‘It’s A Sin’ screenwriter Russell T Davies speaks out on Welsh independence

The screenwriter behind ‘It’s A Sin’ has spoken out on Welsh independence.

Russell T Davies, who wrote the five-part Channel 4 miniseries which follows five 18-year-olds in London whose lives are turned upside down by the outbreak of HIV, told ITV politics show, Sharp End, that he was “starting to listen to that rising independent voice” for the “first time”.

According to the Swansea-born writer who revived the Doctor Who franchise, Wales isn’t “ready for it yet” but it’s time to “start the movement.”

He said that the lack of communication from Whitehall during the pandemic shows that they “don’t care” about Wales.

Mr Davies told Sharp End presenter Rob Osborne: “I’m 57 years-old and this is the first time I’m starting to listen to that rising independent voice – seems to be getting stronger, which I think is fascinating.

“I’m not sure we have a Senedd I’d quite hand power over to yet, but actually as these things build, anything to detach us from Whitehall. Let’s not even pretend that they care. Let’s not even pretend when we’re like 57th on the agenda.

“I think the communication in the virus between Wales and Whitehall has shown how low we are down the list. That’s fine, let’s get off the list, let’s hop it, let’s go, let’s start.”

‘Clear-out’

He added: “I am [curious about independence]. We’re not ready for it yet. My goodness me that place needs a clear-out, and it’s a big system that needs sorting out.

“Even just coming down here, I’ve been down here for the lockdown, I take eye drops for my eyes. Do you know prescriptions are free down here? They’re not in England. What a fine country. Let’s start the movement.”

Mr Davies also said he believes that LGBTQ+ history should be included in the new Welsh curriculum.

He said: “I don’t believe in a separate section – hiving us off into a pink corner. I think it’s just part of history.

“It needs doing and it will be done with people like us making it happen.”