Welsh Nationalism: Cymru am byth

What does it mean to be Welsh? The writer Jan Morris said Wales was ‘a distinctly separate and often vehement idea’. But what is that idea? Do you need to understand Welsh to grasp it? How is Wales … different? And is it going to become even more unlike England? Ros Taylor talks to Swansea University professor Martin Johnes and Plaid Cymru Senedd member Heledd Fychan about the history of the Welsh nationalist movement and the future of the Welsh language. ‘There’s lots of angst with being Welsh.’ — Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru Senedd member ‘The idea that you should take decisions about Wales in Wales has become a political norm. Has devolution made any practical difference to life in Wales? Probably not, to be honest.’ — Prof Martin Johnes ‘Part of the problem is that in many ways we have a one-party state in Wales… Wales is a very small place and Wales suffers from the fact it doesn’t have a diversity of opinions.’ — Martin Johnes ‘Can you believe that in 2024, despite 25 years of devolution,  it’s not been normalised that children in Wales should learn Welsh history?’ — Heledd Fychan JAM TOMORROW is written and presented by Ros Taylor. The producer is Jade Bailey. Voiceovers are by Seth Thevoz. Music is by Dubstar and artwork by James Parrett. The managing editor is Jacob Jarvis and the group editor is Andrew Harrison. JAM TOMORROW is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices