Sian James: O'r Streic i'r Senedd

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-Subtitles	0:00:00	0:00:00
-Subtitles - -Subtitles	0:00:00	0:00:02
-I took every opportunity -that came my way.	0:00:05	0:00:08
-I walked through every door -that was opened to me.	0:00:08	0:00:12
-I had a plan.	0:00:12	0:00:15
-It was my goal to be elected.	0:00:15	0:00:19
-No-one should ever tell Sian James -that she can't do something.	0:00:21	0:00:26
-My immediate response to that is, -"wanna bet?!"	0:00:26	0:00:31
-I was a stay-at-home housewife...	0:00:32	0:00:36
-..and was very, very happy.	0:00:36	0:00:39
-In 1979, Margaret Thatcher -became Prime Minister.	0:00:39	0:00:43
-It totally rocked -the foundations of our lives.	0:00:43	0:00:48
-You could say that we were fighting -for our livelihood.	0:00:50	0:00:54
-Fighting for a life that we loved.	0:00:55	0:00:58
-The Union -has pledged to support them.	0:00:59	0:01:02
-We don't want to let them down. -Don't let them down.	0:01:02	0:01:06
-I had the chance to put -my name forward for Swansea East...	0:01:06	0:01:10
-..in the all-women shortlist...	0:01:11	0:01:13
-..and it upset many party members.	0:01:13	0:01:16
-The number of Welsh women -in Westminster doubled...	0:01:16	0:01:20
-..thanks to the all-women shortlist -which caused many problems.	0:01:20	0:01:24
-Not a problem in Swansea East where -Sian James was elected convincingly.	0:01:25	0:01:29
-It saddens me in a way.	0:01:31	0:01:34
-It feels like I've gone full circle -in campaigning against the Tories.	0:01:34	0:01:40
-I would have laughed -if someone had approached me...	0:01:41	0:01:46
-..to say that in 30 years time there -would be a film about the Strike.	0:01:46	0:01:52
-It was a majority decision.	0:01:52	0:01:55
-The committee decided.	0:01:55	0:01:57
-I hope you and your bloody committee -can guarantee their safety, Sian.	0:01:57	0:02:03
-People have said "no" to me -all through my life.	0:02:04	0:02:08
-If you say you're going to do -something, then you have to do it.	0:02:08	0:02:13
-Miners united -will never be defeated!	0:02:13	0:02:17
-Sian James has been an MP -for Swansea East for ten years...	0:02:25	0:02:29
-..her story -charts an amazing journey.	0:02:30	0:02:32
-A wife and mother during the Miners' -Strike who reached Westminster.	0:02:32	0:02:38
-This incredible journey -starts in Sian's home.	0:02:38	0:02:43
-It's the former industrial town -of Neath.	0:02:43	0:02:47
-We lived near the school.	0:02:49	0:02:51
-I went to -the Gnoll Secondary Modern School.	0:02:51	0:02:56
-It was a school of 800 pupils.	0:02:57	0:02:59
-Everyone was quick to tell us that -we were the scrapheap of Neath...	0:02:59	0:03:04
-..but I made some wonderful friends.	0:03:05	0:03:08
-We're still friends to this day...	0:03:08	0:03:11
-..and many of us -have made a success of our lives.	0:03:11	0:03:15
-The library is on the left.	0:03:18	0:03:21
-I spent a lot of time -in the library.	0:03:21	0:03:24
-I'd go to the library every day -during the summer holidays.	0:03:24	0:03:28
-I read all sorts of books -from Tolkien to Bertie Wooster...	0:03:28	0:03:34
-..from history books -to Jane Austen's novels.	0:03:35	0:03:38
-I loved reading about the Regency -age, its history and fashion...	0:03:39	0:03:45
-..and everything about that period.	0:03:45	0:03:47
-We're entering Morriston which lies -in the shadows of the DVLA building.	0:03:52	0:03:58
-The morals and principles -of the population of this area...	0:04:01	0:04:05
-..are founded on that -of previous generations.	0:04:05	0:04:08
-Their forefathers worked...	0:04:09	0:04:11
-..in the mines, docks, -steelworks and copper works.	0:04:11	0:04:17
-It's something that is rooted -within the nation's psyche.	0:04:17	0:04:21
-They're well aware of what it means -to labour and be hard-working.	0:04:22	0:04:26
-In Swansea, opponents of any attempt -to get a woman elected as an MP...	0:04:27	0:04:31
-..say it's the wrong way -to achieve a laudable goal.	0:04:32	0:04:36
-I was upset when I read negative -comments about me in a paper.	0:04:36	0:04:42
-It read, "Sian James is the worst MP -this constituency's ever had!"	0:04:42	0:04:48
-I could recognize it as simply -being another person's opinion...	0:04:48	0:04:54
-..but the family -took it very personally.	0:04:54	0:04:57
-My political stance has been shaped -by my experiences through life.	0:04:59	0:05:05
-I haven't come out -of a political factory...	0:05:05	0:05:09
-..that produces politicians of the -same stance, ideology and response.	0:05:09	0:05:15
-Everyone is different.	0:05:15	0:05:17
-Is he prepared to gamble...	0:05:18	0:05:20
-..with the lives of my constituents -and other people in the country?	0:05:20	0:05:25
-Will his gambling luck hold out?	0:05:26	0:05:28
-JEERING	0:05:28	0:05:30
-Turn left -and you'll end up in the chapel.	0:05:31	0:05:35
-Seion Newydd Chapel in Morriston -sits at the heart of the community.	0:05:35	0:05:41
-I attended this chapel.	0:05:41	0:05:43
