Autumn 2014
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The Welsh Nation Change is Coming Leanne Wood AM, Plaid Cymru Leader
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’m sure everyone in Plaid Cymru feels disappointed at the outcome of the Scottish referendum. Many of you worked tirelessly in support of the Yes campaign, both in Scotland and here in Wales. The will of the people of Scotland has to be respected. It is clear, however, that the United Kingdom has changed forever – it cannot be business as usual with dictat after dictat from Westminster. Wales will not settle for a devolution settlement which is third or even second class. We must demand equality with Scotland. During the referendum campaign, the London-based parties indicated there would be a positive change of pace for Wales in terms of getting the powers we need. That needs to happen with no excuses and no rowing back from that pledge. The UK is no longer fit for purpose in the 21st century. Neither is Wales’ devolution settlement. The time has come for Wales to move away from the old process of devolution with piecemeal changes every few years. Every format of devolution to date has been found wanting. The majority of powers need to be in the hands of the people of Wales:- and there is broad agreement in that. Plaid Cymru remains sceptical about the promises of new powers made during the final days of the campaign. Offers made to Scotland should also come to Wales. Anything less would be unacceptable. Wales needs a lasting self-
government settlement. That means being at the forefront of discussions now. We have acted as a spectator nation, picking up scraps from the Westminster table. That must now end. Instead of accepting crumbs from Westminster, we must demand the settlement Wales needs and deserves. Self government for Wales should mean that all responsibilities rest with the people of Wales. It should be up to people what powers we wish to share with others. Plaid Cymru’s immediate priority is to lead a government which builds the economy, develops the national institutions that Scotland already has including a legal system and financial powers and has powers to write our own constitution. We want Wales to be in a position where we too can have a choice about whether we want Wales to become an independent state. Plaid Cymru’s aim is to become a party of government and secure the powers we need so that we can fundamentally transform the Welsh economy and equalise our society. We will campaign and work at all times for other positive changes in the time before independence. Plaid Cymru believes Wales has the potential to be a successful nation. We also believe that we can build an inclusive and confident
Wales to get there. We contend that a majority of the people of Wales want to see us take more control of our own affairs. The remarkable democratic awakening in Scotland was impressive. Tens of thousands of people in Scotland registered to vote for the first time. The turnout of 85% was unprecedented. Can we bottle that in Wales? Can we show people that they have a voice and that they can use it to good effect through the ballot box to make changes and improve their life? That is our challenge. Plaid Cymru will continue to represent the best interests of Wales as we enter a period of decentralisation.
But be in no doubt: Change is coming.
This is our time Rhuanedd Richards, Chief Executive
P
ick yourself up, dust yourself down, we must use the referendum result in Scotland to take Wales out of the margins of this constitutional debate and put our needs right at the fore. Of course we’re all disappointed - but the extraordinary effort of our sister party in Scotland over the last two years has given us, who believe in self-determination, only one direction of travel and that is forward - that is if we so choose as a nation to make that case. The process of tinkering with the devolution settlement is surely over – we must now prepare the way for real self-government in Wales. Plaid’s politicians will of course be negotiating on behalf of the people of Wales to demand the best deal for our nation. After all, if the London parties are serious about real reform then they will surely accept significant amendments to the Wales Bill over the next few months. That will be the first test of their sincerity. It’s time we have the powers that are on offer to Scotland. Despite not winning the referendum in the number of votes counted, the SNP has won the argument in putting its case for a stronger Scotland. Scotland is united in its realisation that the status quo is not a viable option. As grassroots members we must follow the SNP’s lead over a series of elections and win the trust of the people of Wales through the ballot box. The first opportunity to do this is the Westminster
The Welsh Nation
General Election – and therefore my appeal to each and every one of our members is to be a part of the team and make Wales’s voice heard. We can’t afford to allow Wales to become interested spectators. We must and we will be a part of this change. This is our time to point out that a Welsh NHS is also threatened by Westminster cuts and privatisation; our time to say that decisions relating to Wales should be made in Wales; and our time to ensure greater investment in the Welsh economy and infrastructure. If you haven’t done so already get in touch with your local candidate or with Tŷ Gwynfor and tell us what you will do to help. Our new ‘campaign credit’ system means that the party centrally will invest in every single constituency – regardless of where you are in Wales – that succeeds in demonstrating between now and the end of the year that they are serious about making a difference. The harder you work locally the more investment Plaid will make nationally in to ensuring that your local team has the necessary resources to reach its goals. And on the 24/25th October come to Llangollen and help fill our Conference Hall with the vibrancy, positivity and enthusiasm which should be the hallmarks of our campaigning over the next two years. We have a great opportunity now to make the case for creating a future which works in the best interest of Wales so let’s seize the moment. See you in Llangollen! Autumn 2014
