I wasn't born in Wales, don't speak Welsh, but today, after months of deliberation, I joined @YesCymru.

The most persuasive argument was of course so Wales can have its own Eurovision entry, but here's a few more things that persuaded me.

First of all, there's the utterly dysfunctional nature of Westminster. The Senedd, while far from perfect, feels like a modern, vibrant democracy. Westminster on the other hand, is like Hogwarts but even sillier.

The @WelshGovernment has made mistakes on covid, but it's at least reality-adjacent and focused on the welfare of its citizen. Meanwhile the UK Parliament pumps out stupidity like this. https://twitter.com/rachaelvenables/status/1334418762909487106

The boundary changes for the UK Parliament was also a factor in my decision. The number of Welsh MPs is going to decrease, making us an even more marginal voice than we are now.

The First-Past-The Post system in Westminster is utterly broken. I'd like more PR in the Senedd than there is now, but they've been passing progressive legislation like votes for 16/17 year olds and the right of councils to elect through PR.

And as for the House of Lords, just don't get me started on that one!

Brexit is also a factor in my decision. Yes, yes, Wales voted leave, but only by 53%. In a future Welsh rejoin referendum, overturning a 6 point lead half a decade ago should be eminently achievable.

Like I said I wasn't born in Wales, but I've lived here for over two decades and feel more Welsh than English these days. I want Wales to succeed, and rejoin a community of vibrant democratic nations rather than being stuck in a UK that's increasingly falling apart.