A Christmas Message from Adam Price, Leader of Plaid Cymru

A Christmas message from Adam Price, Leader of Plaid Cymru. 

This year has been a year like no other. A difficult year. One of loneliness. Selflessness. Sacrifice. And we’ve all lost so much.

This year has also shone a light on the inequalities at the heart of our society. We have not all been in this together in the same way, equally. The myth of the pandemic as a ‘great leveller’ has been shattered by the impact on thousands of families who have been plunged further into poverty.

The need for food banks has increased on a monumental scale over the past decade with more food banks in the UK now than McDonald's restaurants. In Wales alone, 180,000 children are living in poverty. Between March and October this year there’s been a 75% increase in the number of people claiming Universal Credit in Wales. 

Coronavirus has truly laid bare the scandal of abandoned targets for tackling poverty.

2020 has also taught us the true meaning of key workers. We have all clapped on our doorsteps for our teachers, nurses, carers, and council workers. It is their selflessness and sacrifice which has shone a light at the end of the tunnel.

But 2021 must be the year where warm words are replaced by real rewards. 

We go to a time traditionally spent with loved ones. Friends. Family. But this year many of us will not be able to do so. And whilst 2020 may have been the year of lockdowns, together, we can make 2021 the year of locking in hope. A year where we, together, will make true the pledge to care for everyone in our society – from cradle to grave. A year where we decide to make Wales an equal nation and a nation of equals.

I cannot recall a year like this one but hope springs eternal and together, next year, we will recover, rebuild and create a fairer future for all.

May your Christmas be merry, safe and peaceful.