Welsh Nation - Spring 2015 by Plaid Cymru

Spring 2015

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The Welsh Nation An unprecedented opportunity for Wales Leanne Wood AM, Leader of Plaid Cymru – the Party of Wales

s I travel around our country supporting our teams in this election campaign, what is striking above all else is the enthusiasm and dedication of so many party activists. Polling Day is beckoning and I am convinced that returning our biggest ever team of MPs to Westminster is an outcome that is in our hands. The party has such a strong and talented slate of candidates and every one of them would make outstanding community champions for their constituencies. Our strength is in our local activity. When we are at our best, no party can compete with us. The strength of Plaid Cymru is in our dedication, commitment and hard work in the communities of our country. So much is at stake at this election and the more people we speak to, the more they will see the real choice that faces them. Increasingly, people are seeing through the similarities, the false choice presented by the four shades of Westminster grey. Plaid Cymru stands on a platform of opposition to further damaging austerity. A platform that seeks permanent economic rebalancing in the UK – moving away from the discredited financial sector in the City of London and in favour of new industries in areas that have been neglected by successive UK administrations. We want to see a permanent effort to close the UK’s inequality gap. Only the Party of Wales stands for meaningful self-government for Wales – home rule which should mean at least parity with Scotland, not just limited to responsibilities but to resources too.

It is likely that the next election will result in a hung parliament. Few took us seriously when we suggested this as a possible outcome in 2010, but we were proved right. Now the likelihood of this outcome is more accepted this time around, we’re able to tell people the priorities Plaid Cymru will demand. Let us not underestimate what we could achieve for our country with that outcome. Securing home rule for Wales and parity in terms of resources will mean a Plaid Cymru government from 2016 will have an unprecedented opportunity to transform the economic, social and political prospects of Wales. In the wider historical context, it means Wales, growing in political maturity and confidence will be

one step away from emerging as an independent country. Wales can emerge from the shadows at this election provided Plaid Cymru can deliver its best performance ever. I thank you for all your hard work to date and ask you that you redouble your efforts in the cause of our party and country. The national office can put you in touch with your local team and I know that they will be grateful for any support you can give. No contribution is too little and any contribution can help us achieve something truly remarkable. Let’s all get behind our team of candidates for the final push. Ymlaen!

Make Wales Matter in 2015 Rhuanedd Richards, Chief Executive Happy New Year to one and all and let’s hope it’s a good one for Wales.

t the beginning of 1978 Harri Webb wrote a poem to greet the New Year in Wales. In it, Harri wrote about the imminent referendum, the challenges facing our economy, the Eisteddfod coming to Cardiff and of course the rugby. As we begin our six nations and World Cup campaigns, it’s fair to say that our expectations of our national rugby team have not changed: “May the heroes of our nation/ Beat all opposition down/ Earn our fervent adulation/ and win the Triple Crown”. Yet, it is the tenacity and backbone that Harri wishes for Wales in the next verse of his New Year poem which sums up what Plaid Cymru should be about in 2015. He writes, “there’s no getting without demanding/ And we’ll have to show a bit of nerve.”

Ymunwch yn y dathlu Join us in celebrating

His words are as relevant now as they were back in 1978. In 2015, despite us living in a devolved Wales, Westminster’s continued control over our economy, our communities and people means that Plaid Cymru’s aim to bring our government home is as relevant as ever before. We know that Wales gets a better deal when Plaid Cymru is strong. History has shown us that when Plaid Cymru is taking seats from the Westminster parties, the voice of Wales is heard. The people of Scotland have worked this out. They have understood that by challenging Westminster at the ballot box the whole nation wins. One journalist compared the case of Scotland’s independence referendum to threatening to leave your mobile phone provider. If you state your objections strongly enough, you get a better package in return. It may of course not be as good as the deal you would get through owning your own mobile phone company but it’s better than what was on offer before. Here in Wales, we need to apply the same pressure and never more so than in this 2015 General Election, which no political party is set to win. With the prospect of another hung parliament in store, Plaid Cymru must fight this election in order to secure the best possible outcome for our nation. This is our opportunity to take more control for Wales from Westminster; to secure the funding that Wales needs to build our economy; to ensure better jobs and opportunities for our young people; and to fight for wages upon which the people of Wales can live and thrive.