-It's hosted many exciting events. -I used it for political surgeries.	0:05:43	0:05:48
-This is a great place to spend time -in meditation and contemplation.	0:05:48	0:05:54
-I was born in Morriston Hospital.	0:06:00	0:06:03
-It was a very happy childhood -at the Welsh school in Ynyscedwyn.	0:06:06	0:06:12
-Dad, Mam and I left Ystradgynlais -and moved to live in Neath.	0:06:14	0:06:19
-I became a pupil at Alderman Davies -Primary School in Neath...	0:06:19	0:06:25
-..before moving to the -Gnoll Secondary Modern School.	0:06:25	0:06:29
-There were one or two -Welsh-speaking teachers.	0:06:29	0:06:33
-My brother and I were -the only other Welsh speakers there.	0:06:33	0:06:37
-They called us Welsh cakes -as we spoke Welsh so they said...	0:06:37	0:06:41
-"You sound more Welsh than we do.	0:06:41	0:06:44
-"You're very Welshie, aren't you?"	0:06:44	0:06:47
-That was their favourite comment.	0:06:47	0:06:49
-I was a very young bride.	0:06:52	0:06:54
-I worked in the family pub.	0:06:54	0:06:57
-My aunt ran The Gwyn Arms -in the Swansea Valley.	0:06:57	0:07:01
-I'd collect bottles, -clean and work behind the bar.	0:07:01	0:07:05
-MINERS WHISTLE	0:07:06	0:07:07
-The Banwen Miners Hunt came in one -day and Martin was a keen supporter.	0:07:08	0:07:13
-He was there that day -and that's when we first met.	0:07:14	0:07:17
-By the age of 16, -we were determined to get married.	0:07:20	0:07:24
-Mam and Dad said to do my A-levels -and go to university.	0:07:24	0:07:30
-If we still felt the same...	0:07:31	0:07:33
-..we could get married -after graduating.	0:07:33	0:07:37
-In the early days, Mam and Dad -thought this was only temporary.	0:07:37	0:07:42
-They chose to be patient -and bide their time...	0:07:42	0:07:46
-..thinking it would fizzle out.	0:07:46	0:07:50
-Unfortunately for them...	0:07:50	0:07:52
-..Martin and I knew -that we'd met "the one"!	0:07:52	0:07:56
-By the time I was 15, -I knew what I wanted.	0:07:57	0:08:00
-The weekend after our wedding...	0:08:06	0:08:08
-..we had an argument -and I went home.	0:08:09	0:08:11
-Mam opened the door -and asked what I wanted.	0:08:11	0:08:14
-"I'm coming home," I said.	0:08:15	0:08:16
-"No, you're not!" said Mam and -raised her arm to block the door.	0:08:17	0:08:21
-"You don't live here any more. -You're a married woman so go home."	0:08:22	0:08:28
-And she closed the door in my face!	0:08:28	0:08:30
-I think that was the best thing -she ever did.	0:08:30	0:08:34
-It made me realize -that I'd said I wanted to marry...	0:08:34	0:08:37
-..and be part of another family.	0:08:38	0:08:42
-Mam was very wise -in saying that to me.	0:08:42	0:08:45
-"Go home, -you don't live here any more!"	0:08:45	0:08:49
-I soon fell pregnant and had a baby.	0:08:52	0:08:55
-I stayed at home -and was very, very happy.	0:08:55	0:09:00
-By this stage, I was pregnant -with our second child.	0:09:04	0:09:08
-There's only three years -between Rhodri and Rowena.	0:09:09	0:09:13
-Dad told Martin to get a job with -prospects and to work underground.	0:09:13	0:09:18
-Within a year...	0:09:19	0:09:21
-..he was taking part in the vote -to choose Arthur Scargill.	0:09:21	0:09:26
-Some two or three years later...	0:09:26	0:09:29
-..we were there -when the Strike was called.	0:09:29	0:09:33
-We'll fight and die in the attempt.	0:09:43	0:09:46
-I felt so strongly about what was -happening in the coal-mining area.	0:09:47	0:09:52
-I could see -that our lives were changing.	0:09:52	0:09:55
-The Tories were in power.	0:09:56	0:09:58
-In 1979, Margaret Thatcher -became Prime Minister.	0:09:58	0:10:02
-Her government had been elected.	0:10:02	0:10:05
-It totally rocked -the foundations of our lives.	0:10:05	0:10:09
-We're passing through Rhos -en route to Pontardawe...	0:10:18	0:10:21
-..before rising through Alltycham -in Pontardawe...	0:10:22	0:10:26
-..up to Abernant.	0:10:26	0:10:28
-We're going -to the Abernant Colliery.	0:10:28	0:10:31
-The Abernant Colliery -played a massive role in my life.	0:10:34	0:10:38
-I didn't expect it to be -such an integral part of my life.	0:10:38	0:10:43
-Dad and Martin's father -were both miners.	0:10:44	0:10:47
-Martin became a miner in 1979...	0:10:47	0:10:51
-..and went to work -at the Abernant Colliery.	0:10:51	0:10:55
-The colliery became a focal point -in our lives.	0:10:57	0:11:02
-Our lives were centred around it.	0:11:02	0:11:04
-The Strike had a massive impact -on our lives.	0:11:09	0:11:13
-There's no way that you could -have been unaffected by the Strike.	0:11:14	0:11:19
-Despite being politically aware -before the Strike...	0:11:19	0:11:24
-..it's fair to say that -I walked around wearing blinkers!	0:11:24	0:11:28
-In my day, these were the gates -that led to the Abernant Colliery.	0:11:34	0:11:40
-This is where -we had our picket lines.	0:11:40	0:11:43
-They had to be outside the gates.	0:11:44	0:11:46
-We were fighting for our livelihood.	0:11:46	0:11:48
-Fighting for the life that we loved.	0:11:49	0:11:53
-A life that we enjoyed.	0:11:53	0:11:55
