The new socialist pro-independence group Undod will hold its launch event in Aberystwyth at the end of the month.

According to those who have set up ‘Undod’, meaning ‘solidarity’ or ‘unity’ in Welsh, the group is socialist and campaigns for ‘radical’ independence for Wales. Speakers at the launch, held at the Hen Goleg building in Aberystwyth on Saturday 26th January, will include Nia Edwards-Behi, who comes from Aberystwyth, along with the campaigner Sandy Clubb and Dan Evans, presenter of the podcast Desolation Radio. There will also be a workshop on socialism and the national question led by Sel Williams from Bangor University.

Explaining the purpose of the movement and the launch, Rhys Mills, who is one of the organisers, said:

“In a country with a dominant socialist heritage and which – more than anything – requires a radical change in its politics. Undod’s purpose is to champion radical independence for Wales. We intend to emphasise the need for independence to embody values and policies that will make a substantive change to the quality of life of the majority of people. It intends to campaign on the key issues causing suffering and injustice in Wales now, trying to realize change in the present; however, it will do so with the understanding that being free from the regressive British state will be the only way for Welsh communities to flourish on a permanent basis.”

Progressive

“We hope to garner support from all parts and all peoples in Wales, and that as well as contributing to practical politics, it will attract contributions from policy makers, academics and others who wish to help envisage and realise a truly progressive independent Wales.”

He added:

“As well as supporting international solidarity, the focus will be on fostering solidarity between communities in Wales. A fundamental premise is that despite the different symptoms, the people of Wales face great challenges because of unfettered capitalism, which renders our post-industrial communities precarious and at the beck and call of foreign capital, whilst our rural communities suffer a quickening of the brain drain, a housing crisis and the dissipation of the Welsh language, precipitated by weak regional policy from the Welsh Government and the purchasing power of inward capital.”

Equality

“Under these circumstances, and with the rising threat of the far-right in Wales and beyond, those who believe in equality, justice and a sustainable future can no longer stand by and allow our people to be at the mercy of a corrupt British state whilst allowing the politics of chauvinism and elitism to take root here. Devolution has shown itself to be incapable of protecting us against the excesses of Tory rule.

“We, the Welsh people, who have always stood up for equality, justice and peace in the world, must now unite and realise those principles for ourselves.”