Getting Wales on Track Jonathan Edwards MP for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr
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n my key note speech at the Eisteddfod last month, I concentrated on one area, in particular, where the Westminster system has failed our country. Every one of you who makes use of the Welsh railway network will be all too familiar with rising fares, falling standards and agonisingly slow journeys. While the LondonGlasgow line was electrified back in the 1970s, Wales still doesn’t have a single mile of electrified railway, leaving us in the same dismal position as Albania and Moldova. Transport investment in Wales by the UK Government is a fraction of what our population share should demand. Meanwhile, across the border, the UK government is ploughing ahead with plans to spend up to £80bn on the HS2 (High Speed Rail) project to be built entirely in England but paid for in part by Welsh taxpayers. That is why I used my speech at the Eisteddfod to launch ‘Get Wales on Track’ – a major Plaid Cymru campaign to secure a fair share of HS2 and other transport infrastructure funding for Wales: money that would revolutionise our transport network. This fair share – estimated to be £2-4bn depending on whose figures you favour – could fund the South Wales Metro, the electrification of all major lines throughout Wales, the M4 bypass and many more projects. To date, the stance each party in Westminster has taken on the issue of HS2 speaks volumes about their wider views on Wales. For over four years, Plaid Cymru MPs have led calls for Wales to be compensated for spending on this England-only project while Tory, Lib Dem and Labour representatives from Wales have spoken and voted in favour of HS2 plans in their current form time after time. Such actions signal nothing short of a betrayal of the Welsh
constituents and communities which these unionist politicians were elected to serve. Independent analysis conducted by KPMG shows that the south Wales economy will lose tens of millions of pounds each year as a result of HS2. KPMG states £16m a year will be lost from Swansea; £1million from Port Talbot and £12m a year from my home county of Carmarthenshire. Overall there will be a total loss to the Welsh economy of over a quarter of a billion pounds each year. Yet the Unionist MPs who represent these areas are led blindly through the lobbies by their London masters, putting the interests of Westminster before Welsh communities yet again. Meanwhile, the Labour Government stays silent on the matter because the wider Labour party supports HS2, once again putting the interests of their party before the interests of Wales. It is sobering to think that HS2
is not the only major infrastructure project in the pipeline. The Tories have announced plans for HS3 in the North of England. Plans for Crossrail 2 are well advanced in London as well as calls to extend Crossrail 1 into the Home Counties. The Treasury can’t be allowed to get away with the trick of labelling these projects ‘UK-wide’ when they are clearly England-only projects, depriving Wales of billions of pounds. The incompetence and inaction of the unionist parties prove that Plaid Cymru is the only party fighting for a fair deal and a fair share for Wales. The aim of our national campaign is to send a strong message to Westminster that Wales will no longer settle for crumbs from its table. My hope is that the campaign will gather momentum in the coming months and I urge you to sign our petition online at: www.getwalesontrack.org
Showcasing the way forward for Wales
Annual Conference
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ith the Westminster and Assembly elections ahead, there will be plenty to look forward to during the 2014 Annual Conference at Llangollen on October 24 and 25. The conference at Llangollen Pavilion will showcase Plaid Cymru’s recent achievements and ambitions and to discuss what’s best for the future of our nation. There’s a variety of motions to be voted upon, so this is a great chance for members to contribute to Plaid’s policy. Next year’s Westminster election will be at the heart of the conference, with speeches from prominent candidates and a variety of topical discussion panels. Highlights will include a speech by Party Leader Leanne Wood on Friday afternoon, a panel discussion on how the Scottish referendum result will affect Wales, a Shadow Cabinet Question & Answer session in which
members will be able to submit questions, and discussions on skills and the economy and health and nursing. The conference dinner will take place on the Friday evening at the Wild Pheasant Hotel. We have invited John Curtice, the renowned Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde, to be the after-dinner speaker and to cast some light on the Scottish
referendum result. The price of a ticket for members is £35 beforehand, or £40 at Conference. To book places, please contact Elen Howells on ElenHowells@ plaidcymru.org or 029 2047 5923. The crew from Caerphilly will be back again this year to perform their legendary Revue, at The Hand Hotel on the Saturday. Tickets are £10 if purchased beforehand or £15 at the door. It promises to be a great night. Elen (details above) is again the person to contact to order tickets. We look forward to seeing you in Llangollen!