Cinio mawreddog

Noson o adloniant ac ocsiwn yng nghwmni sêr Cymru i ddathlu penblwydd y Blaid yn 90

Celebratory dinner

An evening of entertainment and auction with Wales’ stars to celebrate the Party’s 90th year Gwesty Dewi Sant Sadwrn 11 Ebrill 2015 Bwrdd i ddeg £900 (£90 y pen)

St David’s Hotel & Spa Saturday 11 April 2015 Tables for ten, £900 (£90 per ticket)

Archebwch eich tocynnau To order your tickets cinio90@plaidcymru.org 02920 472 272

Gweithio dros Gymru ers 90 mlynedd Working for Wales for 90 years The Welsh Nation

Contrary to what some may think, showing ‘a bit of nerve’ to demand more for Wales does not seal our dependency on this broken State. It gives Wales the level playing field it needs to become the confident, prosperous nation it wants to be. With that in place, imagine what can then be achieved by an ambitious Plaid Cymru Welsh government. Our message in 2015 therefore is simple and yet so sincere. Let’s tell the people of Wales that they have the power to make Wales matter in this General Election. Let’s talk about how empowered they really could be if they give Wales a Plaid Cymru voice.

Spring 2015

For Wales, see: ‘England & Wales’? Steffan Lewis since the creation of the United Kingdom itself, this has never been the case.

hat Scotland’s referendum has changed the context of politics in the British State is beyond doubt but those of us seeking the emergence of an independent Wales should consider carefully the ramifications of a growing gulf between Wales’ status and that of our Celtic cousins. Although few expect the notorious ‘vow’ made in the dying hours of the referendum campaign to be fully realised, the adoption of the Smith Commission’s recommendations in addition to Scotland’s existing selfgovernment, prevent a significant opportunity and danger to Wales’ status as a political entity in our own right. Plaid Cymru has rightly and consistently argued that whatever the ‘going-rate’ for devolution is within the UK, then that is the very least Wales should expect. Since the advent of devolution, indeed

Arguably the most significant recommendations made in Smith’s report challenged the sovereignty of the Westminster. Smith recommended a strengthened body of the governments of the UK that would facilitate decision-making between the governments, including arranging for one or more of them to diverge from the UK position. This, incidentally, is precisely what Plaid Cymru called for over a year ago. Why should this be seen as an opportunity and a danger to Wales in the current context? Our historic integration into an ‘England & Wales’ entity politically, legally, economically and socially has not been fully addressed by devolution to date and could result in Wales having to ‘sit-out’ certain sessions of an inter-governmental body because we’d be the only nation without competence in a number of crucial areas. That means a quasi-federal UK made of three entities: Scotland, the North of Ireland and ‘England & Wales.’ Take, for example, the fact that Wales remains the only nation or 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.

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territory in these islands without its own legal system or powers over policing or justice. Add to that the distinct lack of progress in creating a Welsh fiscal entity that will finally take responsibility for our economic fate. The anomaly of Wales as a political entity could be entrenched. Just as vital as it is that Smith’s recommendations apply to Wales, we must also finally end that anomaly and fill the competence gulf between Wales and the other parts of the UK. The immediate challenge for Plaid Cymru, now that Welsh nationhood has been secured, is to sow the seeds of an emerging state: the infrastructure of nationhood must be built upon the foundations of devolution. Uniting our country and its communities, introducing democratic regional government, securing the transfer of powers over criminal justice and policing and assuming greater fiscal autonomy are essential to securing our equality within the current state. Crucially, this would also provide the basis for the emergence of a successful independent country, sooner, rather than later. It is an opportunity we must seize.

