Wales at a Crossroads: Labour’s Century-Long Hold Challenged Amidst Growing Dissatisfaction and Diverse Voter Concerns

Bench Across Britain: Is Labour's Century-Long Hold on Wales Coming to an End?

As part of Sky's Bench Across Britain series, Denbighshire in North Wales is the focus. Although Labour is poised to capture additional seats compared to the 2019 elections, there are still numerous undecided voters at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Residential editor @JasonFarrellSky

Sunday, June 29, 2024, 12:

For the past century, the voting patterns of the Welsh population have consistently moved along a singular trajectory.

Traditionally, the Labour Party secures a higher number of votes and parliamentary seats in Wales compared to its competitors. However, as we navigate our parliamentary representatives across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on a barge, it becomes evident that beneath the serene surface of this picturesque location, not all is as peaceful as it appears.

The implementation of a 20mph speed restriction, the development of wind farms, and delays in NHS service times are among the issues brought up by individuals dissatisfied with Labour's performance in the Senedd.

We first encounter Reuben Jones, an employee at the nearby barge rental service located next to the aqueduct.

Reuben, who identifies as transgender, expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. "There are numerous problems in the education sector and significant issues within the healthcare system," Reuben stated.

"Both the Conservative and Labour parties have failed to actively advocate for the rights of transgender individuals in the UK."

"Inclusive community"

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JK Rowling has voiced criticism towards the Labour Party for their approach to transgender matters. She has charged the party with being neglectful and frequently disrespectful towards women striving to preserve their rights.

The Labour Party has reiterated its intention to update the process for gender transition. However, Reuben believes that Plaid Cymru has more comprehensive proposals and "is committed to equality and advocating for transgender rights."

"Reuben acknowledges that he recognizes the safety worries expressed by some women's organizations," he states. "He shares their concerns, yet he also notes that these groups are advocating for measures that could undermine the rights of transgender individuals, which he believes is unjust."

Steering our verdant bench along the remarkable aqueduct designed by Thomas Telford, the Llangollen Canal tightens to match the girth of our vessel, presenting a sheer drop on one side that plunges 120 feet down to the deceptively serene River Dee below.

Upon reaching the opposite shore, we meet Paul Otteson, a retired project manager from Carmarthenshire. A passionate admirer of the Welsh landscapes, Otteson expresses significant distress over proposals to erect wind turbines in his hometown of Llandovery, South Wales. His primary worry centers on the implications of the turbine cabling.

"He acknowledges the necessity of electricity but advocates for improved methods," he states. "There was a recent vote in the Senedd that ended in a deadlock. The deciding vote from Labour opposed the underground installation of cables. Consequently, he is currently displeased with the Labour Party."

The decision was divided, with Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru supporting the costlier choice of burying the powerlines, while Welsh Labour opposed this, fearing it would render the project unfeasible.

'Great concepts'

Strolling along the same canal path, former B&B proprietor Hilary Thomas states, "We require additional electricity. We should expand our solar panel installations. We must increase our wind farm production. We need a tidal barrage in Wales, right down at the Bristol estuary. Anything to help reduce expenses."

Hilary admits she has wavered on which candidate to support and remains undecided about who presents "the best ideas."

Wales has experienced a quarter-century of devolution, during which the Labour Party has consistently emerged as the dominant force. Much like the Conservative Party faces scrutiny for its governance across the broader UK, Labour is similarly evaluated based on its performance in Wales.

As we move further up the river and engage in conversation with locals, the performance of the Labour party regarding the NHS is frequently criticized. Many describe their expenditures as "inefficient." However, the dominant issue among discussions is the state of the roads, which some argue are barely quicker than the rivers following the implementation of 20mph speed limits by the Welsh government.

"Funds squandered"

Upon arriving at the Telford Inn, we are greeted by the proprietors, Robert and Sarah Kinton-Chittenden. Following a busy lunch service, they gladly join us for a break on our bench, now an additional seating option in their beer garden.

"Extremely comfortable. It's clear why they fall asleep in parliament," remarks Sarah, as she tests the plush green seating. They discuss the effects of reduced speed limits on tourists visiting their pub, the lack of action on immigration issues, and the condition of the national health service. "That needs to be addressed," Sarah points out.

"Absolutely," concurs Robert.

"Sarah mentioned, 'A lot of funds were allocated to the 20 mile-per-hour speed limit, though I can't recall the exact amount.'"

"Robert mentions that it's 35 million pounds,"

"Resources that should have been allocated to our public health system have now been squandered," Sarah remarks.

Robert continues, "They're likely to throw another £35 million into restoring it, making it a total of £70 million squandered. That money could have been used for hospitals and schools. It's absurd. Such a pointless expense."

The government of Wales has calculated that restoring certain lowered speed limits would incur an expense of £5 million.

The pair concur with the stance held by Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru, advocating that Wales should receive £4 billion in compensation due to the decision against extending the HS2 rail project to Manchester, which would have benefited travelers heading to North Wales.

Robert believes that significantly more funding should be allocated to Wales, suggesting an increase by several billion dollars due to the absence of high-speed rail services. "They've invested a great deal of money, yet the service only extends to Birmingham. We already have daily trains to Birmingham. It's completely unnecessary and absurd!"

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Many individuals we've interviewed by the river, including Sarah and Robert, remain undecided about their voting choices.

Explore further: A divided SNP may lead to increased Labour seats in Scotland. Agricultural sector demands greater assistance. Entertainers and voters consider their options in the electoral spectacle.

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Our vessel navigates through an area, Clwyd South, which has been divided among four new constituencies due to recent boundary modifications. Historically aimed at by the Tories, this region was captured from Labour by the Conservative Party in the 2019 elections.

Surveys indicate that residents in the rural areas and the adjacent city of Wrexham are likely to shift their support back to Labour. However, during our brief journey along the canal, we encountered several undecided voters.

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