Should Wales be Independent? An honest conversation 

That was very reasonable. I approve this message!

As a romanian I support independent Wales, Ireland and Scotland and I support that they speak their own language. I like to see diverse nations with different languages and cultures.

Very good video! Fantastic. Thanks for that!

Hmm very unique take on the subject. Amazing video!

I want us to be in charge of our own immigration and not Westminster, I dont us to depend on Westminster for our budget.

Hmm very fresh take, great vid. would be cool to see a full video looking at the origins of labour / socialism in Wales

As a Northern Italian I hope that the Celtic countries can gain their independence again and perhaps form some sort of Celtic Union where countries help and support each other, some sort of Union within the European Union and perhaps revive Celtic languages ​​IF THEY WANT 🇮🇹❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇮🇪🇮🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

As an american I agree with Wales to become independent from England and besides what does the King Charles have done for your country? Let me guess.... nothing.

Great video, I’ve always wandered what are the statistics in terms of people moving in and out of wales. From within the UK and elsewhere. I feel it might have an effect on whether the independence movement will gain steam or fizzle out. Having said that it independence should be for everyone who lives in wales so perhaps not. Might be an interesting video 🤔

Thanks for the video, it was really interesting. Much of what you say seems to rest on the idea that a country needs conservative and liberal politics in order to function, but this point isn't really backed up in the video. I'd like to see a video that explains why you believe this is the case.

Good Ben. Interesting angle. I agree

Im a English man with Scottish, Welsh and Irish ancestors. We are one people, our politicians do not define us.

You have a great radio voice. If you had your own radio station (such a different experience from a podcast), just part-time, where you'd speak about different topics of interest to you, sprinkled with your type of music, I'd tune in!

Greetings. How do you do. Thank you very much for your response. I still propose dialogue among people at all levels even as groups, political parties even organisations as frequently as we can faithfully. By the way, I appreciate all the traditional histories of Welsh, Scottish, Cornish, Manx and English traditional aspects as part of integral British heritage. Thank you very much once again. Diolch.

Wales the same size as Slovenia and will be the first country with living main celtic language, i think it's better for preserving flows of immigrants (only really brave and interested migrants will stay in country with such difficult language, so it's kinda like sieve

It's not bigoted to no want to be Western England.10 simple words.

How the system works in UK? Do Wales and Scotland receive funds from England? Isn't economically advantageous for Wales to be part of UK?

I agree with your point that it is problematic to have one party gaining majorities in every election for 100 years. In other countries parties lose elections as they make mistakes or grow out of touch. The problem in Wales with Labour was that they may have won all the elections, but they were not always in power. The process of discontentment and people turning to alternatives thus never happened. In an independent Wales this would happen pretty quickly and then maybe the result might be a greater political diversity of competing ideologies.

More common law powers to the people I say. Bureaucracy should never have the license to harass or run amok over citizens' liberty, happiness. The common people ought to judge the rightness and equity of laws derived only to serve the State.

I would say yes to independence and fully understand that this brings with it significant challenges. What i don't like about the current situation is that the government in Westminster is using wales to highlight the failures of a labour government whilst the labour government in Wales blames Westminster for the lack of funding given to wales. Let us have our independence then we'll only have ourselves to blame .

Great video an interesting take on it. My Thought on independence for Wales is an economic one. Wales had industry, a lot of it. Welsh coal fueled the world, it had a lot going for it but now what does it have? A love-hate relationship with Torisum a few large businesses struggling to justify staying open and a few smaller industries dotted around the country taking advantage of the cheap rents and land values. Currently, it seems the Welsh government is more interested in destroying the countryside with eco projects than money-making ones. Wales gets more tax money back from the central government than it pays in and it struggles as it is.

18:10 I suppose the point was that they were saying that all the other parties are branch offices of London parties, we are based in Wales and therefore call ourselves Plaid Cymru.

I feel that the time independence movements is drawing to a close. External threats like Russia and China, job displacement from AI and increasing social unrest from mass immigration will dominate all politics for the next 50 years.

There's a great Welsh band I know of that seems to be on their own quest for that spirit you talk of. The song *Pagan Spirit* (... but a Christian heart ... ) even has the word spirit in it. Their name is *Albion* and they make what I suppose could be called folk metal. Welsh folk metal. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5V5kXfmOWrw.html They have more songs than that of course. Might be worth trying some others even if this one is not your cup of tea. Their singer, whose RU-vid channel is under the name *Joe Parrish* , but whose name, according to Jethro Tull, is Joe Parrish James, has posted one of the best covers ever of a song of all men, called Dirty Boy here. If you like Stravinsky, you might even enjoy his cover of Rite of Spring, all on guitars. (He's also a guitarist, and you'll see him play the flute, too, if you watch the Albion video.) I have a few Welsh ancestors. Two I know of, anyway. There's an Amy Bainbridge, "from Wales", who could apparently sing beautifully - in some Methodist chapel, I'd guess - and at that line the trail runs dead, and then a cousin of mine found that our Settler ancestor from Bristol's wife's family originally came from Wales. Turns out the name means "The Stranger/ Foreigner" apparently, so might not fit the strictest definition of "Welsh", but they were from right on or just over the border, so somewhere back where the trail fades out there will be some Welsh ancestors. It's just a nice thought, that's all. Obviously doesn't signify, culturally. Nor does Lincolnshire (the Outmarsh) , nor Yorkshire, nor Taunton, nor Devon. All too far upriver. But it's a nice thought all the same. Not as nice as the thoughts you'd have listening to Albion if you don't hate anything "metal", though. (It's not "brutal" metal. Just has virtuouso solos and some crunchy bits.) The Settler ancestor was the last person to be killed by lions in the Orange Free State. This happened while he was busy killing the last lions in the Orange Free State. We have more stories of him. A bit of a strange man. Thank goodness for that.

