Leave the Westminster model behind and focus on international co-operation

Trade unionists from Scotland, Wales and the Basque country are working together to support self-determination and a fairer economic system, write BILL RAMSAY and ELIN HYWEL

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PRO-SOVEREIGNTY trade unionists from Wales, Scotland and the Basque Country will meet at the Plaid Cymru conference in Llandudno this morning to discuss the way forward for our respective countries and how to build deeper international co-operation.

The climate crisis means we must respond collectively and globally. If the far right, parties of the right and capital can work internationally, surely trade unions and the wider left can work together to secure a better future for all? Across these islands, a new political landscape is emerging as recognition grows that the Westminster model does not work for our nations.

For the first time ever in the UK, we have first ministers in Scotland, Wales and the north of Ireland who are all committed to independence. For people watching around the world, there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end.

While our nations are all at different stages of the constitutional journey, we share a common aspiration. It is up to the people of our respective nations to choose their own futures.

It’s important to note that although an explicit cross-nation promotion of the concept of self-determination at first minister level is a political first in UK politics, within the trade union movements of the British Isles and further afield it is not new. It is a feature of politics that the Anglo-centric political community across the ideological spectrum will have to get used to.

Similarly, Scotland, Wales and the Basque Country have distinct histories, identities and political traditions, and each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of our people.

Together, we can work with and learn from one another — on areas such as social justice, energy, and the right to self-determination — to improve the lives of the people we represent. Unlike in the past, taking power in 2026 comes with severe realities and difficulties.

Plaid Cymru enters government not during a period of economic stability, but at a moment when public-sector budgets are shrinking precipitously.

The luxury of managing gradual decline is over. Public anger across both Wales and Scotland is palpable, and the public-sector funding crisis looms large over every policy decision. One key aspect of last month’s Cardiff Agreement between the leaders of nationalist parties was the proposal for all to work towards a stronger, fairer economy.

We welcome this resolve to share ideas and experience on how to build productive, prosperous economies that create good jobs, tackle inequality and ensure that wealth and opportunity are spread more fairly. We know that the traditional economic model cannot deliver social justice and reduce inequality across our nations.

Here at home, Westminster’s financial straitjacket constrains our respective governments. As our lands burnt over the summer months, our most vulnerable now face a winter of need and struggle, while our workers face the insecurity of a fast-changing economic reality, the ill-prepared and inappropriate Westminster model cannot continue. Much more needs to be done.

We need a serious, publicly funded industrial, energy and economic strategy. Solid action on the Just Transition away from fossil dependence, not just words and gestures, but deeds. A commitment to redistribution, renewing public services, and much more.

Bill Ramsay is convener SNP trade union group and councillor Elin Hywel is vice-chair, Undeb, Plaid Cymru trade unionists section.

Undeb have a stall at conference and two fringe meetings on “Trade unions and self-determination a natural fit in the British Isles and beyond,” Friday 9.15am Alwen Room, and “Driving devolution forward? How can a Plaid Cymru government work with the trade unions to ensure Wales works for everyone?” — a joint meeting with NEU Cymru, PCS Cymru, UCU Cymru, Saturday 1pm, Deganwy Room.

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