Winter 2017
The Welsh Nation The Best Ever Conference By Gareth Clubb, Plaid Cymru Chief Executive
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t was “the best ever conference” according to one AM. “And I’ve been to a great many conferences!”
There was an undeniable sense of excitement as more members than ever before – 380 of you – flooded through the Galeri gates to hear superb speeches and motions. The contributions from our elected members were splendid, as you would expect. But we also had inspirational speeches from our special guests, Tommy Sheppard from the SNP and Josep-Maria Terricabras MEP from Catalonia. What are the elements that ensure a successful conference? Hard work by dedicated Plaid Cymru staff behind the scenes putting everything in order. We thank them enormously. We’re also fortunate to have so many eloquent elected members who are able to inspire us. But the biggest thanks goes to you, our members. It is you who share our vision of
a better Wales, a fairer Wales and a Wales that takes its rightful place on the international stage. It’s you who works for the party, come rain or shine, because of your commitment to our fellow citizens and our country. So thanks for coming to our conference and taking part in the festivities. Forward, with confidence, to a brighter future. To watch the speeches from Conference visit https://www.youtube.com/user/plaidtv to browse the photos visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/plaidcymru/ and for a succinct round-up visit https://storify.com/PlaidCymru
IN THIS EDITION... Brexit
Port Talbot Prison
Catalonia
Winter School
Plaid Cymru’s National Mission:
Leanne Wood’s Conference Speech
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n her keynote conference speech, Leanne Wood spoke about how Plaid Cymru is a governmentin-waiting. Until the next election, she said the party would concentrate on delivering in opposition on behalf of the people of Wales, having already succeeded in securing over half a billion pounds of budget priorities since 2016.
https://youtu.be/l7LailsERu4. For a full round-up of all the announcements from Leanne’s speech visit http://www.partyof.wales/10things.
She said: “While the other opposition parties whinge for Wales, Plaid Cymru delivers”. Leanne announced her vision of a Wales united and connected, to be achieved through ensuring financial fairness for all parts of our nation and investing in a “rail revolution” to connect our communities. That means electrifying the North Wales Coast Line, creating a Metro for the Swansea Bay and Western Valleys region, reestablishing the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth route and linking up the north west to Pwllheli, Caernarfon and beyond. She outlined plans to closely link education to the economy as part of our “national mission” to train all adults to vocational or university level within a generation to address Wales’s low productivity, and inequalities. This will include support for entrepreneurs, co-operatives, and new entrants to the farming industry was pledged. The need for an in-work training programme for all workers whose jobs might face automation was also highlighted as a priority. Watch Leanne’s speech in full by visiting Winter 2017
The Welsh Nation
Friday Speeches at Plaid Cymru Conference S
iân Gwenllian AM welcomed Conference to her home turf, quoting the eloquent words of Geraint Lovgreen, “Here is where I am meant to be”. According to Siân “Labour’s obsession with a small corner of Wales creates an unequal nation”, which is why a Plaid Cymru government would introduce an act to ensure that every part of Wales receives financial justice. The current government is failing to care for social care – that was Dr Dai Lloyd AM’s message in his speech. It’s time for society to come together and give the sector the funds it needs in order to support all the vulnerable people in Wales. Jobs and commerce at Holyhead Port is a priority for Ynys Môn’s AM as Brexit discussions develop. Rhun ap Iorwerth AM will do everything within his power to protect the island and the nation’s economy. He also announced that a Plaid Cymru government will stop agencies from making a profit from staffing in the NHS so that every penny is spent on the public’s health. Simon Thomas AM had a crystal clear message on fracking: “We don’t need fracking in Wales, we don’t want fracking in Wales and Plaid Cymru won’t allow fracking in Wales.”
The Welsh Nation
Catalonian MEP JosepMaria Terribracas received an amazing welcome from Plaid Cymru members. He wasn’t given one standing ovation, but three. The bond of friendship between our party and Catalonia continues to be loyal and strong. You can read about Plaid Ifanc’s trip to Catalonia during the referendum on page 9. Our Scottish visitor this time around was Tommy Sheppard MP. He spoke very eloquently about Brexit and its ramification for Scotland, reminding Conference that the SNP has a mandate to hold a second referendum if they decide to do so. Hywel Williams MP was extremely critical of the UK government’s treatment of Wales in relation to Brexit negotiations. Hywel and his fellow Members are fighting hard to protect Wales and her economy from Westminster callousness and their power-grab attempt. Steffan Lewis AM had the same warning. It was in fact Welsh powers the Leave campaign had in mind when they spoke about “taking back control” he said. His warning to the Tory government was clear: “Back off and hands off our democracy.”
