Daring to talk International
Posted on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 5:27pm
8 responses
I’ve wanted to blog about this in a long while- purely to make my views well and truly clear on my right as a politician elected to the National Assembly for Wales to take a vague interest in International affairs, and to discuss such topics either here on this very blog- or in the work that I do as an AM. Its safe to say that when we had a debate on Gaza at the Assembly, while the majority of people welcomed the move, I did receive some scathing emails about ‘wasting taxpayers money’,'pushing our nose into areas beyond our control’. You know the type of thing.
This was of course ignoring the fact that we had Welsh charities helping those living in Gaza, that the Welsh Government sent medical help, and that people such as myself have Palestinian constituents, with families living out there- desperate for our support, be it through strong political statements or practical help. The debate at the Assembly happened regardless, and it was a lively and engaging debate.
The same concern with AMs discussing International issues cropped up again last week, when I dared to hint that I would be mentioning the protests in Iran and Moldova in the context of my debate on how people use twitter to engage and to mobilise mass action. How dare I contemplate talking about issues outside the control of the Assembly! How dare I waste taxpayers money like this! But again, this is a narrow minded, and introverted argument. I am a member of a party that is fighting for Wales to be recognised on a World stage, where we can be equal, and where we have stature and influence. If we shy away from commenting on International issues then we are doing our constituents a disservice. Surely they have a right to know what our opinions are on a broad range of issues? I get emails asking my opinion on ID cards, trident, asylum seekers, youth justice from constituents. Should I just not reply, send a generic email back, saying not my problem, guv?
And of course, this matter is relevant in that the Welsh Assembly Government has offices in different countries- in Brussels and in China for example. We have trade agreements with such countries, and spend a lot of money developing links to encourage economic investment to Wales. We need to be aware of what is happening on a global stage for that very reason alone.
I am a Nationalist in that I want full powers for Wales, but I am an Internationalist in that I want Wales to look outwards, learn from what is happening in different countries, and bring those creative new ideas back to Wales. I see no rhyme nor reason why this should be contentious, only in that some narrow minded people
( mostly, but not exclusively, from Unionist parties) want to ensure that Wales does what it’s told from the ‘leaders’ in Westminster, and keep quiet on such issues so as not to rock the boat. Now, where’s the justice in that?
It’s not daring and subversive, it’s necessary and essential. That’s what I don’t get about these UKIP types – ignore Europe/the World, because “our” democracy and Parliament is the best..? Wrong. And any government with any sense knows that. If we didn’t look at other systems, not just of government, but of health-care, education, environment etc then our country would be even crapper than it is. Just like in software (sorry to be a geek), the “open-sourcing” of ideas is what will drive 21st century social, economic and political forces.
As one of the critics, I am humble to enough to admit when I go ott on criticism. The only thing that you haven’t commented on was the decision to prioritise a non devolved issue over a devolved issue? Perhaps, as I have become a member of plaid since, it’s a debate to have face to face.
Marcus I didn’t ‘prioritise’ non devolved issue.
It is important to look outwards every good organisation does so. The extended coverage of Obama’s election in Wales was case in point. We are good at following and not leading. The India elecions and new Government was however hardly reported or discussed.Benchmarking with good practice is essential especially when we do not have a “policy or beta engine” in Wales to submit ideas.
Well done Bethan for discussing international issues, and I am pleased to hear you say that you are an internationalist and that Wales should look outwards. After all, in this difficult world, both politically and economically, it is those values which we share with each other, such as universal human rights and the love of freedom and democracy, that bring the world closer and reduce the power of dictators, such as we have all seen in the media recently with pictures, videos, blogs and twitter messages from Iran.
An Assembly Member who does not have an opinion on international issues is a weak one. We live in a global world. Things that happen in other countries affect the work of the Assembly. There is no place for a ‘County Council’ mentality which will further damage the Assembly’s image.
AMs have stopped people being deported to unstable countries in some cases. It is only right that they also monitor developments in those countries.
When people criticise internationalists in Wales for ‘banging on about Gaza and Iran’ it’s usually a given that those same critics do not want Wales to have a place amongst the other nations of the world.
The reason there is so much conflict in the world today, is, because the Uk has never tried to understand other countries or cultures. All they have looked for is control and power over them, to gain some strategic position. or to reap the benefits of their natural resources.
In this respect the English are, hated and distrusted around the world.
It is right that in preperation for the inevitable granting of more powers for Wales, that we start now, discussing our relationship with other nations. Wales has a history of having a part on the world stage.
Unless we come to understand other countries and be prepared to discuss these isues more hatred and distrust will prevail.
So well done Bethan keep at it
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