Bethan Phillips of Plaid Ifanc Cardiff shares her ideas on what this year could become…
‘Brexit means Brexit. The most blurred statement of 2016’
2016 will be a year to remember in future history and politics classes. For many of us, it may well be a year we’d prefer to forget.
On a personal level however, 2016 was the first year I really got involved in politics. I went to my first Plaid Cymru Autumn Conference in Llangollen, and I recently visited Brussels to learn more about European Politics and the alternatives to securing the best deal of Brexit. I have become more active with Plaid Ifanc and have enjoyed immersing myself with other activists who are interested in how we aim to shape our future.
To some extent, I can empathise with the political and economic argument that has defined Brexit. Many voted against the so called ‘unelected officials’ making decisions from Brussels. Others were concerned with the lack of economic benefits gained from EU membership. However, I fear that Westminster under the Tory rule, and the Welsh Government under Labour leadership is the new ‘establishment’ in disguise. We can say that the people have spoken, but the question is, will the benefits of Brexit be felt equally nationwide? I’m not so sure.
My biggest concern has always been the cultural argument behind Brexit; one, which in my opinion has been tarnished by a right-wing, divisive and discriminatory ideology. It’s something I feel ashamed to be a part of, and it completely undermines the values of democracy. We must embrace collectivism.
2017
Ultimately, 2017 has to be the year of progressive politics. It’s important to fight for what we value the most. I value being Welsh and European. I’d like to think others; English, Scottish, Irish and Northern Irish also take pride in being European. There’s always a bigger picture, and solidarity always beats division.
My way of speaking up for what I feel passionate about is writing this blog. I want to share my experiences in Brussels; where I learnt more about European politics and more importantly; the European Free Alliance.
Established in 2004, EFA was one of the first Europe wide political parties. With representatives from Scotland, Catalonia, Wales and Latvia, EFA calls for progressive politics and democracy for ‘Europe’s stateless nations, regions and disadvantaged minorities.’ It is the sixth largest group in the European Parliament and Plaid Cymru is one of its members.
I met Gerard Bona from Catalonia, who is also head of the Youth Movement in EFA.
He said,
“EFA plays a very important role in uniting different movements that are by nature, perhaps too focussed in themselves. These movements are maybe too small to believe that there are other people that face the same problems that they have.
EFA helps us to realise that we are not alone in our fights”
We must look forward in 2017. We must continue the fight for progressive politics and ensure that the Westminster establishment does not take the Referendum result for granted. We need equal representation now more than ever, and must put an end to the divisive rhetoric and mindset that has emerged out of the Brexit debate.
We are Welsh and European, and it is time, for #AnotherEurope