-It was a fight -for the community's survival.	0:11:56	0:11:59
-That was the moment when -I realized that I needed to do more.	0:11:59	0:12:04
-.	0:12:10	0:12:11
-Subtitles	0:12:13	0:12:13
-Subtitles - -Subtitles	0:12:13	0:12:15
-After ten years, Sian James, -the MP for Swansea East...	0:12:16	0:12:20
-..is ending her political career.	0:12:21	0:12:23
-This housewife with two children -became an MP in Westminster.	0:12:24	0:12:28
-Sian's journey is coloured -by her incredible experiences...	0:12:29	0:12:33
-..during the 1984-85 Miners' Strike.	0:12:33	0:12:37
-Martin had been on strike before -so I knew that it would be tough...	0:12:37	0:12:42
-..but I was more aware...	0:12:43	0:12:45
-..that the government -was determined to beat us this time.	0:12:45	0:12:50
-At first, the aim was to hold out.	0:12:50	0:12:54
-We had to stay out -for long enough...	0:12:54	0:12:58
-..to win the fight, -and have our demands met...	0:12:58	0:13:04
-..to keep the coal mines open.	0:13:04	0:13:07
-As a young mother, I was worried -about paying the bills...	0:13:12	0:13:17
-..and how the family -would cope with the Strike.	0:13:17	0:13:22
-In the early days...	0:13:22	0:13:24
-..we were involved in traditional -activities such as fund-raising...	0:13:24	0:13:29
-..clothes collections, -jumble sales...	0:13:29	0:13:32
-..collections of tinned foods -and we distributed food too.	0:13:32	0:13:37
-But it got harder...	0:13:37	0:13:41
-..not only in terms -of the deprivation...	0:13:41	0:13:46
-..but within ourselves too.	0:13:46	0:13:48
-August dawned.	0:13:51	0:13:54
-Ian MacGregor -and Margaret Thatcher...	0:13:54	0:13:57
-..referred to us -as "the enemy within."	0:13:57	0:14:01
-I remember watching that on the -television and thinking to myself...	0:14:01	0:14:06
-..that if they wanted an enemy, -then I was willing to be that enemy!	0:14:06	0:14:12
-I think that I'd reached a point...	0:14:13	0:14:15
-..where I'd given myself permission -to play a more prominent role...	0:14:16	0:14:21
-..and to become more involved.	0:14:21	0:14:23
-I'd heard of her but didn't meet her -until halfway through the Strike.	0:14:34	0:14:40
-The Union -has pledged to support them.	0:14:41	0:14:44
-We don't want them to let the lads -down and I'm sure they won't.	0:14:44	0:14:50
-We have to make it clear -- don't let them down!	0:14:50	0:14:53
-We invited the women to a meeting.	0:14:53	0:14:56
-One young girl came to the fore.	0:14:56	0:14:59
-She was full of confidence, -a competent orator...	0:14:59	0:15:03
-..willing to speak her mind -and engage in debate.	0:15:04	0:15:10
-She was full of confidence...	0:15:10	0:15:12
-..and willing to stand up -and address public meetings.	0:15:13	0:15:16
-People became more interested -in the women and how we were coping.	0:15:19	0:15:24
-I often point out -that no man who was on strike...	0:15:24	0:15:28
-..ever admitted on the doorstep -that he couldn't pay the bills.	0:15:28	0:15:32
-No man went to the bank -to say he didn't have any money.	0:15:32	0:15:36
-All that was left to the women.	0:15:36	0:15:40
-It was the women -who ran the family home...	0:15:40	0:15:44
-..and made sure they kept -their heads above the water.	0:15:45	0:15:49
-I realized -that she was a very able person...	0:15:49	0:15:55
-..with bags of energy.	0:15:55	0:15:58
-There was always a demand for female -speakers to address public meetings.	0:15:58	0:16:04
-She felt she could deliver speeches -better than others...	0:16:04	0:16:08
-..which was certainly true.	0:16:08	0:16:10
-Sian didn't need long to prepare.	0:16:10	0:16:13
-She was confident -when speaking to people.	0:16:13	0:16:15
-There were people in London, -Stroud and Birmingham...	0:16:16	0:16:21
-..who wanted to hear -our first-hand experiences.	0:16:22	0:16:25
-I realized a specific energy.	0:16:25	0:16:28
-As women, we could create something, -present and discuss issues...	0:16:29	0:16:34
-..in a way which was so different -from men.	0:16:34	0:16:37
-In my head, -it was the green light to go ahead.	0:16:37	0:16:40
-I remember what Mam would say.	0:16:40	0:16:42
-"Be careful. Don't stand -in the front row but at the back."	0:16:43	0:16:48
-She always told Martin to stand -at the back where he would be safe.	0:16:48	0:16:54
-I tried to explain to Mam -that we couldn't do that.	0:16:55	0:17:00
-If we wanted to bring about change -and wanted to show our feelings...	0:17:00	0:17:04
-..then we had to be at the front.	0:17:04	0:17:07
-It was often the case that the women -were more radical than the men.	0:17:07	0:17:12
-They were definitely -more effective...	0:17:12	0:17:15
-..in terms of speaking out -in favour of the Strike.	0:17:16	0:17:20
-They changed the focus...	0:17:20	0:17:22
-..to a strike for the communities -rather than places of work.	0:17:22	0:17:27
-Everything was happening -at the same time.	0:17:28	0:17:31
-We'd reached the end of October.	0:17:31	0:17:35
-By now, the cracks began to show.	0:17:35	0:17:37
