Can I just say that Wales is poor in relative terms because of capitalism, not inherently because of the union. The issue lies in how wedded the UK is to neoliberal capitalism. And *that* is why I want independence.

Capitalist societies need areas with a large reserve army of labour which help to keep wages low. The North East of England and Wales fulfil this role. Since the closure of the mines, this has been Wales's primary function within the UK economy.

Independence will have to be linked with a structural change in Welsh society towards socialism. That is the only way that Wales could alter its situation in the international capitalist division of labour.

It is no coincidence that the countries that attempt this are those countries under imperialist aggression.