Wales, we need to talk.
We’re beginning to realise that independence is a possibility. Perhaps even a probability. Old-school nationalists are being joined by those who can see we need to leave the sinking ship of the UK and strike out on our own before we get sucked down as well.
That means we must have a destination to steer towards. It’s now imperative that we develop a clear image of what an independent Wales would look like. We can’t wait any longer.
A convincing national vision
So we need conversations about that. Some will be difficult, even painful. We need to develop a convincing national vision that will guide our decision making and enthuse the nation to join together in building it. We need a vision inspiring enough to sustain us through the inevitable difficulties, and give us the strength to stand up to those who, equally inevitably, will seek to oppose it.
As we prioritise the policies that build the future nation, loud voices will protest that this or that is unfair. Let’s address that.
The journalist Alaric Jacob was a war correspondent during the second world war. In 1943 he was posted to the Soviet Union, which had just crushed the Germans at Stalingrad. The critical victory at Kursk was won during his stay, and he visited the front in its aftermath.
In A Traveller’s War, Jacob remarked on a significant difference in attitudes between the UK and the Soviet Union. Wartime conditions meant that both countries had very limited resources. Both naturally prioritised their armed forces – the Soviets more than the British. When Jacob visited the fighting units, he remarked on how much more food they had than their British equivalents in North Africa.
Behind the lines, however, policies were very different. In wartime Britain, the rationing system for the civilian population tried to ensure that everyone received the same amount of food and other necessities. This was seen as fair. (Let’s not get into the ‘black market’ here; we’re speaking of ideals).
Fair independence in practice
In the Soviet Union, however, people received food and necessities in proportion to their contribution to the war effort. Factory workers received more than war ministry clerks. The elderly, Jacob noted, lived on cabbage soup and weak tea. This was widely supported. The people knew by then what the Germans did to the populations of conquered territories; that they must win or be exterminated. Achieving victory took priority over everything. Policies that brought that nearer were seen as fair.
Independence won’t be a matter of changing flags and carrying on as before. Life will be different, as a free Wales builds a new future with the resources available. We’ll need to build unity around agreed national goals, with what’s ‘fair’ deriving from what brings them closer.
Lee Kwan Yew’s vision when his country became independent might be summed up as a clean, green, ‘first world’ Singapore; multiethnic, multilingual, and multicultural, with cultured and educated citizens. (How much of that was achieved, how, and at what cost can be argued, and will be. But again, these are ideals). We might aim for something similar in Wales. But what does that mean in practice? For people’s lives?
On Question Time some years ago, a young Welshman in the audience asked the panel what Welsh independence would mean for his relationship with his English girlfriend. I was disappointed when nobody gave him a coherent answer, because this needs to be clear in our discussions.
Having spent years working outside the UK and EU, I’m familiar with how other countries do this. I’ve had to apply for work permits and study visas. In Singapore, I became a Permanent Resident (equivalent to a US Green Card), though later let it lapse. I was eligible for a Green Card in China, but chose not to apply.
By permission but not by right
So let me give a very belated response to that young man. The answer might go something like this.
“The primary responsibility of the Welsh state is to its citizens. Its duty is to ensure their security and wellbeing. The Welsh state has no obligations to citizens of other states unless by reciprocal treaty. However, the development of our society will need the participation of people from other countries. They will be able to live in Wales by permission but not by right.”
“Once we become independent, there will no longer be UK citizenship. Everyone will have the opportunity to choose Welsh citizenship at that time. However, we won’t permit dual citizenship, at least at first. If both you and your girlfriend choose Welsh passports, there’s no problem. At independence, there won’t be any language requirements. But it may be that in future this will be tightened, and naturalisation will require competency in both Welsh and English.”
“If you choose a Welsh passport but your girlfriend chooses English, we can look at other options. If she’s been living in Wales, she can apply for a Green Card on a legacy basis; this is something we will need to offer to people who have been resident in Wales for a certain period before independence. In the future, qualifications for this will be much more restrictive. As in other countries, she’ll have many of a citizen’s rights, but not all. She won’t be allowed to vote, for example. She will eventually be able to apply for citizenship.”
“If this doesn’t apply because she’s living in England, you might consider getting married. There will be a path to residence and eventually citizenship based on this.”
Is it fair?
“If you don’t want to do that, your girlfriend can apply for a work permit. These will be for a limited duration, but renewable while her skills are needed. She’ll need to pass medical requirements, and get sponsorship from her future employer. She won’t be allowed to change jobs, or be eligible for any state assistance. If her employment ends for any reason, she will be required to leave Wales.”
“Alternatively, she could study at a Welsh university. Graduates will qualify for a Green Card if they find appropriate employment within a certain time period. Or, if she has the funds and a suitable business plan, she may qualify for a time-limited but renewable Entrepreneur Visa.”
“If none of these apply, you will unfortunately have to settle for a long-distance relationship. You might move to England, of course – if you meet their criteria.”
Is that fair? It seems so to me. Based on my experience, it’s pretty typical of global practice. Of course, other ways are possible. So let’s begin a conversation in which alternative models are proposed and justified. We need to have something that can be accepted by all pro-independence movements, be they Gwlad, Plaid Cymru, the Greens, or Labour for an Independent Wales.
Then we need similar discussions over the Welsh language. The principles on which our education system will be based. How environmental policies and agriculture can work together. How all these policies can reinforce each other.
The time is passing for broad blue-sky proposals. It’s time to discuss how independence will manifest itself in our daily lives in more specific ways that can be agreed on as fair.
So let’s start talking.