Rough Guide to Llangollen DRINK
A stone’s throw from the Hand hotel - the venue for this year’s revue - are The Wynnstay Arms and Sun Inn. If you prefer a post-conference cocktail head for the Manorhaus!
EAT
Looking for somewhere to eat on the Thursday before conference begins? South Clwyd branch are holding a special dinner at the Abbey Grange pub in the company of Leanne Wood AM. You can get a tasty meal with a fine view at the Corn Mill and Gales of Llangollen offer tapas and good wine.
SIGHTS
If you have time to spare - why not climb the hill up to the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân? The view is sublime. The Pontcysyllte viaduct, now a world heritage site, is also worth a visit as is a ride on the Llangollen steam train.
The Welsh Nation
Autumn 2014
Plaid Cymru Youth launch manifesto at Eisteddfod
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laid Cymru Youth had a very successful week at the Eisteddfod. It was an excellent opportunity for our organisation to showcase itself and recruit new members. The Eisteddfod also saw the launch of Plaid Cymru Youth’s manifesto and gave young nationalists the opportunity to discuss the issues most affecting young people. National Chair Glenn Page said: “Our Youth Manifesto is an opportunity for us to put forward a range of practical steps that governments at both ends of the M4 could take to reverse the trend of increasing hardship experienced by young people. “Over the coming months, our members will be working hard to create practical solutions to the issues we face and I would urge as many people as possible to play their part in that process by getting involved with your local PCY branch. “
Annual Conference accommodation
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ocial events for young members are being held on the nights of October 24 and 25 in Llangollen and Plaid Cymru Youth is also arranging accommodation for young members at a discounted rate. Please contact our secretary, plaidifancyouth@gmail.com to reserve your place.
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Scotland & Catalunya
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uring September, Plaid Cymru Youth members travelled across Europe to extend support and solidarity to our sister organisations in Scotland and Catalunya. Two delegates, Daniel Roberts and Fflur Arwel, went to Barcelona to take part in an international conference hosted by JERC (The Young Republican Left of Catalunya). Plaid Cymru Youth also organised a trip for members and supporters to travel to Edinburgh for the independence referendum. Our members were campaigning hard for a Yes vote in the runup to the big vote in Scotland and helped to get people out. Daniel Roberts, Campaigns Officer, said: “It was exciting to travel to Barcelona and represent Plaid Youth. It was truly amazing to see just how internationalist our movement is. “There were young delegates from across Europe attending this conference, all of them campaigning for self-determination and the ability to build their own politics. It was the perfect opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and forge greater links between our movements.”
Simon Thomas AM calls for pressure for further Self-government T
here is no doubt that the National Eisteddfod was a great success in Llanelli. We were blessed with decent weather, a wonderful site and a fantastic welcome from the people of the town. It was a delight to spend a week with old friends and make new ones and work from a sunny field rather than an office. The Plaid stall was constantly busy. The larger tent paid off as the format encouraged visitors to peep and wander in. As well as social interaction, fuelled by over a thousand tea bags, the layout (and weather) allowed for some serious political discussion. The foremost thanks for the success go to the team of volunteers who staffed the stall. Invidious though it is to name anyone, Dian’s constant tea making was unbelievable. It was particularly good to see the warm welcome everywhere for Plaid Cymru and our Llanelli Westminster candidate, Vaughan Williams. But the Eisteddfod’s real purpose, of course, is as a shot in the arm for Welsh culture in the town and county. That means we
all have to build on the enthusiasm and excitement created by the festival in one of the key areas for the survival of the Welsh language. If the language disappears from Wales we can’t import it like some rare species from elsewhere: it is ours to use or lose. I was particularly pleased therefore to celebrate the Learner of the Year awards at Parc y Scarlets. Llanelli is the town with the highest percentage of people who understand but do not use Welsh. It is a huge shame that the Welsh Government has cut Welsh for Adults teaching this year, amongst other cuts to schools and skills budgets. A highlight of the week for me - apart from Dafydd Iwan singing “Yma o Hyd” which is as much an Eisteddfod tradition as any contrived by Iolo Morgannwg
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– was a fascinating discussion between Richard Wyn Jones and Myfanwy Davies on the impact of the Scottish referendum on Welsh politics. In spite of its result, the referendum surely means the death knell of “Britishness” as we know it. The party has to seize this opportunity to press for further selfgovernment. As Richard Wyn Jones pointed out, Welsh constitutional development has a momentum and path all of its own. Scotland has had thousands of conversations about its future kicked off by the referendum. We must take the thousands of conversations we all had on the Eisteddfod field to the streets, villages, farms and towns of Wales and convert them into votes for Plaid Cymru.
