Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:24 pm on 5 September 2019.
It's important that today we explain how dangerous and objectionable Johnson's act in proroguing the UK Parliament was at a period of such crisis, and it's also important that we state how damaging to Wales a 'no deal' Brexit would be. But we can do more than simply express our views, because there is also an opportunity today to discuss a way forward through all of this confusion. I believe that political leaders are duty-bound to provide hope, to lead discussion, and, in the current context, that means encouraging our fellow country people to truly consider what future is best for the communities of Wales. There is no doubt that Brexit, and a ‘no deal’ Brexit in particular, is being driven by a particular ideology that arises from a destructive kind of nationalism, which is narrow, right-wing and privileged. We must defeat this ideology which tramples on everyone that gets in its way. But it is important to bear in mind that not everyone who voted for Brexit was driven by that same ideology. The act of so many of our fellow country people in our poorest communities in voting for Brexit was an act arising from frustration, arising from a feeling of inequality, it was a cry against poverty and powerlessness. Pledges were made that life would be better following Brexit, but gradually the dream is being destroyed and more and more people are realising that it was all based on lies. And with that realisation comes the feeling of powerlessness once again, and we must guard against that.
We are duty-bound, as elected representatives of the people, not to allow hopelessness to take hold. So, I believe that we have two choices facing us as parliamentarians. We can put our heads in the sand and hope that, through some miracle, a way forward within the unequal, broken constitution that we currently have can be found, or we can face reality. The reality is that things must change. I happen to believe that independence for Wales—taking the reins for ourselves and deciding our own fate—is the best way forward. You all know that. You will know that that is my opinion. But look at amendment 4. Voting for amendment 4 doesn’t commit Wales to independence. What the amendment does is to commit us and the people of Wales to thinking in earnest about our constitutional future and then to bring options before the people of Wales. I do understand what Hefin’s had to say about referenda, but we must find a way of bringing options before the people of Wales.
Amendment 4 proposes a clear path forward: to hold a sensible debate that will reflect and gather together the range of views on how democracy in Wales should evolve, and it is the duty of Government, and no-one else, to lead the work. Now, the convention itself will not change anything, of course, but its conclusions could drive change and provide hope for a better future. We don’t need a talking shop, and that’s why our amendment proposes taking detailed options to the people at the end of these discussions. Let us consider and let us provide hope for everyone, including those in our poorest communities, so that they don't go back to feeling powerless and frustrated. And what better response from the Welsh Parliament to the impetuous actions of Johnson than starting a meaningful and hopeful discussion with our people on the future of our nation?