wales before 2011 are putting narrow personal and party interest before the good of the Welsh people again.
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Wales - Patagonia Link- ups
|
Esquel stages an eisteddfod each year and Welsh is spoken |
A town in
Rafael Williams, mayor of Esquel in
The green and fertile land around Esquel attracted the Welsh who had initially settled in a dry and arid area unsuitable for farming.
Lorrae Jones-Southgate, mayor of Aberystwyth, said it was an "honour".
In 1865 the first settlers travelled more than 8,000 miles from
But it was not until later that the descendants of the early settlers set up home in and around Esquel.
|
| ESQUEL FACT-FILE
A town in the foothills of the With a population of 35,000 it is more than twice the size of Aberystwyth The Welsh initially settled in Trevelin, about 14 miles away Its valley is made up of some sheep and cattle farms It is a centre for adventure holidays and has a ski resort nearby |
A century on and the town still has a thriving Welsh community.
It stages an annual eisteddfod, it has choirs and a Welsh-speaking community, although Spanish is now the main language.
It already has links with Aberystwyth through the Welsh Books Council and the Glaniad website, which provides details about Welsh people who settled in
Esquel's mayor Mr Williams said: "In Esquel, we are very proud of our Welsh heritage and we have been examining ways in which we could take action to support the March accord signed between our province and..
"With the existing connections we have with the town via the Glaniad website and with the work being done through the Welsh Books Council, appears that Aberystwyth would be the perfect town to twin with Esquel."
Aberystwyth mayor Ms Jones-Southgate said: "It (Esquel) is the most beautiful area with Welsh choirs and an eisteddfod, everything that we hold dear in our culture.
"I think it's an honour that Esquel has chosen Aberystwyth as a potential twin and I think it would bring all sorts of benefits to both areas."
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