The greatest political injustices inflicted on Wales
With the news that a multi-billion pound rail project between Oxford and Cambridge will be classed as an England and Wales scheme, the spotlight has once again turned on the treatment Wales receives from the UK government.
After the furore of the HS2 project being classed as an England and Wales project, this new rail scheme yet again appears to be one of a number of political injustices meted out to Wales.
Let’s face it the history of this nation is littered with painful incidents we have had to suffer.
We decided to consult the history books to draw up a list of the events which have blighted Wales.
They span medieval conquest to modern-era neglect and cultural suppression.
These then are the events which have shaped Welsh identity, politics, and resistance over centuries.
1. Edward I’s Conquest of Wales (1277–1283)
What happened: Edward I of England invaded and conquered Wales, ending the rule of the native Welsh princes.
Injustice: Wales lost its independence, and native legal and political systems were replaced by English rule.
Legacy: The construction of massive castles (e.g., Caernarfon, Conwy) to dominate the Welsh and assert English control.
2. Statute of Rhuddlan (1284)
What happened: This statute formally annexed Wales to the English Crown.
Injustice: Imposed English law, abolished Welsh governance, and marginalised native customs and legal systems.
3. Suppression of the Welsh Language and Culture (16th–20th century)
What happened: Especially post-1536 Acts of Union, the Welsh language was removed from official status, and English became the sole language of administration.
Injustice: Welsh was banned in schools by the 19th century. Children speaking Welsh were punished with the Welsh Not.
Legacy: Long-term erosion of language and identity until recent welcome revitalisation of the language.
4. Laws in Wales Acts (1536 & 1543) – “Acts of Union”
What happened: Wales was legally annexed to England under Henry VIII, a Welsh-born monarch.
Injustice: Welsh people were made into second-class citizens in their own country, and the Welsh language was excluded from public life.
5. Industrial Exploitation and Economic Neglect (19th–20th centuries)
What happened: Wales fuelled Britain’s industrial revolution, especially through coal and slate.
Injustice: Despite generating wealth, Wales remained economically underdeveloped. Profits left the country, and working conditions were poor.
Legacy: Long-term economic disparity and underinvestment.
6. Tryweryn Valley Flooding (1955–1965)
What happened: The Welsh village of Capel Celyn was flooded to create a reservoir for Liverpool, against Welsh opposition.
Injustice: Done without the consent of Welsh representatives—symbolised English political dominance.
Legacy: Sparked modern Welsh nationalism and campaigns for devolution.
7. Denial of Political Autonomy (Pre-1999)
What happened: Wales had no devolved government until the late 20th century.
Injustice: Major decisions about Welsh life were made in Westminster with little Welsh input.
Legacy: Led to decades of underrepresentation and limited control over health, education, and infrastructure.
8. Economic Austerity and EU Disconnection (2010s–Present)
What happened: Wales was one of the biggest recipients of EU funding for deprived regions.
Injustice: Post-Brexit, replacement UK schemes have been criticised for offering less autonomy and funding.
Legacy: Economic uncertainty and loss of local control over development funding.
9. Underfunding in the Barnett Formula (Ongoing)
What happened: The Barnett Formula determines funding from the UK Treasury to devolved governments.
Injustice: Wales often receives less per capita than Scotland, despite higher needs.
Legacy: Ongoing repeated campaigns for a fairer funding model.
10. Lack of a Distinct Welsh Legal Jurisdiction (Still Shared with England)
What happened: Unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland, Wales does not have a fully separate legal system.
Injustice: Legal ambiguity and dependency on English law, despite having a Senedd that passes Welsh-specific legislation.
READ MORE:
‘HS2 all over again’: Oxford – Cambridge rail project classed as ‘England and Wales’
First Minster defends ‘raw deal’ rail link designation
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At least start with the Romans,
Get up stand up, stand up for our rights,
First clear these time wasters and bed blockers out…
As I have said previously a separate judicial system is necessary to get rid of “England&wales.”
When, as originally envisaged, HS2 was to be constructed right up into England’s north-west, there was at least a vestige of justification for deeming it an ‘England and Wales scheme’, given that Crewe is a pretty short hop – always non-stop since Beeching – to Chester whence the north Wales coastal railway line heads westward.
But Oxford?! It’s far distant from and way outside Wales; indeed with no rail access intoto Wales without a change of trains at Hereford. This is a shameless and cynical ‘con’.
Remember that famous Phil Bennett speech before a rugby match at Twickenham, listing how they had pillaged our country.
The rugby victories continued to 60+ until we knocked them out of their own RWC, then the tournament organiser organised a sabotage report to take over the WRU, who now have a bunch of English failures governing over the worst era in our rugby history.
Unfortunately there are a lot of 80 minute nationalists in Wales. Rugby is a form of escapism, where we love to beat the English but not prepared to defend our country where it really matters.
You’re spot on. I have always taken the same view on the Cymry. They are seen in the Millenium Stadium mouthing all the wrong words to the national anthem, don’t have a clue what the words mean, and after the game is over want to forget they are Welsh. The majority hate the fact they were Welsh-born. If a war broke out between Cymru and England half of them would not be able to decide which side to support. It’s really really embarrassing.
Time and time again, the English are accused of perpetuating injustices, with little room for nuanced debate or alternative perspectives. It is infuriating to see the stagnation that grips the Welsh government, a body endowed with the potential for transformative change but seemingly paralysed by mediocrity. How can one not feel a mix of anger and amusement when witnessing representatives who appear more suited to the confines of local council duties than the complexities of modern governance? Cardiff Bay should be the cradle of progress, yet it teeters on the brink of irrelevance, shackled by those who lack the vision… Read more »
Where’s the nuance in proceeding with a reservoir plan after it was opposed by every Welsh MP?
I see Labour HQ have sent their bot out again.
I left Labour many years ago…am 80 years old and fought in campaigns in Borneo, South Yemen, Aden and tours of Northern Ireland…on leaving I held Senior posts in the Auto, and Electronics Industry. And see the current runt of politicians uneducated and aloof from peoples lives, and if Plaid get to run Wales it would be best if those wanting better lives, LEFT!!!
I would have added Tân yn Llŷn, 1936, to that list.
May add the bad decision not to make Newport capital of Wales to this impressive list ,
We are the founders of our own downfall. Let me explain. For centuries we have put up with the most atrocious abuse from a England & Westminster. Be it the Act of Union Wales 1535. Taffy is a Thief & Blue Book slurs. Chartists riots. The Welsh Not campaign. Aberfan disaster. Elan Valley & Tryweryn water resource rape. Coal & Slate resource rape. That’s just a mere malicious microcosm of what we’ve put up with as Britain’s native people. And with each and every racist remark, hateful slur and insult made, we continue to do nothing but to turn on… Read more »
#11. The current Welsh Government.
How many times have you heard someone say ‘I’m Welsh but I prefer to call myself British’, would you ever hear a Scotsman or Irishman say that? To most people British is synonymous with English. The issue is self-respect. Why would anyone respect us as a nation if we cannot respect ourselves?