Fools & Traitors

Wales is not... technically speaking a country in its own right. At best its a principality. Wales was fully annexed in the 1600s. Scotland was 'united' under the Treaty of Union in the 1700s... technically everyone is Scottish because it was the Scottish royal line that succeeded (even if they did use English forces... such wild history). Then the Act of Union in the 1800s brought in Ireland. Wales 'devolved' in 1999, but has not yet seceded England, it's more akin to a 'state' (see USA) than it is a country in its own right, Wales is not sovereign nor does it have its own legal jurisdiction (since the 1500s). Ireland is represented on the flag because Northern Ireland still exists and is the remnants of the Kingdom of Ireland (the rest of which seceded in 1922). So the countries of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are in fact represented. The Irish Republic (southern Ireland) is NOT represented on the union jack. The Irish Republic rejected using the St Patrick saltire as it was considered an English invention. The flag btw, was designed when there was no Welsh devolution, Wales was fully part of England at that time. The flag was first proposed in 1606 in draft form, but was adopted in the 1700s after Wales was annexed, it was then amended with the st patrick saltire in the 1800s after Ireland joined. Don't get me wrong, I'm 100% pro-Welsh Independence and will be voting Plaid come next election. It's important, however, to be accurate when making accusations of fraud.

Politics should be about leading a region / country and working together for long-term economic success. By-elections are sometimes protest votes, but main elections are often fought on lowering taxes, not on what political parties will do to grow economies. The current London media focus covers taxes, but nothing on economic growth and UK economy continues to decline. HS2 is no success story, and also initiatives such as renaming Highways England as National Highways adds no value to an organisation that only covers England and shows the lack of focus of London based Department for Transport. Personally i ignore the flag wavers, let them do what they want as they will anyway!

Shwmae / Hi Gwyn, some time ago , I did some research to try and find out why the gold cross on a black background of St.David's flag / baner Dewi Sant does not appear on the Union (Union Jack) flag that purports to represent the 4 countries of the UK. I did find out why, although it was such a long time ago that I can't remember the exact wording of the answer. That said, the rough explanation that I remember was that the Union flag only integrates the patron saint flags of the KINGDOMS of England, Scotland and Ireland. The inference being that the designers of the flag did not recognise Wales as ever having been united as a kingdom in itself. Hence the absence of Saint David's flag from the UK's Union flag. Now, either the designers of the Union flag were acting out of ignorance of a salient and relevant fact of Welsh history, or they were simply choosing to ignore it for the sake of political convenience. Those of us who are familiar with Welsh history will know that all of Wales - albeit briefly - was indeed a kingdom united under one king namely Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, who reigned over all of wales in 1055-1063. This was around the time that the Anglo-Saxon Earldoms of Mercia, Wessex and Northumberland were still fighting each other over the throne of England. I have just written to the College of Arms in London to ask them if they could clarify - from their standpoint - why the flag of Saint David has never been incorporated into the Union's flag. Whether the answer- if I even get one - will be an honest and truthful one remains to be seen...

RT was right. Brexit means A Dog's Breakfast.

It was others who were left to implement it - and assured everyone that they knew how - it really isn't complicated Jeff.

An Independent Councillor runs a facebook page for an area in Bridgend (with other moderators). I don't use facebook, I have been shown Voice of Wales on his feed wanting to get the flags up and Indy Councillor seems to think flags are a good thing. I don't know if independent councillors across Wales have some sort of coop going on but starting to look iffy.

I don't pretend to know the ins & outs Jeff, but at least there is a plan. Personally, I'd suggest we detain all illegal arrivals securely in dry, warm facilities. No freedom to roam the streets, no mobile phones, no money, no legal aid, just the kind of living reminiscent of a very basic military installation. They can either then wait until their asylum claims are processed, or ask to be deported. Once word gets out they'll stop coming in a matter of weeks.