-Rumours were afoot that a local man -was going to return to work.	0:17:38	0:17:42
-He warned us -that he was returning to work.	0:17:43	0:17:46
-In October 1984...	0:17:48	0:17:50
-..one miner broke the Strike and -returned to the Abernant Colliery.	0:17:50	0:17:56
-This was the colliery where -Sian's husband, Martin, worked.	0:17:56	0:18:01
-For the first time -during the Strike...	0:18:01	0:18:04
-..Sian joined the picket line.	0:18:04	0:18:07
-I didn't think he'd do it.	0:18:07	0:18:09
-I thought he was only -making these comments...	0:18:09	0:18:13
-..because he wanted the attention...	0:18:14	0:18:17
-..and enjoyed contradicting -everyone else.	0:18:18	0:18:21
-There was no doubt at all -which side the police supported.	0:18:21	0:18:25
-It was a very difficult time.	0:18:25	0:18:27
-They stood firm -with the National Coal Board...	0:18:28	0:18:33
-..shoulder to shoulder -with the enemy.	0:18:33	0:18:37
-You saw the police -talking into their coats.	0:18:41	0:18:45
-They spoke into walkie-talkies which -was a sign that the bus was coming.	0:18:46	0:18:51
-I'll never forget it.	0:18:51	0:18:53
-Standing here -sends a shiver down my spine.	0:18:54	0:18:57
-All of a sudden, the bus -stopped right on the junction.	0:18:58	0:19:04
-Everyone stood together.	0:19:04	0:19:06
-A feeling of apprehension -swept through the crowd.	0:19:06	0:19:10
-Nobody expected him -to step through that door...	0:19:11	0:19:15
-..and face the hundreds -in the crowd.	0:19:15	0:19:17
-Everyone was held back.	0:19:18	0:19:20
-There was a line of police -on the edge of the pavement...	0:19:20	0:19:24
-..and more police on this side...	0:19:24	0:19:27
-..and there was a pause.	0:19:27	0:19:30
-Everybody just...	0:19:31	0:19:33
-And he started walking in.	0:19:34	0:19:37
-The picket line broke.	0:19:39	0:19:41
-It broke and the whole crowd -flowed into the middle.	0:19:41	0:19:47
-Everyone was pushing -and everyone was screaming.	0:19:47	0:19:52
-I'll never forget -hearing one voice...	0:19:52	0:19:55
-..calling to the man to turn back.	0:19:55	0:19:59
-Everyone was pushing, falling over -and screaming and shouting.	0:19:59	0:20:04
-There was such a commotion -because of one man's rights.	0:20:05	0:20:09
-I thought to myself.	0:20:09	0:20:10
-What about our rights?	0:20:11	0:20:12
-What about the feelings -of this community?	0:20:12	0:20:16
-They were protecting his rights...	0:20:17	0:20:19
-..but failed to recognize our right -to fight for our jobs and our men.	0:20:20	0:20:26
-I got to the fence, -turned to my friend, Karen...	0:20:28	0:20:32
-..and asked, "Where's Martin?"	0:20:33	0:20:35
-I started calling out his name.	0:20:35	0:20:38
-Everyone told me that he was -with the lads on the other side.	0:20:39	0:20:44
-I knew he wasn't there because -Martin would have come to find me.	0:20:45	0:20:49
-After 15 minutes, -Islwyn came over to me.	0:20:49	0:20:53
-"Sit down, Sian," he said. -"I've got something to tell you."	0:20:53	0:20:57
-I knew what was wrong.	0:20:57	0:20:59
-I didn't need to sit down and told -him to tell me what had happened.	0:20:59	0:21:03
-"Martin was taken in the Black Maria -and we don't know where he's gone."	0:21:04	0:21:10
-Martin was taken to court.	0:21:11	0:21:13
-He'd never been in trouble -with the police or been to court.	0:21:13	0:21:19
-He hadn't even -been in a court before.	0:21:19	0:21:22
-One of the greatest -realizations for me...	0:21:29	0:21:33
-..was when I noticed how many people -were telling us how to think...	0:21:33	0:21:38
-..how to cope and how to behave -during the Strike.	0:21:38	0:21:43
-This drove me insane.	0:21:43	0:21:46
-There was a whole host of experts...	0:21:46	0:21:49
-..who expected us to do -what they wanted us to do.	0:21:49	0:21:54
-I suppose you could say...	0:21:55	0:21:57
-..that we were pawns -in a game of chess.	0:21:58	0:22:02
-Will the Strike -erase your consciousness?	0:22:02	0:22:05
-Oh, definitely.	0:22:05	0:22:07
-We're not the same people -we were before the Strike.	0:22:07	0:22:11
-We've changed and are interested -in broader issues.	0:22:11	0:22:14
-We're involved in all aspects -of community life.	0:22:15	0:22:18
-We're better people, -living better lives.	0:22:18	0:22:21
-A certain confidence -came from these experiences.	0:22:22	0:22:26
-A person changes.	0:22:27	0:22:28
-I changed.	0:22:29	0:22:30
-A person changes as a daughter, -a sister and as a mother.	0:22:30	0:22:36
-When I was young -and before the Strike...	0:22:36	0:22:39
-..she was a typical housewife...	0:22:39	0:22:41
-..who stayed at home -and looked after Rhodri and me.	0:22:42	0:22:45
-She didn't go out to work.	0:22:45	0:22:49
-After the Strike, -our family and home had changed.	0:22:49	0:22:53
-I personally felt very strongly...	0:22:54	0:22:58
-..that the only thing that differed -from those running the show...	0:22:58	0:23:03
-..and those fighting and in -the crowd was a higher education.	0:23:04	0:23:10
-Sian went to Swansea University -to study for a degree.	0:23:10	0:23:15
