UNA-UK has written to all major UK political parties and asked: what would your Party’s priorities be at the UN and how will you inspire the UK electorate on this agenda?
By shedding light on the approaches taken by different parties we hope to contribute to an informed national conversation on foreign policy, and help raise awareness of the ways in which the international system delivers benefits to British citizens.
Read more on this initiative and read other parties' 2019 statements
Plaid Cymru's priorities at the UN and how they will inspire the UK electorate on this agenda:
“Plaid Cymru's overriding goal is for Wales to become an independent nation in its own right with full membership of the United Nations. In Wales and elsewhere, we believe wholeheartedly in the right of nations to self-determination and in the principle of working together to resolve global challenges such as the climate emergency, inequality, and poverty.
We want Wales to be part of a global community where we work together to keep each other safe and secure. We are determined to prevent the renewal of a weapon of mass destruction and to scrap Trident. We will resist all attempts to relocate nuclear weapons in Wales or in Welsh waters.
Plaid Cymru believes that, with the exception of binding international treaties, the decision to go to war should require the support of all four nations of the UK and we demand that a vote is held in the Senedd prior to any UK-supported military intervention in foreign affairs. The people of Wales have a democratic right to support or oppose such incursions.
We will encourage other countries to establish diplomatic representation in Wales, taking inspiration from countries such as Catalonia and Québec, whose capital cities host dozens of Consulates-General and Consulates, and have emerged as thriving international hubs.
We will call for Welsh associate membership of UNESCO, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the International Maritime Organisation.
Plaid Cymru supports peaceful negotiations over destructive warfare and support the rule of international law through the United Nations.
Plaid Cymru has consistently called for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, something that can only be brokered with the support of the UN.
We have consistently called for action on the Kurdish question in Turkey, and in fact, we tabled a motion in the Senedd earlier this year which made ours the first parliament in the world to express solidarity with the Kurdish people.
We firmly and proudly support the rights of minorities in all parts of the world and believe the UK should work with the UN to help efforts in this respect for Kurds, Tamils and others. There is no excuse for continued global inequality and injustice and it is the responsibility of all countries to work with the UN to resolve these issues. Failure to assist the developing world will only fuel resentment, violence and division.
We oppose all forms of illegal occupation and oppression and support legal international action through the International Criminal Court against governments of any countries that commit human rights abuses. Plaid Cymru has always pressured the UK Government to uphold the human rights of others and believe this is best done by working with the UN.”
