Overview

In-depth yet accessible review of how Wales is funded and run, from the most respected political journalist in Wales – winner of many awards for investigative journalism both in Wales and the wider UK. 2% of Wales’ railways are electrified vs. 25% in Scotland and 41% in England. Wales has the highest rates of child poverty in the UK, and the UK's highest rates of long-term limiting illness. Devolution has left Wales 'no longer Westminster’s problem', but successive Labour Welsh Governments – in power for 25 years – have had neither the tools nor the talent to properly tackle the huge issues Wales faces. Who Cares About Wales? shows how the current setup leaves Wales condemned in perpetuity to the lowest standards of living in Britain, a third-class nation within the UK, and calls on its people to demand better.

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9781912631629

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Reviews

Given the current situation in Wales, ‘Who Cares About Wales?’ is a pertinent question. Wales has the highest rates of child poverty in the UK, creaking infrastructure (c.6.5% of Welsh railways are electrified, compared to c.25% in Scotland and 100% in south-east England), and the UK’s highest rates of long-term limiting illness. Devolution has left Wales as ‘no longer Westminster’s problem’, but successive Labour Welsh Governments – unchallenged for power for 25 years – have had neither the tools nor the talent to truly tackle the huge issues Wales faces. Wales has had control of its own health and education systems for over two decades, so why are things getting worse and why is everyone not up in arms? 'Who Cares About Wales?' forensically investigates and spotlights the ways in which Wales has been short-changed over the years, and how the current set-up leaves its people condemned in perpetuity to the lowest standards of living in Britain. The book aims to serve as a rallying cry to the people who call Cymru home: if history has shown us anything, it is that no one else is going to proactively try and fix Wales’ problems. The conversation needs to change if we are to avoid being doomed to the status quo as a third-class nation within the UK. This book does not advocate independence, devolution or abolishing the Senedd, it simply points out how the current situation is failing Wales and calls upon those who live here to demand and expect better. The aim is to inform and drive the conversation in a direction that will force those in power to think harder about how things can be improved for the people of Wales: a better-informed public is one that can hold elected representatives of all stripes to account. In-depth yet accessible review of the current way in which Wales is funded and run, complete with historical context, by probably the most respected political journalist in Wales, honoured year after year at awards ceremonies both in Wales and the wider UK for his investigative journalism. “This book provides a clear-sighted analysis of what has failed in Wales and makes a passionate case for putting it right. It is a rallying cry for the people of Wales to demand better from politicians in both Westminster and the Senedd – and to remember their own vital role in national renewal. It establishes Will Hayward as the pre-eminent journalist in Wales advocating for accountability, change and regeneration.” – Richard Sambrook, Emeritus Professor, Cardiff University. Former Director of BBC News “This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Wales, and doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions now being asked about its future. Written with clarity and insight, it offers a timely contribution to the national conversation.” – Rob Osborne, National Correspondent at ITV Cymru Wales “You will close Will's book feeling informed, enraged and inspired. A compelling and straightforward must-read for anyone who cares about the future of Wales and politics.” – Kiri Pritchard-McLean, multi-award-winning comedian, satirist and writer “Will Hayward has penned not a party-political polemic, but a passionate rallying cry against apathy, urging the Welsh dragon to roar.” – Matt Chorley, BBC political journalist and TV and radio presenter “Will Hayward is extremely knowledgeable and insightful about Wales today, and he asks the difficult questions” – Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian “At last Welsh politicians have a journalist to fear and voters a commentator to respect – intelligent, forensic and persistent. Above all, Will cares and cannot believe – having adopted Wales – how little we’ve settled for. Read this and you’ll have no doubt we should demand better.” – Guto Harri, broadcaster, writer and strategic communications consultant “Everyone in Wales should read this book. Will Hayward has written a wake-up call to a nation. It distils years of his determination to understand what’s happening in some of the most troubled corners of our land into a passionate plea to Wales to recognise itself – and to act.” – David James. Editor-in-Chief, Western Mail & WalesOnline “In my opinion, Will Hayward is unquestionably the finest independent journalist Wales has. He sees and shouts out the hard truth to wake up all those who are apathetic about our land. Who Cares About Wales? doesn’t tell you what to think, it equips you to build an informed opinion. It’s a fantastic book and so very easy to read and to understand... Carry this book with you. Look up the facts. Take control of your own life or somebody else will.” – Carol Vorderman MBE -- Publisher: Y Lolfa

Given the current situation in Wales, ‘Who Cares About Wales?’ is a pertinent question. Wales has the highest rates of child poverty in the UK, creaking infrastructure (c.6.5% of Welsh railways are electrified, compared to c.25% in Scotland and 100% in south-east England), and the UK’s highest rates of long-term limiting illness. Devolution has left Wales as ‘no longer Westminster’s problem’, but successive Labour Welsh Governments – unchallenged for power for 25 years – have had neither the tools nor the talent to truly tackle the huge issues Wales faces. Wales has had control of its own health and education systems for over two decades, so why are things getting worse and why is everyone not up in arms? 'Who Cares About Wales?' forensically investigates and spotlights the ways in which Wales has been short-changed over the years, and how the current set-up leaves its people condemned in perpetuity to the lowest standards of living in Britain. The book aims to serve as a rallying cry to the people who call Cymru home: if history has shown us anything, it is that no one else is going to proactively try and fix Wales’ problems. The conversation needs to change if we are to avoid being doomed to the status quo as a third-class nation within the UK. This book does not advocate independence, devolution or abolishing the Senedd, it simply points out how the current situation is failing Wales and calls upon those who live here to demand and expect better. The aim is to inform and drive the conversation in a direction that will force those in power to think harder about how things can be improved for the people of Wales: a better-informed public is one that can hold elected representatives of all stripes to account. In-depth yet accessible review of the current way in which Wales is funded and run, complete with historical context, by probably the most respected political journalist in Wales, honoured year after year at awards ceremonies both in Wales and the wider UK for his investigative journalism. -- Publisher: Y Lolfa

Author Information

A journalist widely acknowledged to be one of the leading voices in the country, Guardian columnist Will Hayward has won multiple journalism awards, including Best Regional Journalist at the UK’s prestigious Regional Press Awards, and Welsh Journalist of the Year several times. He is the only regional journalist to have been nominated more than once for UK Political Journalist of the Year, alongside the likes of Robert Peston and Pippa Crerar. He is a regular contributor to Times Radio, the BBC, BBC Wales, Sky News and LBC. He specialises in long-form investigations into issues such as poverty, politics and violence against women. He has also lectured in Public Administration at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism.

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