-She had experienced a new world...	0:23:15	0:23:18
-..and wanted to give herself -an opportunity...	0:23:19	0:23:22
-..to be more than just a housewife.	0:23:22	0:23:26
-I could see -that there was a specific role.	0:23:26	0:23:30
-A role where -you could be a representative.	0:23:30	0:23:34
-You could be a politician...	0:23:34	0:23:36
-..and be part of the community...	0:23:36	0:23:39
-..and take those principles that -had been learnt in the Strike...	0:23:39	0:23:44
-..to the next level.	0:23:44	0:23:46
-.	0:23:50	0:23:51
-Subtitles	0:23:53	0:23:53
-Subtitles - -Subtitles	0:23:53	0:23:54
-Filled with confidence and stamina -from the Miners' Strike...	0:23:56	0:24:01
-..Sian James was geared -for her next challenge...	0:24:01	0:24:05
-..of representing -the Labour Party at Westminster.	0:24:05	0:24:10
-She's always been interested -in politics...	0:24:13	0:24:16
-..and especially the Labour Party.	0:24:16	0:24:19
-It was natural for her.	0:24:19	0:24:22
-There wasn't any other party for me.	0:24:22	0:24:25
-I didn't even -consider another party.	0:24:26	0:24:30
-It's difficult to explain -to people today...	0:24:30	0:24:34
-..that the Labour Party -was ingrained into our DNA.	0:24:35	0:24:40
-In 2005, I had the chance to put -my name forward for Swansea East...	0:24:40	0:24:44
-..for the all-women shortlist.	0:24:45	0:24:48
-The concept upset -many party members.	0:24:48	0:24:52
-I often said that if I wanted -to succeed in politics...	0:24:52	0:24:56
-..then I had to be a man.	0:24:56	0:24:59
-I'd also have more of a chance...	0:24:59	0:25:02
-..if I embodied -the party's traditions.	0:25:03	0:25:09
-It was a controversial issue...	0:25:10	0:25:12
-..not only within the party -but in society as a whole.	0:25:13	0:25:17
-Given the opportunity to be -on the all-women shortlist...	0:25:17	0:25:21
-..I grabbed it with both hands.	0:25:21	0:25:24
-I wasn't going to be left behind.	0:25:25	0:25:27
-The number of Welsh women -in Westminster doubled...	0:25:28	0:25:32
-..thanks to the all-women shortlist -which caused many problems.	0:25:32	0:25:36
-Not a problem in Swansea East where -Sian James was elected convincingly.	0:25:37	0:25:42
-I've benefitted, but women -need to advance in society.	0:25:42	0:25:46
-If I'd waited for it -to happen naturally...	0:25:46	0:25:50
-..then we know from experience -that it won't happen.	0:25:51	0:25:54
-She was part of the new wave of MPs -because she was a woman.	0:25:55	0:26:00
-Her working class background -made her unique to the Labour Party.	0:26:01	0:26:06
-Sian remained loyal -to traditional Labour Party values.	0:26:07	0:26:12
-However, she did challenge...	0:26:12	0:26:15
-..some of the party's -main political beliefs.	0:26:15	0:26:19
-A woman's role was to serve -sandwiches after meetings...	0:26:19	0:26:23
-..and pour cups of tea.	0:26:24	0:26:26
-They were almost like a Greek chorus -standing in the background...	0:26:27	0:26:31
-..supporting the men -in their political work.	0:26:31	0:26:36
-Is Carwyn live on camera?	0:26:41	0:26:43
-Is Carwyn live on camera? - -Yes, he's on his final question.	0:26:43	0:26:47
-I'm waiting to be interviewed after -Carwyn and then I have to leave.	0:26:48	0:26:53
-It's nearly half past...	0:26:54	0:26:57
-..and I need to be in the bar -chatting to others.	0:26:57	0:27:00
-I can't tell Carwyn -to get a move on!	0:27:01	0:27:04
-They're moving now -so I'll tell them we're here.	0:27:06	0:27:10
-Sorry.	0:27:10	0:27:11
-I'm here, I'm here.	0:27:12	0:27:14
-It's time to slow down. I'm on -the downhill slope to retirement.	0:27:15	0:27:20
-Sian James, the relationship -between your party...	0:27:21	0:27:26
-..and the business world -is strained.	0:27:26	0:27:30
-Take a look at our proposals.	0:27:30	0:27:33
-We just want traders -to take responsibility.	0:27:33	0:27:38
-I don't see a problem in that.	0:27:38	0:27:40
-We don't want businesses running -the world exclusively for profit.	0:27:41	0:27:45
-Following ten years as the -first female MP for Swansea East...	0:27:50	0:27:54
-..Sian James -has decided to leave Westminster.	0:27:55	0:27:58
-Here we are - Whitehall.	0:27:59	0:28:02
-Today is her last day.	0:28:04	0:28:06
-I've got some -daily errands to run...	0:28:08	0:28:11
-..and also some -unconventional tasks...	0:28:11	0:28:14
-..such as packing books -and other items to take home.	0:28:14	0:28:18
-I never envisaged that my political -journey would end up at Westminster.	0:28:21	0:28:26
-Who knows what the future holds?	0:28:26	0:28:29
-It was uncomfortable -to be around my opponents...	0:28:31	0:28:35
-..from the Miners' Strike.	0:28:36	0:28:39
-There were familiar faces -from Mrs Thatcher's Cabinet...	0:28:39	0:28:44
-..that I'd watched on television -and heard on the radio.	0:28:44	0:28:50
-I wanted to give them -a piece of my mind...	0:28:50	0:28:55
-..but I wasn't able to do that.	0:28:55	0:28:57
-The Houses of Parliament -are intimidating for anyone...	0:28:58	0:29:02
-..who hasn't had the privilege -of a private education...	0:29:03	0:29:08