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A Crucial Opportunity 2015 Spring Conference

ith the Westminster and Assembly elections ahead, the 2015 Spring Conference at Galeri, Caernarfon on March 6th and 7th will be a crucial opportunity for members to hear about Plaid Cymru’s recent achievements and ambitions for the forthcoming elections. It will also be an important chance to discuss what’s best for the future of our nation. This May’s Westminster election will the main focus of the event, with speeches from prominent candidates and a variety of topical discussion panels, in which there will be a chance for delegates to contribute their questions and ideas.

Devolution of Employment Services to Wales, Health, Constitutional Affairs and the Economy. There will also be a Shadow Cabinet Question and Answer session in which members will be able to submit questions to our Shadow Ministers. The Conference Dinner will be held on Friday, 6th March at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon, beginning with a drinks reception at 7pm. Our guest speaker will be Professor Richard Wyn Jones, Director of Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre. He has written extensively on contemporary Welsh politics, devolved politics in the UK and Nationalism and is a regular and

Caernarfon 6-7 March

widely respected broadcaster. On the occasion of Plaid Cymru’s 90th anniversary, Professor Richard Wyn Jones will speak on the history of the Party. Tickets are £35 each for members if booked before conference or £40 at conference. Members can book tickets via esylltmeurig@ plaidcymru.org or by phoning 02920 475920 and executive observers are kindly asked to contact Elen Howells on 01970 617492. On Saturday there will be a not to be missed gig with Geraint Lovgreen a’r Enw Da and special guest Dafydd Iwan. Tickets are £8 if bought in advance and £10 at the door. You can book your tickets and get more information by contacting Richard Thomas on 01286 672510 or by emailing esylltmeurig@plaidcymru.org or phoning 02920 475920.

Highlights of the conference will include a speech by Party Leader Leanne Wood AM on Friday afternoon and keynote speeches from Jonathan Edwards MP, Hywel Williams MP and the prospective MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville Roberts, as well as maiden speeches from many of our Westminster candidates. Panel discussions will include the Future Generations Bill, The Welsh Nation

Spring 2015

Rough Guide to Caernarfon Llyˆr ab Alwyn

s the Chair of Arfon Constituency, I am looking forward to welcoming hundreds of Plaid members to Caernarfon and to the constituency of Arfon for the Spring Conference, and have no doubt that your presence will boost our chances of successfully holding on to a seat that Labour are targeting. Famous for its castle, Caernarfon has the highest percentage of Welsh speakers in any town in the world, and boasts the largest Plaid Cymru branch on the planet! Whilst enjoying the delights of Caernarfon it is worth taking a moment to contemplate the fact that here in Caernarfon, Plaid Cymru run the town council and Gwynedd County Council, we are served by a Plaid member in the Assembly, in Westminster, the House of Lords and Brussels! The town dates back to pre Roman times and the remains of Segontium fort (the Romans left in the 5th Century) are still visible above the town. Another visible relic of a once relevant political force can be seen on the Maes, where a statue of the Liberal Prime Minister Lloyd George stands! We’ll get back to the Maes later. The present constituency only dates back to 2007, and in 2010 Hywel Williams won the new seat for Plaid, in what was a gain from Labour. Whilst Caernarfon does have many hotels and guest houses, it is a busy tourist town on most weekends, so book early! Once in Caernarfon there are plenty of places to eat and drink – many situated around the ‘Maes’. The Maes is the town square, overlooking the castle. The scale of the castle itself is a testament to just how badly behaved the ‘Cofis’ were 800 years ago! Caffi Maes is one of the best cafés in town, and have just opened a small bar underneath the premises. This little European type bar is worth a visit. Next to the HSBC on the Maes the charity GISDA have recently opened a café, staffed by local young homeless men and women with whom GISDA has been working with since 1985. You’ll be assured of a warm welcome.

