“One of the great ironies of the Scottish “independence” movement is it is not truly an independence movement at all. It is a dependence movement, wishing to shift Scotland to Brussels control directly”
– John Redwood

Not many people are likely to claim that John Redwood is the most inspiring or progressive of politicians but, not to want to put a dampener on Scotland’s or Wales’ worthy aspirations, when it comes to the European Union he does have a point of sorts. What is the long-term point of Wales or Scotland fighting and struggling for full self-government if all they do is exchange Westminster rule and dependency for Brussels rule and dependency?

Estimates for the number of laws and regulations that are already dictated to us from Brussels vary between 20% – 50% – for which neither the Welsh Senedd nor the Westminster parliament has any say.  The increasingly technocratic European super state led by bankers and special interest groups is not looking quite so friendly and future proof as it once may have. Is seeking independence within Europe instead of the UK just a case of a lesser of two evils, or possibly even the larger of two evils?

Wales could play an integral part in a vibrant prosperous Europe but not be dependent and restricted by an European Union intent on demanding more and more power (and taxes) in the same way as the Westminster government in London has. A Sovereign Wales could opt for a similar system to Switzerland, whereby it would have trade agreements and friendship with Europe, together with the ability to sign other specific individual treaties after taking a national vote, as and when might be needed.

With good planning and effective politicians Wales can pay its own way. Wales can also truly lead the way by pushing not for independence within the European Union but by leading as a fully autonomous Welsh Sovereign State within the world. Only then can Wales truly start to shine.