-..or studied at Oxford or Cambridge.	0:29:08	0:29:11
-The place has the ability -to shatter a person's confidence.	0:29:11	0:29:17
-Many people tune into -Prime Minister's Questions...	0:29:17	0:29:22
-..and see it as a weekly -30-minute Punch-and-Judy show.	0:29:23	0:29:27
-This is how they view Westminster.	0:29:27	0:29:30
-Mrs Sian James.	0:29:31	0:29:32
-Mrs Sian James. - -Thank you, Mr Speaker.	0:29:32	0:29:34
-The Land Registry has a -customer satisfaction rating of 98%.	0:29:34	0:29:39
-As a trading fund, it doesn't -cost the taxpayer anything.	0:29:39	0:29:43
-The Chamber -is a very important place....	0:29:43	0:29:47
-..but most of the work -is accomplished outside of it.	0:29:47	0:29:51
-It's the committees at Westminster -that generate the energy and power.	0:29:51	0:29:57
-It's incredibly important -to work alongside everyone.	0:29:57	0:30:02
-There's no point creating animosity.	0:30:03	0:30:07
-You've got to have -cross-party support.	0:30:08	0:30:11
-Every corner of Westminster -needs to be represented.	0:30:12	0:30:16
-This wasn't a problem for me -as I had associates everywhere.	0:30:16	0:30:21
-We've arrived at my office.	0:30:21	0:30:25
-It was once occupied -by Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.	0:30:25	0:30:30
-Here we are. It isn't very spacious.	0:30:34	0:30:37
-The armchair and pouffe -are essential pieces of furniture.	0:30:37	0:30:42
-When there are late sittings...	0:30:43	0:30:46
-..this is the only place -to bed down for the evening.	0:30:46	0:30:50
-I've stayed here overnight.	0:30:50	0:30:53
-It's well-equipped -with a blanket and a pillow.	0:30:53	0:30:57
-It's quite comfortable -but it isn't great.	0:30:58	0:31:02
-You can hear Big Ben chiming -from this office.	0:31:03	0:31:07
-BIG BEN CHIMES	0:31:09	0:31:11
-It's just around the corner.	0:31:14	0:31:16
-When I'm on the phone -to people back in Wales...	0:31:16	0:31:19
-..they get excited -when they hear Big Ben chiming.	0:31:19	0:31:23
-Every time I hear it, -it sends shivers down my spine.	0:31:25	0:31:30
-It's a reminder -that I'm at this landmark...	0:31:31	0:31:35
-..in the heart -of British politics.	0:31:35	0:31:39
-This caricature was a gift -when I was first elected.	0:31:40	0:31:45
-It contains my campaign slogan, -"Working Hard for Swansea East."	0:31:45	0:31:50
-I hope people are aware that -I've worked hard on their behalf...	0:31:50	0:31:55
-..and enjoyed every minute of it.	0:31:55	0:31:58
-I reached my goal in my career -and in my life.	0:31:58	0:32:03
-Members of Parliament -aren't given a job description.	0:32:04	0:32:09
-You can make a difference -at Westminster...	0:32:09	0:32:14
-..but there are formalities, -rules and regulations to follow.	0:32:14	0:32:19
-Those people on the outside -who look in on our world...	0:32:20	0:32:24
-..don't always realize that change -cannot come about suddenly.	0:32:24	0:32:29
-Any fool can stand up and claim -that they'll change the world...	0:32:31	0:32:36
-..but the world can only be changed -gradually step by step.	0:32:36	0:32:40
-I wanted to be a representative -who worked on behalf of my people...	0:32:40	0:32:46
-..and served the people -I represented.	0:32:46	0:32:51
-I've never asked a patsy question -at Westminster.	0:32:51	0:32:55
-Every time I asked -to take part in a debate...	0:32:55	0:32:59
-..then it was an issue directly -related to Swansea East.	0:33:00	0:33:04
-However, it's quite a macho place.	0:33:06	0:33:11
-There's a lot of shouting -and jeering.	0:33:11	0:33:14
-It is interesting, Mr Speaker...	0:33:14	0:33:16
-..they are embarrassed -that their predictions were wrong.	0:33:17	0:33:21
-The attitudes of the male members -at Westminster is shocking.	0:33:22	0:33:27
-The men are overly-confident.	0:33:28	0:33:31
-The women are more willing -to listen to reason and debate...	0:33:32	0:33:37
-..but the men lay down the law -and want their own way.	0:33:38	0:33:43
-People are going to be malicious -and make personal remarks...	0:33:47	0:33:53
-..but it comes with the territory.	0:33:53	0:33:55
-Unfortunately, it's just something -you have to accept.	0:33:56	0:34:01
-Mam is also a tough lady.	0:34:02	0:34:05
-I admire Sian for not changing -her accent or attitude.	0:34:08	0:34:14
-She didn't adhere to the rules -of this gentlemen's club...	0:34:14	0:34:20
-..on the banks of the Thames.	0:34:20	0:34:23
-Almost 50 Labour candidates...	0:34:23	0:34:26
-..voted with the opposition parties -against Tony Blair.	0:34:26	0:34:30
-They included a new recruit -at the Commons.	0:34:31	0:34:34
-I make this decision -with a very heavy heart.	0:34:34	0:34:38
-If I strongly opposed something...	0:34:38	0:34:41
-..then I had to vote against.	0:34:42	0:34:45
-I voted against -the 90-day detention.	0:34:46	0:34:49
-It was the first vote -that Tony Blair lost.	0:34:50	0:34:53
-There were other ways -to detain people.	0:34:53	0:34:56
-If a person is accused -of any wrongdoing...	0:34:56	0:34:59