Caffi Cei is another great little Café in the middle of town and opposite the castle you will find Stryd Twll yn y Wal (Hole in the Wall Street) – a narrow street running inside the town walls. On this street there are two great small restaurants. ‘Blas’ is owned and run by chef Daniel ap Geraint and his wife Mari and “serves contemporary Welsh cuisine using only the finest local seasonal produce in a relaxed atmosphere”. A few metres away you’ll find ‘Osteria’ - a newly opened and very popular Tuscan restaurant. Paolo and the rest of the staff are perfect hosts and the restaurant offers much more than the usual pasta and pizza. Curry Scene (50m from the Celtic Royal hotel) has a very good reputation, again small, and you’ll need to buy any drinks from Bargain Booze next door! If however it’s public houses that you are after, again you won’t be disappointed with the choices available in Caernarfon. For the view, try the Anglesey Arms on the banks of the Menai Straits underneath the castle. On the Maes, The Castle gets busy towards the end of the night. Above the Galeri (conference venue) you’ll find The Alex, no music, no food, no TV, but a great little pub for anyone needing time to work on those last minute amendments! The final pub on the list could well have surpassed Castell Caernarfon as the most famous building in town. Built in 1522 the Black Boy is one of the oldest public houses in the North. ‘Y Blac’ offers good food, plenty of accommodation across three sites and a great selection of Welsh beers. Conveniently, it is also the nearest to the Conference! One other establishment of note that I would encourage everyone to try and visit on your stay in Caernarfon is the wonderful independent bookshop ‘Palas Print’, run by Eirian and Sel and can be found on Palas Street. You’ll leave wishing your town had a shop like this. I am confident that we will have a conference to remember in March and I can promise you all a warm welcome in Caernarfon. Your presence will be a huge boost for our local activists working hard to ensure that Hywel Williams is returned as the next MP for Arfon.

Plaid Cymru Youth Aled Morgan Hughes

EFAy Bureau Update

laid Youth currently has a Bureau member of the European Free Alliance Youth, along with 5 other members from Catalonia, (JERC) The Basque Country (Gazte Abertzaleak), Flanders (Jong-NVA), Corsica (PNC Ghjuventù) and Andalusia (JA). The Bureau’s function is to steer EFAy as an organisation, improve relations between over twenty active member parties, manage finances and set the work plan for the organisation’s work. The Bureau meeting held on the 16th of January was also important as interviews were held for a new Co-ordinator, who will be joining EFAy in April to steer the General Assembly held in Bautzen, Sorbia. It is vitally important that Plaid Youth increases our international activity and participates openly in structures that permit us to work with other organisations who share our objectives. In September, PCY members

participated in an international conference in Catalonia organised by our sister party JERC, and also travelled to observe the referendum in Scotland. Only by working together with other progressive movements throughout our continent will we be able to create a politically united, socially just Europe of the Peoples.

Llanelli T

hrough Westminster candidate Vaughan Williams’ tireless work, hopes are high for a Plaid Cymru victory in Llanelli this May. Therefore it gave us great pleasure in November to announce a new Plaid Cymru Youth branch based within the constituency. Under the chairmanship of Brett John, the branch has gone from strength to strength, and is now not only inspiring young people in Llanelli, but indeed people across the whole of Wales! Well done the Youth of Llanelli! For the latest news and updates - follow the branch’s new Twitter account @PlaidIfancLlan

New website! December saw the launch of our new Plaid Youth website. It was designed by Guillem Chulià, who works as a designer for our sister party Coalicio Compromis in Valencia, and we hope it will develop into a platform to share our ideas with members and new supporters, as well as providing information to those wishing to join us in our activities. Go to www.plaidifanc.org for a look! The Welsh Nation