Winter 2017
Saturday’s Speeches at Plaid Cymru Conference J
ill Evans MEP opened proceedings on Saturday. She has been working extremely diligently on behalf of Wales in the European Parliament, doing all within her power to ensure that Wales’s voice is heard during the Brexit process and that our interests are protected. She called on the UK government to come to their senses and start negotiating with the EU in good faith. Councillor Llinos Medi has been making waves since being elected the first female leader of Ynys Môn council, and her address to Conference concentrating on good governance made it absolutely clear why the good people of that beautifully unique island trusted her to do the job. The hall was packed to the rafters as Wales’s youngest MP, the sensational Ben Lake, made his way on to the stage. He gave a heartfelt address that went right to the core of what Plaid Cymru is all about: supporting Wales’s wonderful communities and ensuring the very brightest future for them. Adam Price AM had a big idea to share during his much-anticipated speech: a youth basic income for 18-24 year olds. This is an idea that has the potential to transform the Welsh nation, freeing up our young talent to take that chance, Winter 2017
to turn that dream into reality, by venturing forth into the Welsh business scene or signing up to that educational course they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford. More information about this initiative will be published in due course as Mr Price’s new thinktank, Nova Cambria, begins the work of fully scoping out and costing the policy. Fresh from an election where she managed to get the biggest Plaid Cymru vote ever in Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville Roberts MP took to the stage to make it absolutely clear that Plaid Cymru is taking the fight to tired old Welsh Labour, who she deemed an “intellectually exhausted inheritocracy of a government”. She had unkind words for the Tories too, whom she holds to account every week as Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader. Our Honorary President Dafydd Wigley brought the fantastic conference to a close. He said that Plaid Cymru’s work defending the Welsh national interest is crucial to save Wales from the jaws of Brexit disaster. Mr Wigley also said: “When it comes to Europe I don’t trust Jeremy Corbyn more than I trust Theresa May with safeguarding the wellbeing of Wales”.
The Welsh Nation
Why let democracy get in the way of a jolly hard Brexit? By Steffan Lewis AM, Hywel Williams MP & Jill Evans MEP
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hina is the gift given by convention to mark a 20th anniversary. Instead, to mark 20 years since the Welsh devolution referendum, Theresa May and her band of Brexiteers have gift wrapped a constitutional crisis. The EU Withdrawal Bill – once known as the Repeal Bill – simply brushes the last twenty-years of devolution aside. Ostensibly it is a technical, finickity and often dry to the point of arid issue - qualities the UK Government is contriving to emphasise in their attempts to make this an administrative rather than political matter. However, detail and evidencebased debate does not mean inconsequential or intangible outcomes. This is a debate about democracy - about who governs and how. Fundamentally for Wales, it is about the future of our nation and its identity. The Withdrawal Bill is a blatant and hostile power grab removing control from Wales’s comparatively nascent democratic institutions and returning it to Westminster and Whitehall. “Devolution is a process not an event” was the maxim coined by Ron Davies, the Welsh Secretary who oversaw the creation of the National Assembly for Wales. History has proved him right – the latest alteration to Welsh The Welsh Nation
devolution saw the creation of the ‘reserved powers model’. Stripping away the jargon, this in effect means that the National Assembly for Wales has control over everything that is not explicitly listed as a matter kept by Westminster. The current Welsh Secretary claimed this change would settle the constitutional question “for a generation”. We can only assume he was talking in terms of fruit flies, as even before April 2018 when this latest devolution settlement comes into full force, we are faced with nothing short of a constitutional crisis. The Withdrawal Bill flies in the face of the reserved powers model. Rather than any new powers brought about by Brexit flowing straight to Wales, the Withdrawal Bill will ensure they are kept under lock and key in Westminster. All we have is the Government’s boy scout promise that one day we might get these powers, and that the ones taken away may eventually be repatriated. When Westminster legislates on any matter which is devolved, or affects the devolved settlement, it seeks the consent of the Assembly. Consent is given via a vote in the Assembly through a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM). If a plurality of Assembly Members
support this motion it passes and Westminster’s legislation may proceed. Current opposition by Plaid Cymru and Labour in the Assembly means an LCM would not be granted to the Withdrawal Bill in its present form. So, what would that mean for the UK Government? Your guess is as good as ours. We have asked question upon question to Ministers in Cardiff and Westminster, but an answer is not forthcoming. Realistically we can expect the Tories to simply soldier on regardless of whether they receive consent or not – imposing the Bill on Wales with complete disregard for the last 20 years of devolution. In their minds, a little technicality such as the principles of democracy should not get in the way of jolly hard Brexit. Beneath the veneer of technical, musty constitutional questions is a debate about the future of our nation and its people. We are dedicated to ensuring Wales is never again forced to rely on the whims of Westminster. Devolution was part of Wales’s political, economic and social evolution. The Withdrawal Bill puts all this at risk.
