AS an independence-supporting Scot living in Wales, I feel entitled to voice my disagreement at Jenny Pearson’s letter (Follow the Welsh example and spell out benefits of indy, Jan 23). Living down here and understanding the social and political landscape has firmly led me to believe that the Welsh independence movement is a model to be avoided rather than replicated.
Firstly, there has been an abject failure by Plaid Cymru to be viewed as a party for all residents of Wales. By focussing on language as a key issue to try and advance support for independence, they alienate many people outside of the Welsh-speaking strongholds. In the areas closer to the English border, such as the north-east where I live and the more heavily populated south-east in and around the capital, people generally feel like Plaid is not a movement that has their best interests at heart as they are not in the Welsh-speaking heartlands. Labour generally hoovers up the support of those for whom Plaid do not resonate.
READ MORE: Independence for Wales is a viable option, major report concludes
By failing to have the main party of independence being seen as a party that represents all residents of Wales, the Welsh independence movement has some serious presentational issues. Whatever your views on the SNP, the Scottish movement benefitted from the party’s ability to gain support from across all of Scotland.
Additionally, there has been a consistent failure to create a plausible economic argument for Welsh independence. As Wales has fewer natural resources and a less powerful economy than Scotland in the modern era, there is a widespread feeling amongst those who could be swayed by Welsh independence that the economy simply isn’t ready to stand on its own two feet.
Many in the north-east and south-east also travel to England for work and business, and these people need to be convinced that economic stability would ensue after independence. When working in the north-west I have actually met Welsh nationalists who agree that the economy would suffer, but support independence for nationalistic and cultural reasons.
READ MORE: YesCymru: Major constitution report has validated Welsh independence
If Welsh independence was ever to advance as an idea then a coherent economic plan would need to be put forward to convince the electorate. The economic case put forward by the Scottish independence movement is much more plausible for floating voters.
So, despite what some outside observers may believe, Welsh independence is not imminent.
There are some serious structural issue to the Welsh independence movement, such as a failure to be seen to represent all citizens of Wales, and lack of a strong alternative economic argument.
It is absolutely a model that should be avoided in Scotland. Welsh independence as a movement has way more to learn from Scotland’s example than the other way around.
Tim Jones
Wrexham, Wales
OUT driving on Sunday, I was listening to the car radio which carried a horrific story from Gaza about a doctor, using a pair of scissors, amputating his niece’s leg without anaesthetic. Later there was a piece about an Israeli who had gone to jail as a conscientious objector, he said peace was the way forward, that “there is no military solution” to the conflict.
Hamas committed a horrible crime on October 7, killing innocents, kidnapping innocents. But what Israel is doing now is no better: chasing Palestinians from their homes to “safe areas” which are then bombed, cutting off food supplies, cutting off the water supply, blocking the internet, attacking hospitals, just seems spiteful. Not all two million Palestinians are Hamas supporters, but they all get to suffer.
READ MORE: Footage captures moment civilian waving white flag in Gaza 'safe zone' is shot dead
25,000 Palestinians are dead, an unknown number are injured, when will enough be enough?
Trying to defeat Hamas is a reasonable objective, but the methods are questionable. These will drive more Palestinians into Hamas ranks. When Israel finally leaves Gaza, will there be less or more support for Hamas in the general population? Likely more, as all will have suffered, and so many will have lost family members.
What is the alternative to Israel and Palestine agreeing that each has the right to exist? Ongoing war forever and a day. Pushing more Palestinians into the Hamas camp is a strange tactic from Israel. Why not try jaw jaw rather than war war?
Kidnapped Israelis in Gaza would probably prefer jaw jaw. In Gaza, the shooting and killing of three kidnapped Israelis carrying a white flag raises the question of whether this is the standard protocol for IDF soldiers. The kidnapped, and their families, are in a hellish situation not helped by their government.
The main problem in Israel is the Prime Minister. He has taken political chicanery to new, absurd levels.You cannot help but think that punishing the Palestinians in Gaza and in the West Bank is a cynical part of his next election campaign.
Countries can be lucky in their leaders in times of crisis. Israel is not.
Brian Nugent
Secretary, Sovereignty
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