The Brexit vote in Wales, like many political decisions, was a complex mix of discontent, frustration, and disillusionment. As someone who deeply values my European citizenship, I initially struggled to grasp why so many in Wales opted to leave the European Union.
The loss of my rights as a citizen of 27 other European nations has been a personal and ongoing disappointment. But, as time has passed, I’ve started to empathise with the sentiment that drove many to vote for Brexit.
Public narratives and private struggles
The recent UK Government budget was hailed by some political commentators as “bold” and “radical”. However, for many in Wales including me, it felt like a distant echo from Westminster, detached from the real and immediate struggles that people face today. When simply surviving from week to week has become a challenge, the rhetoric of radical reform rings hollow.
Even as a mining engineer – a profession relatively well-compensated compared to others in the UK – I find myself grappling with financial stress. The rising costs of basic necessities from groceries to fuel, and the difficulty in saving for a home deposit, are daily reminders of an economic strain I haven’t felt since my childhood in a rural working-class family.
This situation has given me a newfound understanding of the frustrations that fueled the Brexit vote. The values of liberalism that I have long held seem distant when faced with the stark realities of declining living standards. And I’m sure I’m not alone.
The rise of extremism
Two recent political developments highlight the growing discontent: the apparent surprise re-election of Donald Trump in the United States, and a poll suggesting that Reform UK, the populist right political party, could gain significant seats in the 2026 Senedd elections.
While I vehemently oppose the ideologies of both Trump and parties like Reform UK, I understand why these movements are gaining traction. They tap into a deep-seated frustration with the status quo, and a perception that more mainstream or traditional parties are failing to address the real issues.
The traditional political triad of the UK – Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat – appears out of touch with the concerns of everyday people. The erosion of public services, the stagnation of real wages, and the perception of uncontrolled immigration have seeded fertile ground for extremist narratives.
Such grievances, left unaddressed, are quickly seized upon by authoritarian voices. These spread through social media, and find amplified platforms in a media landscape hungry for sensationalism.
The threat to European stability
Growing disunity within Wales and the UK and across Europe is not just a political issue – it has far-reaching implications for the continent’s stability. The rise of populist and extremist movements threatens to weaken the political and military unity that has been a cornerstone of post-war European peace and security. The scepticism about NATO expressed by figures like Trump further exacerbates the risks by undermining one of the key pillars of transatlantic defence cooperation.
The current geopolitical landscape, marked by increasing aggression from Russia and China, especially in the Western Balkans, necessitates a unified European response. The encroachment of authoritarian powers into countries like Serbia poses a direct threat to the liberal values that have underpinned the post-war European identity.
If Europe fails to present a cohesive front, it risks falling prey to external powers that seek to exploit and deepen our internal divisions.
Recalibration and unity
The discontent felt by many, both within Wales and across Europe, could be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. The current climate presents a chance for the UK Government to recalibrate its role within the broader framework of European defence. And this is something the Labour Welsh Government should be impressing upon its London comrades.
The scepticism towards NATO voiced by Trump is a wake-up call for the UK to deepen defence ties with the EU, and with non-EU countries that share its commitment to democratic values and mutual defence. Indeed, there is potential for a strategic realignment in which even the unlikely figure of Trump could serve as an ally in countering China’s global ambitions.
Trump’s hardline stance against China’s expansionism – whether in Africa, South East Asia, or Latin America – at least aligns with European interests in curbing authoritarian influence. As a mining engineer with firsthand experience of China’s influence in countries like Bolivia, where it exploits local resources in collaboration with communist factions, I have seen the direct impact of unchecked Chinese investment.
Cooperation, however cautious, could form part of a broader European strategy to counter authoritarian threats while safeguarding the principles of national independence and fair development.
A vision of unity and resilience
At this critical moment, the UK has a unique opportunity to lead by example in fostering a collective European strategy rooted in unity, freedom, and collaboration. To address the economic and social grievances driving public discontent, it is essential to consider devolving greater fiscal, judicial, and immigration powers to Wales. Empowering the nation to manage more of its own affairs can enhance its capacity to address our needs and strengthen its contribution to a broader European unity.
Rather than allowing the current disunity to signal a decline, this approach can serve as a catalyst for a renewed commitment to the ideals that have fortified Europe for generations. In the face of rising authoritarianism and internal political fragmentation, decentralising power and trusting the citizens of Wales with greater self-governance will amplify their voices in shaping a resilient Europe.
But it’s essential, above all else, to have a communication strategy such that people in Wales – especially those struggling the most – understand the practical benefits to them of greater independence and closer cooperation. Wherever we stand on the political spectrum, ultimately we all just want safety, security, and a decent standard of living for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
