We have sold out of tickets for this event – for more information contact post@melindrafod.cymru
Category: Uncategorized
Independence summit planned for Swansea
Groups campaigning for independence for Wales have joined forces to hold a summit in Swansea next month (28 January 2023).
The organisers from the think tank Melin Drafod say the event will be a chance for campaigners to discuss how Wales becomes independent.
The event comes amid further discussion about uniting the island of Ireland and all recent polling showing majority support for Scottish independence.
A recent ruling from the UK supreme court denying an independence vote also raises questions about how people in Wales could have their say.
Among the speakers at the Swansea summit will be Welsh Green Party Leader Anthony Slaughter, Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS, Cllr Rachel Garrick from Welsh Labour for Independence, Sam Coates from Undod, YesCymru’s Gwern Evans, Senedd Member Luke Fletcher, Joseph Gnagbo, Mirain Owen from Cymdeithas yr Iaith and Amanda Burgauer of Common Weal.
Talat Chaudhri, Chair of think tank Melin Drafod, said:
“We are coming together because Wales needs to discuss its strategy to become an independent state. There is no time to lose – with the UK quickly unravelling, Wales needs to be ready for its future as a progressive, independent country.
“Wales’ independence is in touching distance, but we need a plan to ensure that we can use the powers of independence to build together a society that is fair, green and progressive. If we get the plan right, we can be a beacon to the rest of the world.
“We cannot rely on others to shape our destiny for us: we, the ordinary citizens of Wales, need to take the lead ourselves.”
The independence summit will be held on Saturday 28 January in the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea. Further information can be found by clicking here.
Imagining an Independent Wales
Recording from a discussion held in Cardiff on 30th September 2022 with Leanne Wood, Eric Ngalle Charles, Mirain Owen, Tessa Marshall and Elin Hywel.
Annibyn-iaith? the Welsh language in an independent Wales
A recording of a discussion held at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron with Professor Emyr Lewis, Llinos Anwyl (Cymdeithas), Elfed Williams (YesCymru), Menna Machreth, Talat Chaudhri (Melin Drafod) and Alun Davies MS (Welsh Labour).
Community traditions an advantage as Wales moves to independence – Dafydd Iwan
Writing in a new book being published at the National Eisteddfod, Dafydd Iwan claims that Wales’ community traditions will be a major advantage when the country gains its independence.
The legendary musician and activist makes the comments in a collection of articles, entitled ‘Imagining an Independent Wales’.
Published by Melin Drafod – a think tank that says it is setting a progressive agenda for an independent Wales – the book will go on sale for the first time at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron next month.
Among the others who have contributed to the publication are rugby commentator Eddie Butler, former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, author Mike Parker, and children’s rights campaigner Mercy Shibemba.
In his article, Dafydd Iwan says:
“As a people, we have strengths in our traditions that need to be preserved and developed as we plan the new Wales. And one of those strengths is the power of the local community, and its potential to create and maintain a strong and sustainable culture and economy. What’s happening with the purchasing of community pubs at the moment is a magnificent example of what I have in mind.
“Perhaps we do not fully appreciate the fact that the voluntary tradition is so strong in our way of life … looking to our tradition of choirs and brass bands for example. And many singers who have reached the heights of the professional singing world are very ready to pay tribute to the local eisteddfod tradition as the place where the foundations for their career were laid.”
Speaking about the reasons for releasing the book, Talat Chaudhri, Chair of the think tank Melin Drafod, said:
“The main message we would like people to take from this book is to begin to imagine: imagine what we can be. Now is the time for us to discuss what is possible, free from the old Westminster structures, free in the new Wales.
“We would like to thank all the contributors for their articles, and we really hope they will inspire others. Now is the time to prepare for independence and to get to grips with the questions we face as a nation because of the growing support for it.”