Winter 2017
Winter School: A Chance to be at our Best By Math Wiliam, Senior Communications Officer
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n the same way that Dafydd Iwan would come back on stage to sing another song when it became clear that the crowd wanted more, it has become apparent that many Plaid Cymru members want some sort of Conference encore. Many of you remarked that you would like to have your say on our future direction, another opportunity to discuss policy in greater depth and a chance learn more about how we can turn these ideas into reality by winning elections. Well, members, what you seek, we provide. We’ve put arrangements in place for what promises to be a cracking Winter School, which will take place in Aberystwyth on 8 &
9 December. Topics for discussion include independence, electoral reform, how best to use the new financial powers coming Wales’s way, Europe, campaigning and much more. There will also be ample opportunity for members to socialise in order to get to know each other and our elected representatives better. And yes, there will be an opportunity for you to meet Plaid Cymru’s MP for Ceredigion, Ben Lake. He’s very much looking forward to meeting everyone. As members of Plaid Cymru we are at our best when we all come together in the spirit of common purpose with interminable The Plaid Cymru Credit Union (UCPCCU) is a practical demonstration of the party’s philosophy of people cooperating in building a confident and independent Wales.
Plaid Cymru
UCPCCU is owned by its members and for over 20 years it has worked for members, their families, party branches & small family businesses.
determination to steer the course of the nation we all love towards a future that is better than the past. So if you’re able to come along to Aberystwyth in December, start making your plans now. Members looking for accommodation can find information on our website or by contacting our headquarters. We will be publishing more information on this page nearer to the date, including a finalised timetable.
Book your place at Winter School by contacting Gwennol Haf gwennolhaf@plaid.cymru 02920 475920 Saving money means that you have both something to look forward to and something to fall back on. The dividend paid for savings for 2011/12 was 2%. Subject to status, you can borrow up to £5,000 as a low-cost loan with no hidden charges or fees.
Join Plaid Cymru Credit Union — our national financial institution
Credit Union
For more details go to www.ucpccu.org Click on ‘Forms’ and download and print the Application for Membership and Bankers Order forms. After completing them post them to the Credit Union Office.
Run by members 2017 forWinter the benefit of members
Plaid Cymru Credit Union (UCPCCU) . Tŷ’r Cymry, 11 Heol Gordon, Caerdydd, CF24 3AJ. T: 029 2049 1888 www.ucpccu.org E: post@ucpccu.org The Welsh Nation
Winter School 2017 Programme
Medrus Centre, Aberystwyth University
December 8 - 9, 2017
Friday 8 December
Saturday 9 December
Morning session: 10:00-12:15
A meeting of the National Council will be held in the morning. For those not attending this meeting, there will be a visit and lunch available at Plaid Cymru Aberystwyth Christmas Fair.
• W elcome from Plaid Cymru Leader, Leanne Wood AM • T he Fiscal Gap in Wales – Discussion on new research by Hefin Thomas, Arad Research • D eveloping and Reforming Welsh Democracy • C ampaign training – letters and leaflets: how and when to use them, Geraint Day, Head of Campaigns Lunch provided for attendees Afternoon session: 1:15-5:15 • E xploring new fiscal powers for Wales – Ed Poole & Guto Ifan, Wales Governance Centre • B rexit and Independence – Dyfrig Jones, Director of Policy and Jill Evans MEP • C hallenges and Opportunities: Dealing with the Media – Rhun ap Iorwerth AM • T raining: Press Release and Content Creation – Elin Roberts and Ben O Keeffe Social evening in Aberystwyth town
Afternoon session: 1:30-5:30 • R ebuilding Europe – Jill Evans MEP • Maintaining and harnessing the interest of young people – Plaid Ifanc and Ben Lake MP • Developing the Welsh Media – Ifan Morgan Jones • Communications training: Press Release and Content Creation • Campaign training – Treeware: how to campaign clever, Geraint Day • Nova Cambria: Syniadau Newydd i Gymru Newydd – Adam Price AM Social evening in Aberystwyth town Please contact Gwennol Haf gwennolhaf@plaid.cymru 02920 475920 to secure your place at Winter School. Tickets are priced at £20 and include lunch (£10 for students, unwaged or for those earning less than £15,000 p.a) Attendees to Winter School are asked to arrange their own accommodation if required. A list of various options is available on the members’ section of the website, or you can contact Tŷ Gwynfor for a copy of the list.
*Please note that this is a draft timetable which is subject to change The Welsh Nation
Let’s rekindle yesterday’s passion Winter 2017
Port Talbot Prison: We’re Better Than This By Bethan Jenkins, South Wales West Assembly Member
“P
enal Colony”, “Warehousing offenders on the cheap” these are some of the words that have been used to describe the UK Government’s proposals to build a 1600 capacity prison in my region, in Port Talbot. And, of course, the words are correct. There are so many arguments against a prison it’s difficult sometimes to decide which ones are more appropriate at a given time. Certainly, the location is a terrible one: In a flood zone within which a building of this size would directly contravene the Welsh Government’s own TAN planning guidance. The site is in an enterprise zone, on land that has a legal covenant for its use to be limited to economic concerns. The Welsh and UK Government has insisted that a new prison would be an economic investment, bringing jobs and £11 million to the local economy – highly dubious claims. What is clear is The Welsh Nation
that the prospect of a prison of this size – the second so called “super prison” to be built in Wales – has united the local community like never before. But what for me is one of the most heartening aspects of the response to the prison, is the way in which it has caused so many people to look beyond the merits of the site itself and consider the bigger question of why this prison is being proposed at all? And why the Welsh Government seems to be so keen on the project too? For many, the bigger question is this: Can Wales do better than this? Can our town be better than this? Is the ambition of the Welsh Government for Wales’s premier industrial centre so paltry that it is seriously backing using the largest un-used piece of land on an enterprise zone, for a huge new prison?
The answer to these questions must be that we can do better. Labour is naturally keen to act as if this proposal, on a piece of land which they own, is nothing to do with them at all. But pressure must be maintained on this Welsh Labour Government and the larger question needs to be continuously pushed – is this the limit of their aspirations for Wales? Radioactive mud for the coast of Cardiff, a new prison in Port Talbot. At one point, nuclear weapons at Milford Haven was even an idea of the First Minister’s! We must make the case to everyone in Wales, beyond Port Talbot, that this prison proposal is not only a symbol of the failures of policy in criminal justice but, if built, also a monument to Labour’s ineptitude and the complete vacuum of ideas which now exists at the heart of this Welsh Government.
Winter 2017
News and reports from our youth movement
“Visca Catalunya!” – Plaid Ifanc in Catalunya Osian Owen, Chair of Plaid Ifanc Bangor justify themselves, to explain that they weren’t ‘criminals’ but merely partaking in a democratic vote. One woman pleaded desperately, ‘I only want to vote!’ One particular conversation encapsulated the whole mood of the referendum. This woman openly admitted that she opposed Catalan independence, but acknowledged that the Spanish Government had shot itself in the foot and that the Catalans were finally finding out what they truly meant to the Spanish.