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Autumn 2014
Plaid Pride standing up for LGBT+ people Cerith Jones
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f you’ve ever been to Cardiff Wales LGBT Mardi Gras, you know that it is an event full of fun and celebration. This year, the festival was rebranded and Pride Cymru launched in Cardiff earlier this summer. Once again, Plaid Pride was delighted to participate and represent Plaid Cymru at this important event. For those among you who are not familiar with us, Plaid Pride is the group for Plaid Cymru members and supporters who selfdefine as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans*. As Plaidies, we all appreciate and take pride in the diversity of communities in Wales. Indeed, this diversity is one of the best things about Wales.
LGBT+ people have experienced great successes recently - in particular, the coming into force of the act that allows people of the same sex to marry in Wales and England. That is a huge source of pride for us as a movement and as a party, not least because 100% of the Party of Wales parliamentary group voted in favour of this important legislation. It is something to celebrate - and there was certainly plenty of celebration in Pride Cymru again this year! But it is important that we do not forget that events like Pride Cymru are also a chance for us to talk about less positive issues facing LGBT+ people in Wales and across the world. As we come together to speak with a strong and united voice, it is important that we take the opportunity to draw attention to violence, to discrimination, to prejudice and to suffering. At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow recently it was brought into the public consciousness that it’s still illegal to be gay in the vast majority of Commonwealth countries. According to Stonewall Scotland, 42 of 53 countries in the Commonwealth punish their citizens for being gay – some of them with the death penalty. During Pride Cymru, we asked visitors to the party’s stall to sign a petition calling on Commonwealth leaders and the political leaders of those 42 countries to change their attitude towards LGBT+ people, to ensure equality for them, and to work towards a world where LGBT+ people and others alike live happily and safely side by side. We also asked people to sign a petition calling on the Welsh Government to act on homophobic bullying. Despite recent efforts, young people up and down Wales continue to suffer because they are LGBT+ or are perceived to be LGBT+. There is no rest for us; our fight does not end until they no longer suffer. If you came along, we’re sure that you, like we, had a great day. If you weren’t able to make it this year, please do put next year’s event in your calendar. You can also follow us on Twitter @plaidpride and on Facebook /PlaidPride. It’s so important, whether we identify as LGBT+ ourselves or as allies, that we show pride in ourselves, in our communities, and in Wales. In pride and unity.
WANTED: Your ideas to improve Wales
Carl Morris from Native HQ and Leanne Wood AM at the launch of the Million Ideas platform at the National Eisteddfod in Llanelli.
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pioneering digital platform called Million Ideas aimed at developing discussion and gathering ideas was launched at the National Eisteddfod by Party Leader, Leanne Wood AM. The aim of the project is to establish a new method to encourage greater participation in politics, in a creative and social way which allows everyone to offer debate and discuss suggestions. Furthermore, your ideas could be adopted and included in Plaid Cymru’s manifesto for the 2016 National Assembly elections. The website http://www.partyofwales.org/millionideas/ will allow people to contribute ideas in all policy fields, including education, health, the environment, the economy and the Welsh language. Good ideas that gain support and that fit in with the core values and principles of Plaid Cymru will go through the party’s policy making process. They could
then appear in the party’s manifesto for 2016 and become part of a programme for government. Members can log in through Facebook or by email. You can contribute a suggestion on how to improve any aspect of Wales or contribute an entirely new idea, and you can also add a comment, amendment and opinion on the ideas that are already published. In addition to this, you have 10 ‘votes’. You can give one, two or three votes to any idea you like, but you only have a total of 10 to allocate - so choose wisely! Members can change their minds and re-distribute their votes at any time. Leanne Wood said: “We are committed to having a million conversations with the people of Wales before the Assembly elections; conversations on the doorstep, in town centres, coffee mornings, in all kinds of meetings and online. It is a process that we intend to use as an opportunity for learning and for improving our policies.”
plaidcymru.org/miliwn-syniad partyofwales.org/million-ideas