As a Belarusian I support independence of Kimria, Scotland and reunification of Ireland, in 1920s our country and people were divided into two and we know how it is, I would like all celtic countries to get independence and revive their languages

3:00 I would think the constellation of parties would change if independence for Wales happened. It would surely no longer be viable to have a dominant party which is a branch office of a party in England.

Greetings. How do you do. I appreciate the cultural identity sentimentality. However, as an essential stakeholder to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, I propose that we cannot afford to even consider any form of secession at all. By the way, I don't live in the UK currently. I propose essential dialogue among all the regional countries of Wales, Cornwall, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland honestly and sincerely. Thank you very much. Dioch.

I love your videos Ben. The follow on question from your video is WHY has Wales a one party dominance, why are we the anomaly amongst the democracies? The paradox here, I think, is that due to Westminster control and the cultural dominance of English Conservatism right across the UK, this pushes Wales towards using Labour as an insurance policy. Voters keep the those with the real power in check the world over: UK bi-lections, US mid terms etc. To counter one party dominance reigning down on Wales from a largely English controlled UK, paradoxically we're creating our own one party dominance here in Wales. However, there's a big distinction I'd argue between the two paths chosen by Wales and England retrospectively. In endorsing Labour in huge numbers in Wales, I would suggest that the people of Wales do this knowing full well that the full levers of the state aren't being given to Labour in Wales ....because we're not an independent state of course. If Wales were an independent state then a natural eco system of political traditions, meeting the needs of Wales's various challenges, would without doubt evolve. Greater accountability and more competitive races would have to occur in Welsh constituencies within an independent Wales; because the stakes would naturally be higher. I campaigned for devolution and believe it has brought good. However, exaggerating to make a point here, perhaps the collective Welsh view on devolution is that its merely 'playing house' compared with 'real' governments running states. Due to this, I don't see the current single party dominance in Wales as a reason to suggest Wales isn't ready for independence, quite the opposite. Voting for Labour, as an insurance policy against Conservative dominance of Westminster shows that the Welsh electorate have the natural desire to balance things out seen in other democracies ...once we've acknowledged the paradoxical mess Wales is in. Independence could be the medicine that Wales needs to be able to further develop the array of conversations, ideas, skills and political traditions.

I wonder how different history might be if Wales had never lost its original independence

We should be proud of our heritage and all things Welsh, and especially proud of the Welsh language. One thing we do not need is another Offa‘s Dyke. Would the proposed ‘independent’ country, or state, be like the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, the Swiss model, or something new and very Welsh?

Don't know about Welsh independence but being a Cricket Fan I definitely support Wales to have their own National Cricket Team just like Scotland does. I understand the complexities that prevents it from happening. Still, Wales already has their own Football & Rugby team, while ECB (which has an invisible 'W' as its full form is 'England & Wales Cricket Board') doesn't even put the name Wales on the team they field in International matches. So I've always sympathised with the frustration of the Welsh Cricket Fans & their desire to be properly represented in Cricket.

I agree. I was born and grew up in Wales and thought that in the long term Wales would be better off independent. There were no major companies headquartered in Wales and it felt it was just a source of resources and cheap labour to companies based in London and overseas, who pulled out when cheaper resources became available. After finishing University, I followed Norman Tebbit's advice and moved to London where the jobs were, and then Australia, where the economy is more split between the states. From what I see the results of devolution have been disappointing and I can't see the point of leaving the UK to join the EU. I guess Wales would need a constitution like the US, but that would never happen because those currently in power would do everything they can to prevent it or rig it in their favour. The constitution would need to incentivise the growth of Welsh companies rather than rely on global corporations and UK benefits. IMHO it would take a long time and much pain to transition to independence. Having said that, it would be great if it started and I would consider moving back to help.

Is it controversial to say that I would support an independent Wales, in order to begin to explore what an independent England might look like? Perhaps it would have some of the same problems that you describe for an independent Wales, but I really haven’t thought that through forEngland (which is an additional problem). I am kind of assuming that in a world where an independent Wales existed, that Scotland would have become independent at some point as well. It would be kind of ironic if it had not. However, in the current circumstances I am hesitant to fully support either, because it sounds like a one-way door into the unknown, where I would be bringing millions of people along for the ride, who didn’t sign up for the experiment. And perhaps I should stay out of the discussion because I’m not a UK citizen anyway.