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delegation from Plaid Ifanc has just returned from an unforgettable trip to witness the historical independence referendum taking place in Catalonia this month. Of course we’d been warned that there would be conflict and tensions in Barcelona between voters and the authorities, but the reality of the situation hadn’t quite hit home. Witnessing the scenes, we could scarcely believe that we were in a Western democracy within the European Union. We might have been naïve. The referendum day itself was one filled with excitement. Crowds were lining the streets just to exercise their human right to decide the future of their own country. On one hand it was an inspiration to see political engagement alive and well, but on the other hand some of the conversations we had with local residents were heart-breaking. Upon seeing that we were visitors, people came up to us on the streets to Winter 2017
Alarm bells should be ringing for every democrat following the events in Catalonia. The day after the referendum, we saw dozens of placards begging the EU for its support for the Catalans. Our party’s members campaigned fervently for a Remain vote in 2016, and despite its faults, we championed the EU as a democratic and progressive union. It was with great sadness that we watched that very union turn a blind eye when its own citizens were deprived of their basic human rights. Two of our core values are under threat here, namely national freedom and democracy. Despite the bitterness surrounding this independence referendum, there is no doubt that this was one of the most valuable political experiences we will ever have. It was a pleasure to witness the Catalans taking their future into their own hands. We’ll return to Wales and continue with our own battle for independence! Visca Catalunya! The Welsh Nation
Tributes ‘A Truly Inspirational Woman’
A Gentle Giant
Dai Lloyd AM pays tribute to Janice Dudley
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P
laid Cymru lost an unique member earlier this year with the death of the inspirational and hardworking Councillor from Neath Port Talbot, Janice Dudley. Janice worked tirelessly for Plaid Cymru for many years. In 2004, she joined the group of Plaid Cymru elected representatives following her election as councillor on Neath Port Talbot Council, representing South Bryncoch ward. She represented her area with vigour and enthusiasm and this was recognised by the local residents who re-elected her continuously. This local support was visible in May again this year, with the residents of Bryncoch ensuring that Janice had a huge majority over the Labour Party. But this level of support was no surprise – Janice was a truly inspirational woman, always energetic and positive. This warm personality attracted people from every background, young and old, from all political parties. Janice was honoured this year for years of local work when she became the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Borough Council. Janice of course fulfilled the role in her own passionate and dignified manner. Since her death, many people have paid tribute to Janice, and the huge respect that people had for her has become evident. During the Plaid Cymru Annual Conference in Caernarfon, Amanda, Janice’s daughter, received the ‘Special Contribution’ award on behalf of her mother, for her years of hard work on behalf of Plaid Cymru. I was honoured to present that award in acknowledgement of the unique work of a prominent member in the area, but also for someone who was also a personal friend. Janice’s death has been a huge blow locally, but as colleagues and friends, we are determined to do everything within our ability to ensure that her legacy continues in South Bryncoch and beyond.
Winter 2017
Helen Mary Jones pays tribute to Jim Criddle t was my privilege at Conference last month to present a posthumous long service award to the family of the late Jim Criddle, longstanding Plaid activist and councillor from Pontllanfraith. I’m told that Jim was at one time a Labour Party member, but it didn’t take him long to see the light. He was convinced by his old friend Malcolm Parker to stand for Plaid in a local council election in the early 70’s, and so began a lifetime of commitment to Plaid and a total of over 30 years’ service as a councillor. At the same time Jim set out to learn Welsh, which he did. Through these studies he met his wife, Rhian Heulyn, and the two raised a Welsh speaking family, Betsan, Geraint and Branwen. Working for Plaid became a family project. The children remember Jim’s golden rules for leafleting, including always leave the gate as you find it, don’t annoy the dogs and NEVER EVER climb over walls between gardens – no matter how many steps you have to go up and down! Wherever work for Plaid was needed, there you would find Jim – leafleting, canvassing, running the branch, working for the Credit Union – it wasn’t the task that mattered to Jim, it was the cause. As well as his work for Plaid and as a councillor, his teaching job and his family commitments, Jim, with Rhian, was a passionate campaigner for Welsh medium education in Gwent. It was quite a struggle, but they won. I’ll never forget how proud Jim was when Ysgol Gyfun Gwynlliw opened. Jim loved his family, he loved his community, and he loved Wales. He worked quietly for the causes he believed in. He died too soon. His family, friends and colleagues will always remember this gentle giant. Wales needs more Jim Criddles.
