Have you heard of the phrase for Wales see England? If not, let me explain why it rattles me. It was written 150 years ago and found in the pages of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. When searching for information about Wales in this pretty sizeable book, the reader would be instructed to move on and ‘see England’ instead.
There was nothing written about Wales. This blankness dismissed and insulted a country so uniquely rich in natural beauty, culture and Celtic language. How can all that not be worthy of a few lines in a self-proclaimed world standard book of knowledge?
We know our country’s qualities cannot be likened or replicated, and it is too wonderful to be dismissed altogether.
Times have changed, thank goodness. Look at how the Welsh Government took to the stage and showcased its powers during the pandemic. The last 18 months have shone a light on Wales’ capabilities. Even though devolution began over 20 years ago, there’s a new, powerful feeling in the air, which has coincided nicely with the beginning of my role as Wales Reporter for GB News.
Not only is this an opportunity for me to champion the country I love so much, but it’s an opportunity for the rest of the UK to embrace Wales (with a cwtch if possible).
Wales continues to battle against the hardships imposed by Covid-19 and is taking every opportunity heal, in a cautious Mark Drakeford-way. Infection rates remain low, staycation demand is aiding the repair of our tourism sector and sofas have been swapped for barstools. But the country faces challenges too.
Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford elbow bumps newly elected MS Labour candidates Elizabeth Buffy Williams, Rhondda, left, and Sarah Murphy, Bridgend & Porthcawl, right, as they meet in Porthcawl, Wales. Picture date: Saturday May 8, 2021.
Ben Birchall
The Welsh NHS must attend to the mounting backlog of planned treatments which have been either moved or delayed due to the pandemic - nearly 600,000 as of March 2021.
The Welsh language remains threatened by those with no affiliation or understanding of its significance, with backlash over calls for Snowdon to be referred to by its indigenous name, Yr Wyddfa.
The representation of Wales and its people will be my challenge. My unapologetic reporting on my home country and will give Wales the platform it deserves in the UK media. For the first time you will ‘see Wales’ and will not have to succumb to a lazy interpretation.