-..then they have a right to know -the nature of the accusation.	0:34:59	0:35:03
-If the 90-day detention -had been in force...	0:35:04	0:35:09
-..during the Miners' Strike...	0:35:09	0:35:11
-..many innocent people -would have been locked up.	0:35:12	0:35:17
-It wasn't a popular decision.	0:35:20	0:35:23
-There are a number of MPs...	0:35:24	0:35:26
-..who are at ease toeing the party -line and voting with the whip...	0:35:26	0:35:31
-..but I felt that -I had an obligation...	0:35:31	0:35:36
-..to serve the voters -in my constituency of Swansea East.	0:35:37	0:35:42
-.	0:35:47	0:35:48
-Subtitles	0:35:50	0:35:50
-Subtitles - -Subtitles	0:35:50	0:35:52
-Over the past year...	0:35:53	0:35:55
-..Sian's life and the Miners' Strike -were portrayed in the film, Pride.	0:35:56	0:36:01
-It depicts the bond between the gay -and lesbian community in London...	0:36:02	0:36:07
-..and the Dulais Valley -Miners' Support Group.	0:36:07	0:36:11
-It's a remarkable story.	0:36:11	0:36:13
-Yes, some lesbians and gays arrive -from the bright lights of London...	0:36:13	0:36:19
-..to the Dulais Valley...	0:36:19	0:36:22
-..to create a community support -group that was not mainstream.	0:36:22	0:36:28
-I would have laughed if someone had -approached me to say...	0:36:28	0:36:32
-..that in 30 years' time there -would be a film about the Strike...	0:36:32	0:36:38
-..with the characters -of Sian and Martin!	0:36:38	0:36:42
-It was a majority decision.	0:36:43	0:36:45
-The committee decided.	0:36:45	0:36:47
-I hope you and your bloody committee -can guarantee their safety, Sian.	0:36:48	0:36:54
-In a galaxy, a million miles away...	0:36:54	0:36:57
-..two communities collided -and this is what happened.	0:36:57	0:37:02
-I'm starting to freak out slightly.	0:37:02	0:37:06
-Dai!	0:37:11	0:37:12
-Your gays have arrived.	0:37:12	0:37:14
-It was amazing to go to London -to see the film being made.	0:37:15	0:37:19
-We watched the actors -walking onto the stage.	0:37:20	0:37:23
-It was the final scene -in the film...	0:37:24	0:37:28
-..where they re-enacted -the Pits and Perverts concert.	0:37:28	0:37:32
-They walked across the stage -and Mam was talking to someone.	0:37:33	0:37:38
-I said to her, "That's you."	0:37:38	0:37:41
-The actress looked exactly like -a younger version of my mother.	0:37:42	0:37:47
-She looked like my mother -when I was four.	0:37:48	0:37:51
-This is Gail, -and Sian who wrote to you.	0:37:53	0:37:57
-She held her hands like my mother.	0:37:57	0:38:00
-The mannerisms and voice -were the same.	0:38:01	0:38:04
-She did a superb job -of capturing minute detail.	0:38:04	0:38:07
-Ladies and gentlemen.	0:38:11	0:38:13
-It's a great honour for me -tonight...	0:38:13	0:38:18
-..to welcome everyone -to Onllwyn Miners' Welfare Hall.	0:38:18	0:38:23
-Tonight, the gay and lesbian -support group from London...	0:38:24	0:38:28
-..are here to celebrate -their close bond with the miners...	0:38:29	0:38:33
-..thirty years after -their first encounter.	0:38:34	0:38:38
-We're celebrating the Strike -just as we did at the end of it.	0:38:38	0:38:42
-An evening was organized to -thank everyone for their support.	0:38:42	0:38:47
-We had a fantastic night.	0:38:47	0:38:49
-It's the 30th anniversary -since the end of the Strike...	0:38:49	0:38:53
-..so it was the ideal time -to host another celebration.	0:38:53	0:38:57
-The hall was a focal point -for our campaign.	0:38:57	0:39:00
-This was where we met...	0:39:00	0:39:02
-..to organize our fund-raising -and Strike campaigns.	0:39:03	0:39:08
-We held meetings here to choose -the contents of the food parcels...	0:39:08	0:39:13
-..any funding issues and the number -of food parcels required.	0:39:13	0:39:18
-It was in this very -miners' welfare hall...	0:39:22	0:39:25
-..that Lesbians and Gays -Support the Miners first came.	0:39:25	0:39:29
-What happened as a result of that -has been amazing for LGBT history.	0:39:30	0:39:35
-We struck up some great friendships -during the Strike.	0:39:36	0:39:41
-Some of the firm friendships -that have stood the test of time...	0:39:41	0:39:46
-..are the friendships with the gays -and lesbians from London.	0:39:46	0:39:50
-Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners -came to our aid when we needed help.	0:39:50	0:39:55
-It was the best sort of help.	0:39:55	0:39:58
-It was not only financial...	0:39:58	0:40:00
-..but we also gained an insight -into a way of life.	0:40:00	0:40:04
-The Pits and Perverts ball -was a benefit concert for us.	0:40:06	0:40:10
-I didn't know what to expect...	0:40:10	0:40:14
-..as it was the first time -for many of us to visit London.	0:40:14	0:40:18
-When we came, -we came in a minibus.	0:40:21	0:40:24
-It pulled up here and we jumped out, -so I recognize that sign.	0:40:24	0:40:29
-Oh, here we are.	0:40:29	0:40:31
-It was always a surprise -that it was so small.	0:40:32	0:40:35
-I remember going in -and it opens out.	0:40:36	0:40:38
-People were rushing around, -carrying and cutting things.	0:40:43	0:40:48