Spring 2015

Charity Zipwire at Penrhyn Quarry by Armon Gwilym, Campaigns Officer

ust before Christmas, Hywel Williams MP, Rhun ap Iorwerth AM and several Plaid Cymru members took part in doing the Velocity Zipwire at Zipworld, Penrhyn Quarry Bethesda, to raise money for some excellent and worthwhile local charities. Velocity is the longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world. It was minus two degrees at the top of the quarry and everyone decided to huddleup around the fireplace in the mountaintop cabin at the top of Penrhyn Quarry to keep warm. But we before we could get too comfortable it was our turn to zip down the wire at over 100 mph in sub-arctic conditions! Flying through the air, several hundred feet above the quarry on a cold and windswept day, was a thrill to say the least! It was an experience full of mixed emotions from sheer terror, at the start, through to exhilaration and joy at reaching the end safely. It was a challenge which

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everyone was thrilled to take part in, especially to help support and raise money for some brilliant local charities. In total, we raised over £800 through the local Plaid networks in Arfon and Anglesey for the Eleanor Jones Appeal (to buy much needed equipment for the cancer ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd), and for Blue Sky, the health and wellbeing charity for North Wales. We had a great time, and were met at the end by Eleanor Jones and her friends who gave us all a personal thank you for helping to support the charity and raise much needed funds for local communities. Hywel and Rhun paid tribute to Eleanor and her friends, saying that they have done an amazing job to raise over £20,000 towards purchasing specialist equipment for Alaw Ward in Ysbyty Gwynedd. Afterwards Hywel said that he was heartened that so many local people got behind the appeal, and described his Zipwire experience as thrilling: “Despite initial apprehension, I’m glad I took the plunge and it offered great views of Penrhyn Quarry and the Menai Strait. It was a great experience and I’m glad to have been able to help Eleanor’s appeal.” I would encourage all local Plaid Cymru branches and local activists to think about ways they could help support and raise money for local charities in their area, while helping to raise the profile of Plaid Cymru as the only party working to support all the communities of Wales.

“Thanks Carole!”

Remembering Clive Reid by Heini Gruffudd

adly, Wales has lost Clive Reid of Sketty, who died in November aged 79 years.

A celebration was held at the Novotel in Cardiff in January to thank Carole Willis, on her retirement, for her services to the Plaid Cymru Assembly Group. Carole was the last member of group staff still in post since the formation of the Assembly. The Chair of Plaid Cymru, Dafydd Trystan, led the tributes, Leanne Wood presented gifts from the staff and group, and Dafydd Iwan read a tribute poem, ‘A carol for Carole’. As we all know, Carole is diligent, loyal and does everything with a smile on her face. Thanks Carole! – Alun Ffred Jones AM, Chair of the Assembly Group.

Clive was born in Barry, and educated in Barry Grammar School, and then at the Cardiff School of Pharmacy. He spent his period of National Service with the Medical Corps near Oxford and worked for a time at the headquarters of a drugs company in London. He returned to Wales and came to Swansea as a representative of another drug firm, and in 1966 he bought a chemist shop in Morriston. A small room at the back of the shop became the venue of many meetings that discussed Plaid and the nation, while he was dispensing medicines. He served on the West Glamorgan Pharmaceutical Committee and was a member of the local Pharmaceutical Services Committee. He was staunch nationalist who joined Plaid Cymru at the age of twenty. He held many positions within the Party, including chair of Swansea West constituency for three years. He was then secretary and treasurer of Plaid Cymru’s Morriston Branch and was party spokesperson on health and welfare. He stood as a candidate many times in Morriston and as parliamentary candidate for Swansea East in the 1970s and 1980s. After retirement he still continued to make the case for Wales and the Welsh language. He was in correspondence recently in the Pharmaceutical Society journal on the topic of Welsh language prescriptions after Morrisons in Bangor refused to accept Welsh prescriptions. In his letter, Clive asked why Welsh was regarded as a problem, although along with many other countries in the world, Wales is a bilingual country. And then he reminded his readers that half a century ago the language of prescriptions was Latin. That was the sort of person Clive was: well informed, conscientious, committed, someone who served his community and Wales with the highest standards. He leaves a wife, Anne, who comes originally from Blaendulais, two children, Sara and David and their families, and Jac, son of their other daughter, Mari, who sadly died following a violent act in 1998.