Wales has always been a source of radicalism. Lloyd George took unprecedented steps to bring the first echoes of the welfare state. His work in the last Liberal Government preceded the worthy reforms outlined in the Beveridge report, produced by another Liberal, William Beveridge, the post 1940 era.
In recent history, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of huge debates. We absolutely supported the “Yes” campaign in 1999, giving Wales its own Government for the first time in centuries. In coalition government, they worked hard to deliver wide-ranging policies, and along the way, our old youth and student organisation LDYS Wales (MIDR Cymru) pushed forward its own policies and ideas.
Liberal Youth Wales (IR Cymru), the Welsh section of Liberal Youth, is the rebranded version of MIDR Cymru. Reinvigorated, renewed and refreshed, we’re taking the fight across Wales. In our first year of existence we’ve led a campaign against top-up fees, as well as launching the Welsh version of the “Homophobia is Gay” campaign, which we hope will change the lives of LGBT teenagers in Wales forever.
We are the inheritors of the radical tradition in Wales. As an organisation we will push hard to ensure that young people all across Wales are represented and listened to. There is everything to play for, so expect to see a lot more of us in the years to come!
