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Opinion

The future of YesCymru

21 Oct 2024 6 minute read
Picture: Rhydian Hughes

Neil Anderson, Member 146

YesCymru fails to give committed members anything much to do between marches. This was allegedly going to be a role of All Under One Banner Cymru (AUOB), in itself an effort to reconcile differing perspectives.

Though there were a few local YC groups which organised meetings and some activities (‘Banners on Bridges’ etc), these were sporadic and have fallen into recess.

While the marches are always great events, apart from flag-waving and occasionally very good speeches, the experience for participants, beyond camaraderie, is, I suggest, relatively shallow. Constrained by its founding principles…

YesCymru is a single issue movement. Our two main aims are for international recognition … and for Wales to have its own written constitution. We’re making the general argument for independence. We are working from all parties and none. We welcome people who have different visions as to what an independent Wales would look like in terms of policies etc. (Jobbins 2021)

…and as a non-party political campaign (2017) from developing policy, it gave YC members little to do in an area which excited them enough to join if not much else. Organising around the abstract idea of independence was always going to difficult…

Difficulties

Then, perhaps unsurprisingly, YesCymru turned in on itself. Other difficulties soon arose, notably in respect of alleged transphobia. The then-interim chair said that…

…one of the things of being a broad church and a wide spectrum of people across politics is about making sure that you’re respectful…we have to be respectful to everyone’s views, and respectful to everyone as human beings. (Rees 2021)

Subsequently, it became impossible for YC to resolve much at all within the Central Committee. Other internal ructions led to a standoff that may not be wholly resolved by the Llywd Report (2024).

Fundamental changes

It seems to me that there are at least two options for YesCymru at this time. Either it be dissolved and reconstituted as YesCymru2, with fundamental changes enacted to its constitution both to remove some of its constraints and change its internal processes and structures to ensure that it is always possible to resolve differences in a democratic manner that fully involves members, or that it continues in a dysfunctional state, not fully trusted by it members, and as importantly, potential members.

Strategically then, I think it was a mistake to preclude policy from the remit of YesCymru. While only a public referendum could set constitutional matters in place in the newly independent Cymru, and national elections determine the policies of the first (and I would hope all-party) government, I believe that the independence movement will not gain substantial traction with the people of Cymru until an Offer is clearly defined.

The latter would at least answer the questions ‘what is independence?’ and ‘what is independence for?’. The experience of the Scottish referendum is salutary.

Reflection

It is in the light of the above that I think we need to consider the following…

1. While it is too soon for the full impact of the Llywd Report to be considered by the various parties most intimately involved, and by members, a period of reflection about how we as a movement proceed in future is surely indicated.

2. There must be doubt as to whom members can trust to act for them in the reformation of YesCymru, especially given the way some appear to have behaved.

The mere idea of independence demands integrity and probity of the highest order. Somehow, members need to ensure that the people we elect to positions within YesCymru will exercise their responsibilities appropriately.

We need to note that often these elections have resulted in a bare mandate. Too few participated. We need to know why that was, before indulging in such contests again. My contention is that too little was at stake.

3. The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales agreed that independence is a viable future for our country. Those who formerly have accepted devolution as the halfway house, the necessary compromise, or the endless pathway to some sort of independence one day, might now recognise its limitations and be re-evaluating their opinions.

I believe devolution to be unstable, fraught with continued bickering between an economic colony with little leverage and the failing yet headstrong United Kingdom. The UK will not lead us anywhere worth going, and certainly not anytime soon.

4. But all of these points beg the question of how independent do we want to be?

Has there ever been a march for devolution? Would you get out of bed for it? No and no, I suspect, for almost all of us. But a clearly defined, widely-supported and real independence is the only option that just might get sufficient of us to do that.

5. While a substantial and supportive membership is a necessary precondition to financial durability and eventual success, an empowered board and chief executive and competent staff must also be part of that. I admired the professionalism that was sometimes seen in YesCymru. We must see it again.

6. The real world needs to intrude. The Unionist hegemony of the Labour Party, the Tories, the LibDems and Reform have done and will do Cymru few favours. Even their prized devolution is being rolled back. We need Plaid Cymru and we need YesCymru to fight for all of us!

7. Plaid Cymru and the other pro-independence parties must flourish in the 2026 elections if even the idea of Cymru is to survive. As a nation, we are facing an existentialist crisis.

Obliteration 

We must act now if we want our country, our democracy and our culture to avoid obliteration by the British state and its financial overlords over the next few years. Plaid has done very well this year, and will do better, while the Labour Party here continues to fail.

There is a radical spirit afoot, a red dragon, waiting to be unleashed…

We kicked the Tories out. Now it seems that we need to do the same to the Labour Party, whose former members are finding a warm welcome among the nationalists.

Independence in 2030 might just be achievable!

Cymru Rhydd!