The Welsh Nation
An Example to All Elfyn Llwyd pays tribute to Mary Jones
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ary always brought joy into people’s lives. She could also be fierce – especially towards the enemies of Plaid Cymru, a cause very close to her heart. Mary, however busy she was, always found time to work for Plaid. During her life, Mary was:
• Chair of Cylch Meithrin Llanrwst • S ecretary of Ysgol Bro Gwydir Parents Teachers Association for seven years • O ne of the founders of Clwb Gwerin Sgidiau Hoelia and she organised all the activities of Llanrwst Young Farmers’ Club, ensuring that they won the Rali Eryri twice • F or 23 years she ran the café in Llanrwst Market, Paned a Gwȇn – she always said that you had to pay for the cuppa but the smile was free! • E nthusiastic member of Llanrwst Show committee and the Chair in 2010
Mary always gave her best. She was a committed follower of Manchester United Football Club and as a token of respect, a letter arrived a few days after she passed away. Here is an extract from that letter, “I just want to write to you to thank you for your loyal support and devotion to the club. I understand that you are having a difficult time but hope that it helps to know that myself, the players and staff are all thinking of you. Jose Mourinho.” As someone who lives in Dyffryn Conwy I was aware of Mary’s hard work over the years but after I was nominated to stand for the 1992 election I worked closely with her and was the recipient of many a wise word. She would phone me to say that there was an important Market in Llanrwst so that I could meet as many of the local farmers as possible. At other times she would tell me not to bother talking to one or two, “Bloody Tory – a waste of time!” She was always the first out with leaflets and canvassing. Politicians talk of those who walk the extra mile – she was the best example I know of, and if she undertook any task – we knew it would be done. I remember on one or two occasions, being exhausted after a hard day of canvassing, and ready to give up for the day, Mary saying, “only two other estates – come with me”. Who could refuse? Her tireless work was an example to all. I had a chat with her in August at the Llanrwst Show. Although she was seriously ill she had a ready smile as usual. I’m pleased to say that Mary did know that she was to be honoured by Plaid during the Conference in Caernarfon. She was thrilled. Plaid has lost a faithful and strong member and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her has lost a very dear friend.
The Welsh Nation
Winter 2017
Tarian Cymru: How Plaid Cymru and Tarian can Save YOU MoneyI By Illtyd ap Dafydd, Plaid Cymru Finance Officer
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laid Cymru is in partnership with Tarian Insurance Services, whereby Tarian pays 25% of its commission to Plaid Cymru on the business it receives from Plaid Cymru members. As I had initially discussed this with Gwilym Roberts of Tarian I thought it was incumbent upon me to be the first person to use this service to renew my contents and building insurance with Tarian. Tarian managed to save me £50 on my insurance, so not only is Plaid Cymru gaining but I am gaining as well! I will be using Tarian to renew my car insurance in February.
TARIAN SUPPORTS PLAID CYMRU. Let us save you money on your personal or commercial insurance, and we’ll support Plaid Cymru on your behalf by giving them 25% of our commission. To get a quote on a range of competitively priced insurance policies, get in touch today and quote the Introducer Code PC99.
For information about how Tarian can save YOU money contact Gwilym Roberts quoting Promotion Code PC99: Tarian, 14 Stryd y Porth, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1AG / www.tarianonline.co.uk.
T: 01286 677 787 Cymraeg
E: customers@tariancyf.co.uk W: www.tarianonline.com
Plaid Cymru office:
Printer: Gwasg Morgannwg, Unit 28, Neath Abbey
Tŷ Gwynfor, Marine Chambers, Anson Court,
Business Park, Neath Abbey, Neath, SA10 7DR
Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff. CF10 4AL Phone: 02920 472272
In addition to the contributors, Plaid Cymru
E-mail: post@plaid.cymru
would like to thank the following people for their
Website: www.plaid.cymru
help with this edition: Emily Cole, Gwennol Haf, Richard Outram, Luke Nicholas, Ben O’Keeffe, Darren Price, Chad Rickard, Elin Roberts, Emyr
Editor: Math Wiliam Design: Rhys Llwyd Publisher: Plaid Cymru
Winter 2017
Williams and all Plaid Cymru members.
The Welsh Nation