Carwyn Jones ....Reluctant Fighter For Welsh Independence? Let's Hold Back The Laughter And Chat

Hello there. Hope you're feeling well today.

This week in the Eisteddfod Ex Welsh Labour First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has made headlines not so much fighting for independence but acknowledging that it's no longer an option for the wild of thought and that it's now in the mainstream of Welsh political thinking.

Whilst he is still a Unionist he stated that the argument "Wales is too poor to be independent" is untrue. He did say it's economic benefits would not be quick, which to be fair I have constantly stated in this blog.  but nonetheless Wales could go it alone.

He also stated that should Scotland and Northern Ireland leave the Disunited Kingdom there was no future or indeed reason in Wales clinging onto England. Even more so I'd argue one that is turning into the dystopian extreme right wing State of Denmark of the novel by Derek Raymond. Also that Wales given this possible scenario should prepare for the possibility which is also true.

Mr Jones mentioned that he believed in a more "equal partnership" of the nations in the United Kingdom. Something that he didn't appear to aspire to when he actually had the power.

So what should we think of Carwyn Jones, Reluctant fighter for Welsh Independence? Well let's start by thanking him for demolishing the "Wales is too poor to be independent argument". That a senior figure in the Welsh Unionist side has so debunked the argument can only be welcomed and used as a weapon against those who try it out again.

That said....

Carwyn Jones was until December the First Minister of Wales. Note that when he had the power he did nothing to help Wales when faced with Westminster pressure. Indeed one of the things he will be remembered for is that he surrendered Welsh Brexit powers to Theresa May. Who else surrendered to her? The worst Prime Minister in my lifetime (so far).

When he had the power he was in the vanguard of Labour Unionist rule. Only now when he is demob happy and sees a rise in support in independence does he let his mouth run free.

I have read an article that Carwyn Jones' views and those of some other Welsh Labour party officials represent a new strategy by Labour. Basically appearing to park their tanks on Plaid Cymru's lawn. Personally I don't see it. Firstly this suggests a level of organisation that I've never seen Welsh Labour possess.

Secondly it mirrors the clear as mud Labour strategy on Brexit. A "I don't believe in independence but I can't discount it" policy doesn't really make clear what their plan is.

Thirdly Labour are providing mixed messages anyway. There is the Carwyn "I'm a Unionist but..." approach (also as we've chatted about before adopted by his successor as First Minister Mark Drakeford) but there's also the approach of Finance Minister Ken Skates equating Welsh Nationalism to the English extreme right populist version.

And finally when it comes to Welsh independence the voters know well enough which political party has always battled for independence...and it's not Labour.

Until the next time.