'I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities'
In this opinion piece to mark one year of Keir Starmer's government, Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth argues the Prime Minister has failed to fulfil his promises
Leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth
(Image: Ben Birchall/PA )
Restore hope, stop the chaos.
The message - foregrounded and front-loaded in Labour's 2024 General Election Manifesto - was, superficially at least, a nod to better days ahead.
It was a positive, and ultimately persuasive promise, which drew a line under the torrid Tory years – implying not only a new sense of order but an awareness that the founding principle of any government should be the betterment of those it serves.
A palpable sense of anger had built up, not least driven by the unfairness and inequality which characterises modern Britain.
A well-off family at the 80th wealth percentile had seen its wealth increase by 37 per cent between 2006-08 and 2018-20, whilst a modest family at the 40th wealth percentile had seen no real wealth growth at all.
Few would deny that a re-building job was urgently required. The need to re-evaluate priorities and re-shape society, and to embed equity and equality became so apparent that not even the blue tinge of Starmer's Labour could ignore it.
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And somewhere in this equation lay Wales, a nation reminded time and time again that we're 'better together' – and 'better still' with two Labour governments working together.
It would therefore not be unreasonable for Wales to expect to see the promised dividend being delivered, with early signs to become apparent that years of Wales being short-changed by Westminster would come to an end.
Exactly one year on since that General Election, the reality could hardly be more different.
It is somewhat ironic that Keir Starmer's first anniversary in office coincides with Independence Day in the USA.
Yes, Keir Starmer has set off his fair share of fireworks over the past year, but they've not been of the joyous kind that traditionally mark Fourth of July celebrations across the pond.
Some of those feeling let down over the past 12 months may well cite Starmer's stance on UK-US relations as symptomatic of a wider lack of moral leadership.
An unwillingness by the Labour leader to challenge Trump on foreign affairs in particular parallels many of his attitudes towards the domestic agenda, where principles have too often been cast aside.
The disabled fearful, pensioners paying the price and farmers furious. Seldom has an incoming government wasted so little time before taking hope away.
The 'Change' placards have long been flung on the scrapheap, replaced by a trudging managerialism at best, a reckless attitude towards some of the party's values at worst, and tired platitudes which can so often be painful to watch.
Of course, the managerialism to which I refer has pervaded Welsh politics for far too long on Labour's watch.
Six years ago, the current First Minister enthusiastically cheered America's freedom on Independence Day whilst serving as Minister for International Relations. Eluned Morgan appears to believe that independence, be it literal or independence of thought, is something for others to enjoy, whether for nations or individuals.
And not only has she never appeared to fully believe in our nation's ability to stand on its own two feet, she's also failed to make our relationship with Westminster less unjust. Independence of thought and spirit on her part would go a long way in making the 'Red Welsh Way' something more meaningful than a slogan.
I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities.
For this reason 'the power of partnership' holds more currency for me than Labour's adopted 'Partnership in Power' mantra.
The former cements the contract between the government and the people it serves, while the latter serves only to celebrate hegemony.
Next May, the people of Wales have the opportunity to elect a new government underpinned by a new contract of respect and understanding.
A new way whereby individuals feel that when the actions of government brush against their lives, they do so in a positive and meaningful sense. A contract which means that those in power lead rather than manage, and take responsibility for their actions – truthfully and transparently.
I'm excited by the prospects of what Wales can achieve, and for Plaid Cymru, delivering positive change to build our nation is not just something we talk about, it's an instinctive driving force.
From forcing the Labour Welsh Government's hand in introducing free school meals for all primary school pupils to winning the debate on taking action on second homes to help people be able to live in their communities, we already have a proud recent record of delivering. And that's been from opposition!
When UK Labour's Secretary of State for Wales stood on the stage of her party conference last weekend to wrongly claim that Plaid Cymru would scrap free prescriptions, she achieved two things.
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Firstly, she exposed her party's desperation in resorting to smearing opponents rather than offering positive solutions. Secondly, she strengthened my resolve to restore people's trust in those they put in office. From the expenses scandal to the plainly immoral Covid VIP lanes, voters are rightly angry, but I want to turn that anger into hope.
With Plaid Cymru's plans to cut waiting times, support small businesses, tackle the cost of living crisis and harness our natural wealth, we can do things differently in Wales.
For anyone who refuses to believe that this is as good as it gets for our communities, and for everyone let down by Westminster's broken promises, real change is possible with a Plaid Cymru government next May.
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