Would Wales survive as an independent country?

[AdoptedBumpkin]

Recently I have seen a couple of articles about a rise in support for Welsh independence. A few years ago I would have thought it fanciful, but there are many less populated independent countries, including within Europe.

For them to at least keep their current economic status, they would need to make some very quick trade deals with Westminster and the EU, and perhaps eventually join the EU if the Welsh public wanted it by whichever time.

With my admittedly limited knowledge, I would estimate that the industrial areas in the south would potentially be fine, but some areas further north and west would be very reliant on farming and/or tourism. Am I talking rubbish or would it be viable?

[JoJoSM2]

Lots of countries with far poorer economies survive. They just aren’t able to fund the same quality of education, healthcare etc for their citizens.

[AdoptedBumpkin]

Good point. Suppose what I am really pondering is could they sustain themselves to at least something close to their current scenario, which I realise is far from perfect for some.

[killerofmen]

Good question. Support for independence is growing. For me, the emotional argument for independence has been won but I think further constitutional change after Brexit and covid would be unnecessarily destabilising.

That said, every day I'm thankful that Boris Johnson isn't responsible for our coronavirus response.

[AdoptedBumpkin]

I envy you @killerofmen. Going to be a long winter ahead.

[Singinginshower]

Didn't most of Wales vote for Brexit?

[AdoptedBumpkin]

Yes, but they might change their minds.

[tempnamechange98765]

Very interesting. I'm Welsh and live in Wales, previously would've said no.

However the absolute shower of shit that has been the UK Government for the last several years now does make me wonder if I would support it. I don't know enough about whether we would be able to sustain current public services, if not then no.

I am so, so glad that we are under Drakeford for COVID though.

[tempnamechange98765]

But as pp mentioned about Brexit, with the exception of I think three (more affluent) counties, all others voted for Brexit. Tragic really.

[YardleyX]

Of course Wales wouldn’t be able to afford current public services in it’s own.

It’s one of the most deprived areas of Europe, with a huge population of non-tax payers.

[ballsdeep]

@tempnamechange98765

Very interesting. I'm Welsh and live in Wales, previously would've said no.

However the absolute shower of shit that has been the UK Government for the last several years now does make me wonder if I would support it. I don't know enough about whether we would be able to sustain current public services, if not then no.

I am so, so glad that we are under Drakeford for COVID though.

You've completely read my mind and and written my post 🤣

[Crankley]

I would say no, from an economic point of view.

[Mamimawr]

"Of course Wales wouldn’t be able to afford current public services in it’s own.

It’s one of the most deprived areas of Europe, with a huge population of non-tax payers."

Well that'a not a good advert for staying in the UK is it? It's obviously not working for Wales!

Independence is normal, why would a country want to be governed by another country?

[Shallowsubmarine]

I’d like to see Wales try and survive as an independent country...where’s the money coming in from?

[heartsonacake]

Of course it wouldn’t.

[YardleyX]

Wales is not governed by another country. It is part of another country.

And it’s this “other country” that pumps the money into Wales.

Talk about biting off the hand that feeds you!

[Fatted]

The other countries that pumped money into Wales were the EU, but that's not happening anymore is it.

I live in North Wales. I had to at the idea that North Wales relies on farming and tourism. I live by a massive industrial estate. The North Wales economy relies on trade routes through Holyhead, which was why the Irish border issue was massive for Wales. And Airbus. But yeah, farms and tourists.

[PastMyBestBeforeDate]

Outside the EU then probably not. Inside the EU then possibly as it would be a massive beneficiary.

[Commentutappelles]

Not at all. The Welsh Assembly suffers from little man syndrome, thinking it is more capable than it is. Wales does not have the industry to survive independently and the areas of poverty are very impoverished indeed. The same people bang on about independence but with no real plan as to how it would be sustainable. Until the 'powers' that be recognise that Cardiff is not the beating heart of the entire nation and put some proper money elsewhere, it is not doable.

[YardleyX]

Absolutely, Commenttutappelle.

Lots of laughs at the Welsh Assembly taking their handouts from Westminster and then giving it The Big I Am when they use their authority to spend it on something other than that which it was intended for.

What use do they think those massive decision-making powers are going to be when the only money they have to spend is actually raised in Wales? 😂

[HirplesWithHaggis]

Wasn't there a trial of some sort of wave turbine for green energy in Cardiff Bay, which was looking promising til WM shut it down? That could be a source of Welsh wealth in the future. Also water. That Wales is currently impoverished and with poor infrastructure doesn't really say much for the benefits of the Union.

[mellowgreenspring]

Unless they start digging and find oil nope.

I grew up in wales and love visiting but as someone said up thread there is far to much reliance on the state across numerous areas in wales to be sustainable economically.

Very much like Scotland, once the oil runs out they would be stuffed if they were independent.

[Nikki360]

I think Wales could do it the same way Sweden, Norway and the Republic of Ireland manage. I also think Scotland would be fine as well. I'm Scottish and still can't believe we never took the chance when we had it. We do have more things going for us than oil !

[Nikki360]

Also thanks god for Nicola Sturgeon she's not perfect she herself has said she hasn't handled everything perfectly but she's trying and she cares.

[Cactuslockdown]

Where would the money come from?!

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Per capita GDP below Bulgaria and just above Belarus. It doesn't bode well for services.