Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

It's simple. Russ is proud of being Welsh and quite rightly so. Not everyone in Wales or Scotland and Northern Ireland wants to leave the UK.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

Broadly speaking I want the best deals and outcomes for Wales. I want Wales to be more recognised on the world stage. I want Wales to be promoted more around the world - this of course being hampered by the fact WA members have all the negotiating and strategic tactics of the 2 guards from Monty Python's Holy Grail.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

With respect, no it isn't. It's a question of the definitions of words. You think and feel certain things about your country and your citizenship. I'm not presuming to tell you how you should think or feel about those things. I can, and do, however, insist that in a public discussion it is reasonable for us to stick to the widely understood definitions of words in the English language.

Wikipedia's definition of 'nationalism' is:

As that is not your ambition for your homeland, you are not a nationalist. Again, that is not to denigrate your feelings towards Wales and Welshness in any way. To be properly understood in discussion, however, you do have to pick a word that properly defines your position. 'Nationalist' is the wrong word.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

With respect, yes it very much is.

Chris, this is very much unlike you.

From dictionary.com:

identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations

There are some ways in which I want Wales to benefit over others. There's nothing wrong with that in a competitive world.

You choose to take 'nationalist' on one definition, I chose to take it as another.

At best you should have settled for us having different ways of using the word. As someone who has lived here for over 35 years (I'm aware you too have spend some time here) I'm fully aware of the skewered view people have of Welsh nationalism which may well have been appropriate in the 70s/80s/90s but does not accurately (or even closely) represent it today.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

Wales has a much stronger national identity than England, with a thriving language and better Rugby team ;)
Don't think they need independence, it's England that has the problems with nationalism.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

As I said ... I’m arguing entirely about the meaning of words, not the way Welsh people see themselves or their nation. You’re right, I lived and worked there, and the degree certificate on my wall says as much (yn Gymraeg).

Given the way I described it I’m pretty sure you know exactly the sort of person/political outlook I had in mind when I said “Welsh nationalism”, even if you disagree with my choice to use the word “nationalism” in that way. I guess this is just what happens when people insist on different definitions of common words. You can be sure that here in Scotland the word is only ever understood in one way.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

In which case the meaning you subscribe to needs to change urgently and be seen as greatly outdated. Meanings of words evolve over time and certainly 'nationalist' has when it comes to the Welsh.

Yes I have met the type of person you're trying to describe, it was a long time ago. Scarce then and even more rare now. I can't and won't pretend to know every Welsh person but nobody I know can be described that way given the desire for self-governance has all but died out.

If people who ought to know better want to cling to an out-dated expression then fine but they'll rightly get called out for it.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

I'll drink to that!

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

It would be harder for Wales to leave the UK as it is a lot less devolved than Scotland. The parliament in Scotland has a lot more power and control over taxes, the NHS policing and many other things.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

Wales cannot survive on its own economically. Scotland would be much worse off economically.

Splitting up the UK does not make economic sense for either of them. It's all based on emotion.

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

Which part of England?

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

That hasn't escaped all of us! :D

Re: Will Wales leave the UK? Will it be reduced in size if it does?
 

The usual part.