The following are extracts from an article which appeared on the website of The Constitution Society on 16th June 2021.
‘Jones and Gibbard investigate
the extensive history of calls for self-government, from the Cymru Fydd
initiative of 1880/90s through to the Parliament for Wales movement of the
1950s, in order to provide a context for the intricate devolution campaigns of
the 1970s.’
‘Jones’s experience in preparing
Labour’s evidence to the Crowther/Kilbrandon
Commission on the UK constitution, quite apart from his long
engagement with Welsh and European politics, provides a unique insight into the
intriguing twists and turns of the era and the fractious relationships between
many key protagonists, including himself and Plaid Cymru’s then President, the
notable Gwynfor Evans. Indeed, Whose
Wales? is compelling for its original analysis of the subject
matter.’
‘The authors suggest that
devolution as introduced by the Tony Blair government of the late-1990s, a
generation after the failed 1979 referendum for a Welsh Assembly, marked a
return to concepts and trends which were largely put on hold by the demands of
fighting two world wars in the first half of the 20th century
and the economic challenges faced in their aftermath.’
‘Martin Shipton, in his preface to the book, affirms.’
‘Gwynoro Jones and Alun Gibbard provide irrefutable evidence
that people from all four political parties in Wales played a role in promoting
the cause of Home Rule… However, after nearly a quarter of a century of
devolution, the future of the UK is uncertain. Within a few years, both
Scotland and Northern Ireland may have left the UK. At that point, the people
of Wales would have to decide on their future. Would they be content to face
permanent domination by their much bigger neighbour to the east? Or would they
take the plunge and decide on independence?’
‘Appendices titled A Federal Model for the UK and A Sovereign Wales in an Isle-wide
Confederation articulate alternative constitutional futures
for the UK.’
‘The book comes endorsed by former First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, whose recommendation indicates the text’s historical breadth and the perhaps surprising nature of the story which it tells…’
Whose Wales? The battle for Welsh devolution and nationhood is
available here.