SELF-DETERMINATION, rights of secession and inalienable democratic rights are all crucial principles in the struggle for national independence.

But, as Lenin pointed out, insisting on a right to divorce is not the same as insisting on the break-up of all marriages.

In recent years, the Scottish independence and EU referendums have brought these long-standing principles into practical focus. The opportunity now exists to present a way forward for the nations of Britain that focuses on democracy and the removal of barriers to working-class advance and policies for a progressive federalism are being developed by the new Campaign for a Progressive Federal Future which is emerging in Wales.

The Welsh government and National Assembly have legislated for progressive alternatives to reactionary Westminster policies in areas such as trade union rights, council housing right-to-buy, private-rented accommodation and agricultural wages.

However, some of these measures have been delayed or diluted as a result of the obstruction and veto powers still held by the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Westminster Parliament, the queen, the Supreme Court and the EU Court of Justice. Exit from the EU should be taken as an opportunity to review and reduce the other sources of obstruction to legislative bills proposed by the democratically elected representatives of the Welsh people.

A whole host of areas, reserved to central government in London, are currently removed from democratic influence by the Welsh people. They include land registration, charges and development, non-energy minerals, major infrastructure projects and the criminal justice system. Also off limits are anti-social behaviour and policing — which would require the construction of a distinctive Welsh juridical system — alcohol licensing, public surveillance and private security, people-trafficking and slavery, dangerous dogs and hunting, sports ground safety, teachers’ pay and the sale of student loans.

The Tories’ Brexit proposals include an unashamed power grab by the executive alongside the prospect of continuing restrictions from the single market and customs union or similar trade deal.

In contrast, we believe that democratically elected governments must be free of EU rules so that they can control the movement of capital, regulate trade, raise and invest funds in public-sector industries and services, reform or abolish VAT and prevent the super-exploitation of migrant workers.

For these reasons we are establishing the Campaign for a Progressive Federal Future to bring together progressive forces that feel able to unite around these five principles of progressive federalism:

• The establishment of a written constitution with a requirement for the redistribution of wealth between nations and regions of Britain
   
• The removal of the monarchy from any constitutional, legal or political role
   
• The adoption of a federal approach, with full legislative powers held by English, Welsh and Scottish parliaments
   
• The creation of a federal chamber, where Britain-wide legislation can be agreed, where representatives from England, Scotland and Wales have equal national status and in which all proposals for Britain as a whole must receive the support of a majority from each nation
   
• A democratic electoral system, where the strength of the parties matches the strength of their electoral support and MPs have a strong local link.

We will be developing these principles into concrete policy proposals though an open and democratic process throughout 2018 and you can register your interest in the campaign at progressivefuture.blog.

The first organising meeting of the new campaign will take place at 2pm today, Saturday January 6, at Saith Seren, Wrexham. Look out for future events advertised in the Morning Star.