Aber man here. Keep the UK UNITED!

Here's an alternative take on it: perhaps the left wins consistently _because_ Wales is not independent. Both separatist movements and peoples under rule of others tend to be left-leaning, but once they get independence and the new system is in place, that one big unifying driving demand vanishes and then you start to see others taking priority, which may end up leading the people in a different direction.

The public sector is funded by taxes on the private sector. The Welsh private sector could not support the current levels of spending of the Welsh government. So sure, Wales could go it alone, but public sector spending would have to plummet. Also, Wales would need a navy to protect its fishing territory from unscrupulous English and Irish fishermen. Good luck with that!

Without own military and economic independence you don't have independence. Anyway no country is really independent. But this is another story Look at commorre islands. One voted to be independent, othe renains a french colony. People from the free island emigrate to the colony because wages are bigger.

Of course Wales should be independent, regardless of the political and financial situation. Wales should and must be independent for it to survive as an entity, without true independence Wales will never experience true democracy and the chance to fulfill its true potential 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Apologies! I deleted my garbled 'rant' before reading your reply. I picked up the reply after I deleted. My reasons for backing an independent Wales are based on the abyssmal way Westminster, all parties, regard Wales and how unfairly Wales is, and always has been, so arrogantly treated. I don't see the next Labour Government doing Wales any better than the Torries. The focus is always going to be on England and England's prosperity.

I want Scotland, wales and all of west country (under the Dunmonia banner) to be independent.

What evidence is there of how actually widespread the laws of Hywel Dda were manifest. Did the North Walians ever recognise Hywel Dda as their overlord?

The South Wales Valleys would vote for a turd if it had a Labour rosette on it.

As a English man who's father was Welsh and who's children are Welsh, I think the Union is best for all of us. It has been hugely successful throughout it's history. When i lived in Wales I found the Welsh government very reasonable and for the people. Now they seem to be more and more authoritarian. I also find the Scottish government a complete basket case. P.S. Dw i'n mwynhau dysgu cymraeg

Wales trades most of its products with England in the UK.So for Wales it would still be dependent on England for trade or try to trade with the EU and all the problems this would make.Scotland suffers a similar problem.I think a lose union between the home nations is best for everyone.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Absolutely the idea of the United Kingdom is over instead embrace Celtic unity

Labour is entrenched because of Westminster rule. It's a function of an impoverished, colonised nation.

Thoughts: When religion becomes a central tool for governance it loses all divine authenticity. A person of faith does not worship idols nor even idolizes priests. A true democratic system of governance would be separate to the Church and also freed of all political party memberships thus freeing decision bias from such tradition alignments and membership conformances. An individual running for office so as to represent his/her constituents should be means tested for minimal education and his/her adequate investments so as to prove his/her worth and ability to maintain his/her keep. This is my thoughts because throughout human history so many wars and atrocities were carried out in the name of God… [And] even in today’s world the Orthodox priests of Muscovy bless their ‘machines of war’ with said Holy water. Therefore I conclude that I believe that Church be separate from State and all members of governance be as individuals. Innovation and advancements thieve outside the restrictions of conformance.

I never imagined Wales not being right wing enough would be cited as a reason against independence. I would regard that aspect of Wales as a good thing, personally.

if the isle of man can do it so can wales.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿There is NO Conservative Independence Party therefore I will never vote for it as it stands. Now the question is welsh Independence ECONOMICALLY possible? In 1900 the industrial coal age I think it may have been possible (bit like SNP with oil). But once again no Conservative independence business minds behind it. You need both Labour and Conservative independent parties to make Wales work. Now suppose we found a magic mineral only found in Wales that would bring wealth to each individual would that change voting for Welsh Independence?

Wales voted Brexit 😂. That's right wing enough.

Using the fact that Welsh independence parties only hold one ideology as a reason against independence is laughable especially when you hold Israel as a "stable example". Israel is an ethno state who's leaders believe the total destruction/enslavement of another people is vital to their survival who's dominant ideology is so right wing it's fascist, all the parties are zionist. That is one ideology. You forgot Japan DLP who have dominated in a similar way to Labour, are they left wing/utopoian? America's two parties both share the same pro business, capitalist ,big military ideologies... You are hiding behind ideology as a reason in Cymru because left wing thought or utopianism/oppressor politics to put more in your words is not an ideology you share. There is a big difference between the Soviet Union and Denmark I'm not sure you see this. The reason Cymru doesn't have many political parties is because we only have 3 million population and most people are working class and the shadow of Britain/England's politics and propaganda looms large. Personally I think after independence the parties would splinter and reorganize themselves, the Tories couldn't exist as they are now, and probably even Labour and Plaid imo. You are right that size, wealth, population aren't an issue and gave good examples why. Personally I believe Cymraeg's only serious chance of existing in 100-200 years is with Annibyniaeth.

I'm English, but my dad is full welsh. I don't think Wales as it is could make it alone. My dad, and even my Nain, who could barely be more Welsh, was completely against Welsh independence.

you have to loosen the screw…. Your lost in the game.

You love Israel