Draft:Welsh Underground Network

  • Comment: Of the local news coverage, the mentions are in passing or do not cover the group in detail. The only source possibly useful to proving notability (secondary and in-depth) is the first WalesOnline source but this is about a single protest and doesn't make clear the group's scope, demands, methods or relations to other groups. — Bilorv (talk) 20:14, 2 April 2023 (UTC)
  • Comment: Classic WP:TOOSOON. So far, only one action has resulted in independent coverage and the interviewed-based articles which they're using to spread their message are not independent and can't be used to support notability. Stuartyeates (talk) 07:51, 6 August 2022 (UTC)

The Welsh Underground Network (WUN) are a Marxist-Leninist organisation in Wales aiming to establish an independent, socialist Welsh Republic.[1][2]


Welsh Underground Network
ChairpersonJoseph Jones
Founded2019
Ideology
Political positionFar-left
Website
www.welshundergroundnetwork.com

History

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The WUN were formed as a left-wing news service based in the South Wales Valleys dubbed 'Valleys Underground' in 2019.[3] [4] Following the establishment of a Wrexham chapter in 2021, Valleys Underground was reformed into the Welsh Underground Network.[5]

Activities

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The Welsh Underground Network conducts events such as referral-free foodbanks, 'community clearups', baby-banks, and book clubs.[6] The WUN has participated in pro-independence marches organised by All Under One Banner Cymru.[7]

In November 2021, three WUN activists were arrested after scaling the roof of a Solvay S.A. chemical factory in Wrexham in a protest organised by Palestine Action.[1][8][9] The trial of the "Solvay Three" was closed in April 2024, with all three defendents being fined.[10]

In March 2023, activists from the WUN organised a pro-refugee protest against the far-right Patriotic Alternative in Llantwit Major, after the city council announced plans to build temporary accomodation for Ukrainian refugees.[11][12]

In April 2024, the WUN organised a protest against a speech given by Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg at Cardiff University.[13] The protest was condemned by both Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden and Labour Party Shadow Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens.[14] In August 2024, the WUN organised counter-protests against the far-right 2024 United Kingdom riots.[15]

Ideology and political positions

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In a 2022 interview with the Irish Connolly Youth Movement, the WUN stated that it was primarily influenced by the Black Panther Party, and stated that it supported Welsh language revitalisation.[3] In September 2022, the Welsh Underground Network released a statement condemning British Imperialism, in the aftermath of the Death of Queen Elizabeth II.[16][17]

References

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  1. ^ a b Owen, Cathy (2021-11-22). "Protesters scale roof of Welsh chemical factory". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  2. ^ Thomas, Nicholas (2023). "Llantwit Major refugee protest arrests by South Wales Police". South Wales Argus.
  3. ^ a b "For a Socialist Welsh Republic: A Conversation with the Welsh Underground Network". CYM. Connolly Youth Movement. 2022.
  4. ^ "In discussion with Valleys Underground". Marxist Centre. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  5. ^ Executive Committee (2021-04-11). "Launch of the Welsh Underground Network". Welsh Underground Network. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  6. ^ "About the WUN". Welsh Underground Network. 2021-08-10. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  7. ^ Jones, Ben (1 July 2022). "Welsh Independence March To Take Place Amid Westminster Aggression". Voice.Wales. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  8. ^ Boyd, Milo (2021-11-22). "Pro-Palestine protesters storm roof of UK chemical factory over drone bombers". mirror. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  9. ^ Lazenby, Peter (2021-11-22). "Activists shut down factory that supplies weapons components to Israel". Morning Star. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  10. ^ "Solvay Three: Palestine Activists Hail Result Of 'David Versus Goliath Trial'". Voice.Wales. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  11. ^ "Homes for Ukrainian refugees planned for town - with fears over far right protest". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  12. ^ O'Neill, Ryan (2023-03-26). "Police clash with protesters as small town torn over refugees". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  13. ^ "Cardiff Uni: Jacob Rees-Mogg chased by protesters after talk". BBC News. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  14. ^ "'Unacceptable harassment' of Rees-Mogg criticised after protesters hound the MP". Nation.Cymru. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  15. ^ Shipton, Martin (2 August 2024). "Far-right dance class murders 'vigil' called off in Cardiff". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  16. ^ "After Queen's Death, Victims of British Imperialism Share Why 'We Will Not Mourn'". www.commondreams.org. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  17. ^ Author, Guest (2022-09-10). "After Queen's death, victims of British imperialism say "no mourning"". Maktoob media. Retrieved 2023-03-27. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)