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Robin Huw Crompton
Robin Huw Crompton
11 days ago

I joined Yes Cymru as a retired member to support progress towards an independent Cymru. I have been terribly disappointed in its leadership and current direction and am very much considering leaving.

Dr John Ball
Dr John Ball
10 days ago

D on’t!

Ernie The Smallholder
Ernie The Smallholder
10 days ago
Reply to  Dr John Ball

I support Yes Cymru, however, every year when deciding to join and then would need to send an annual membership fee.

Then pause and then I decide that the cash would be better spent donated to Plaid Cymru to be used on election campaigns.

Dr John Ball
Dr John Ball
10 days ago

Your cash. Your decision. I very much doubt that Plaid Cymru has the people, ability or frankly the desire to drive for independence. The grand independence plan published a few years ago was a cop out, more devolution with knobs on. Once the (then) Assembly was established party leaders smelt power and status – first decision. drop the party’s commitment to independence. Then decades as Santa’s little helper, cuddling up to the true enemy – Labour. And who will ever forget when faced with a (Westminster) by-election, Dafydd Wigley’s notorious Plaid Cymru has never believed in independence? Ernie. Like it… Read more »

Annibendod
Annibendod
10 days ago

Ernie – I came to exactly the same conclusion. We will get our Statehood when we vote for it. YesCymru completely lost its way. Should have been a simple single issue, non-partisan campaign platform for all independence supporters to push the window and move Welsh politics towards a Democratic Welsh State. Instead it got hijacked by zealots then taken back by the old fart brigade. What’s this new report now? How much did they spend on that? What a waste of life! They’ve managed to make the news all about their internal drama’s instead of about the need for indy.… Read more »

Jones
Jones
11 days ago

Interesting piece.

All I see from them these days is accordions, waving flags and spamming social media with no particular focus.

I’m not trying to be obtuse, but what’s the way forward here? Something that pitches itself as the flagship Indy organisation has to be more than that, surely?

It seems everyone that wanted to do “more” has been got rid of one way or another. What’s the long term plan?

S Duggan
S Duggan
11 days ago

We have every right to feel despondent but we can’t just abandon the concept of YesCymru. (As some have considered doing here).
If we do that we waste all that the organisation has built already. As the article suggests a complete reorganisation of it’s internal structure to better represent it’s membership and give a clear concise way forward is one way to go. And any changes must be ratified by the membership.

Jamie Lee
Jamie Lee
10 days ago
Reply to  S Duggan

We tried not to. We tried to hang on to it as a brand, as a membership, as all the good work that had been done. But we were thwarted by egos so set on control they lost sight of the vision. We really did try. Its made people ill. Its been over a year of bullying. But we tried.

What was disappointing was the collective shrug from the wider membership when the whistle was blown. Unless they stand up there is nothing to be done!

Jones
Jones
10 days ago
Reply to  Jamie Lee

The eyepopening facts are in the Elfyn Llwyd report . Onwards with the campaign and focus on what you can do as members to bring independence closer. EVERYBODY WANTS OTHERS TO DO THE WORK. WE are all responsible, it is down to every Sion and Sian . Er gwaethaf phawb a phob Dic Sion Dafydd. Because they will try to stop us. Ymlaen.

Annibendod
Annibendod
10 days ago
Reply to  Jones

Join Plaid and get knocking doors.

Jones
Jones
9 days ago
Reply to  Annibendod

Did for 30yrs.

Scott
Scott
8 days ago
Reply to  Jones

Lol. I can count the number of facts in that “independent” report on one finger.
If you’ll believe all that tosh, you’ll believe anything.

Jones
Jones
8 days ago
Reply to  Scott

Please do

HarrisR
HarrisR
10 days ago

“There is a radical spirit afoot, a red dragon, waiting to be unleashed”

There’s a man down the chip shop thinks he’s Elvis. Seriously, unless this “movement” sheds it’s wind and rhetoric and faces hard reality and it’s own inadequacy, it’s doomed.

What “radical spirit”? All I see across Europe is a slide to neo fascism, the final collapse of social democracy, and the acceptance & consolidation of the Right. Wales does not have any exceptionalism. As we will relatively shortly see.

Jack
Jack
10 days ago
Reply to  HarrisR

I agree.

Jeff
Jeff
10 days ago

I am not sure what to make of YC apart from flags and marches and a strange strained ownership?

My perception. Web site is not what I expected and a bit hit and miss (first look in today)

But I am not interested unless I start to see policies and projections and you absolutely need to get non welsh speakers and heritage on board. If you want indy then the majority want to go, not dragged along.

Lyn E
Lyn E
10 days ago

As this article recognises, the demand for independence will not gain traction until it is clearly defined. So what is the Offer?

Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards
10 days ago
Reply to  Lyn E

From Member 416: the offer, for the moment, is to continue to exist as a membership organisation with many members, and to provide a safe space where you won’t be cancelled. Which can be mobilised when the temperature rises. YC has survived, done this and its a good start. As NA himself shows us, the idea is that “a public referendum could set constitutional matters in place”. YC will have to do better than this. My own suggestion is for YC to promote a series of public meetings round Wales to set up a Committee that will arrange a legitimate… Read more »

Last edited 10 days ago by Jonathan Edwards
Lyn E
Lyn E
10 days ago

Thank you for this.

How would a Constitutional Convention address the biggest question over an independent Wales: its relations with the external world, and in particular with England?

Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy
10 days ago
Reply to  Lyn E

Norway gets on with Sweden; Belgium with Netherlands; UK with Ireland.
All independent European countries with open borders despite their histories….

Why would Wales not be able to get on with England/RUK ?

Lyn E
Lyn E
10 days ago
Reply to  Mike Murphy

Possible but not guaranteed. In each of the cases you mention, separation was traumatic. Peaceful for Norway but preceded by growing tensions and military preparations on both sides. Revolution in Belgium. War of Independence then Civil War in Ireland and later ‘Troubles’, with a still unresolved border and trade issues held at bay by post-Brexit agreements. Some of the new states that have emerged in Europe in the last 35 years did so peacefully but many did not. There are still many latent conflicts and full-scale war in Ukraine. Leaving aside worst case scenarios, there would still be a vast… Read more »

CapM
CapM
10 days ago
Reply to  Mike Murphy

We would get on.
Same tactic was used by No campaign on Scottish independence.
Visas to travel, Passports presented, Armed guards at Gretna Green. torn apart families reaching out across barbwire fences at the border,

When there is no real argument for continuing the UK then all that’s left is project fear.

Dr John Ball
Dr John Ball
10 days ago

I am am somewhat concerned at the tone of this article and some of the responses. It is true that things have gone a little quiet, but remember that we are a totally voluntary movement relying entirely on members goodwill. Any voluntary organisation has its issues, both internal and external The problems of the past (note, past) to which reference has been made are exactly that – in the past. What dismays me is that in this day and age it is far too easy to rush to social and other media with a grudge instead of either sorting it… Read more »

Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards
10 days ago
Reply to  Dr John Ball

Keep at it John! You are no longer alone in the economic sphere. Kiera Marshall and Mark Hooper and Llew Gruffudd all seem to share your interest in bringing some know-how into creating a self-sufficient Welsh economy. I want Wales (YesCymru) to up its game and get the Consitutional moves right – neglected by Plaid, of all people. Anyone else up for this?

Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy
10 days ago

I am in – We need to present a strong economic case for independence if we are to succeed. To challenge the Indy-Never crowd,

Annibendod
Annibendod
10 days ago
Reply to  Dr John Ball

So John, when will you be rejoining Plaid Cymru?

Dr John Ball
Dr John Ball
9 days ago
Reply to  Annibendod

Not under any circumstances. Since you’ve asked. Plaid Cymru has lost its way. I have every respect for its hard working members, but ultimately the leadership is weak, self serving and nothing to offer. And I’m fed up of the bleating – Monday night ITV all the P C representative could do was mourn about the problems, no suggestions, no policy, just everything is so bad… More importantly. I have believed in an independent Welsh state all my life and my time and energy are better spent working on and explaining the economic case without it being seen as in… Read more »

Garycymru
Garycymru
10 days ago

Be it Plaid or Yes, they both have the huge and difficult job of providing clear evidence to the indy-naysayers so that they can make an informed decision.
They have to overcome media lies, indoctrinated attitudes, false data being spread around and general attacks from Britnats who just don’t like the idea.
It’s an uphill battle, which needs solid and consistent leadership and pressure.
I think the “form new” from scratch would be the best way forward, and provide the best fresh start with new enthusiasm and fresh ideas

Jack
Jack
10 days ago

Pointless campaign. It’s not going to happen as there is no Westminster (and little Welsh) political or financial reason for the alteration to happen.

Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy
10 days ago

YC activities have been limited recently – not least because of the financial problems which almost finished off YC last year – the real reason behind previous CEO demise was he was simply too expensive for our limited income. He was an excellent communicator and did a great job in spreading the work of independence – but we could not afford him. Finances are now back on a solid footing and cash is being released to groups to pursue local activities. If anyone feels they can do a better job at governing YC then please put your name forward for… Read more »

CapM
CapM
10 days ago

I wonder if YesCymru could do anything to insist that if special interest groups join their marches those groups need to also have placards/banners that clearly show that their group supports independence.

As an example it would allow all fellow marchers and those observing to identify with and endorse the Socialist Workers Party’s support of independence rather than identifying with and endorsing the SWP itself.
If a group on a march doesn’t support independence then it’s just cynically using Yes Cymru’s for it’s own ends.

Rob
Rob
8 days ago

YesCymru could do with a ‘cabinet’, with people ironing out the case from different perspectives, such as: currency, language, fiscal policy, divorce settlement, borders, energy etc.

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