-There it is.	0:40:48	0:40:50
-Wow.	0:40:50	0:40:51
-That night, within a couple of hours -the place was jammed.	0:40:52	0:40:56
-The music, the haze and smoke...	0:40:56	0:40:59
-..and the phenomenal amount -of money you raised.	0:40:59	0:41:03
-From the beginning, -we started to discuss...	0:41:03	0:41:06
-..making collections -outside gay pubs and clubs.	0:41:06	0:41:09
-We got a lot of support.	0:41:10	0:41:12
-We didn't know what to expect as -I hadn't met an openly gay person.	0:41:12	0:41:18
-There were people in the community -that we knew were gay...	0:41:18	0:41:22
-..but they weren't -openly living gay lives.	0:41:23	0:41:26
-At the time, we didn't treat -our relationship differently...	0:41:30	0:41:35
-..to any other relationship, -partnership or alliance.	0:41:36	0:41:40
-The most pivotal bond was formed -between the gays and wives...	0:41:40	0:41:45
-..rather than the miners.	0:41:45	0:41:47
-Sian bridged the gap between us -and the gay and lesbian community.	0:41:47	0:41:53
-Women have a natural ability -to work alongside others.	0:41:53	0:41:58
-We still had the silly comments -such as "Will the men be safe?"	0:42:01	0:42:05
-The women got impatient with that.	0:42:05	0:42:09
-There was the ever beautifully -cotton comment...	0:42:09	0:42:13
-.."Does this mean we'll have -to watch men dancing together?"	0:42:13	0:42:18
-What? What?	0:42:19	0:42:22
-Another thing about the Miners' -Strike is that it was so huge...	0:42:22	0:42:27
-..it drew in to struggle...	0:42:27	0:42:29
-..people who wouldn't normally -be involved in struggles.	0:42:29	0:42:32
-This was certainly reflected -in LGSM.	0:42:32	0:42:35
-We weren't Marxists -or revolutionary socialists.	0:42:35	0:42:40
-In terms of human justice...	0:42:40	0:42:42
-..we thought this was an unjust -attack on the mining communities.	0:42:42	0:42:46
-What a proud heritage!	0:42:46	0:42:48
-I'm so proud of you, I'm so proud -of the mining communities...	0:42:49	0:42:53
-..and I'm so proud about that.	0:42:53	0:42:55
-"I'm glad to be gay."	0:42:56	0:42:57
-I can't look upon the Strike as a -defeat or loss as I gained so much.	0:42:57	0:43:03
-Those values I learned, -the values that you talk about...	0:43:03	0:43:07
-..are the bedrock of everything -I've done politically ever since.	0:43:07	0:43:12
-It's General Election night.	0:43:13	0:43:16
-For the first time since 2005...	0:43:16	0:43:19
-..Sian is a studio guest -at the BBC in Cardiff...	0:43:19	0:43:23
-..and not awaiting the poll results -for Swansea East.	0:43:23	0:43:27
-I'd normally be at the count now...	0:43:27	0:43:30
-..and soaking up the excitement -of the voting results.	0:43:31	0:43:36
-I feel sad -that I'm not in Swansea East.	0:43:37	0:43:40
-The next MP for Swansea East -could be Carolyn Harris.	0:43:40	0:43:45
-Sian was the previous MP. -You've got big shoes to fill.	0:43:45	0:43:49
-I've worked for Sian -and learnt my trade from her.	0:43:50	0:43:53
-I've had good tutors and confident -that I can fill those shoes.	0:43:54	0:43:59
-This is the first time in decades -that I haven't been a candidate.	0:43:59	0:44:05
-I've tried to describe -the feeling to someone.	0:44:05	0:44:11
-I was like a caged greyhound -waiting to race.	0:44:12	0:44:15
-When the cage door opened, -I'd shoot out.	0:44:15	0:44:18
-I'd knock on doors, -canvass on doorsteps...	0:44:19	0:44:24
-..and persuade people -to vote for you or your party.	0:44:25	0:44:30
-But this is the first time -for a campaign launch to pass...	0:44:30	0:44:36
-..without me -having any future plans.	0:44:36	0:44:40
-It appears that Ed Miliband -won't reach Number 10, Sian.	0:44:40	0:44:45
-Wales will add to its 26 seats.	0:44:46	0:44:48
-I'm sure we'll win more -by the end of the night.	0:44:48	0:44:52
-But without a strong government -in power at Westminster...	0:44:52	0:44:58
-..what impact will it have -on the people of Wales...	0:44:59	0:45:03
-..and Welsh government?	0:45:03	0:45:05
-There's time to turn it all over...	0:45:07	0:45:10
-..as David Cameron may be -on his way back to Downing Street.	0:45:11	0:45:15
-It's six in the morning -following an extraordinary night.	0:45:15	0:45:20
-I'm heartbroken having woken today -and realized the world has changed.	0:45:20	0:45:26
-It's changed fundamentally.	0:45:26	0:45:29
-I feel quite sad as it's -as if I've gone full circle...	0:45:29	0:45:35
-..and ended up back at the start -fighting against the Tory Party.	0:45:35	0:45:41
-We've gone into battle -with a despicable Tory government.	0:45:41	0:45:47
-It's armed with a manifesto -that will rip communities apart.	0:45:47	0:45:52
-I'm fond of the Sian James -who fought in the Miners' Strike.	0:45:53	0:45:59
-She shaped the person I am today.	0:45:59	0:46:02
-If I had my time again...	0:46:02	0:46:05
-..I would do everything -exactly the same way.	0:46:06	0:46:09
-Gnoll Park -played an integral role in my life.	0:46:10	0:46:14
-As children, -we played hide and seek here.	0:46:14	0:46:19
-I'd come here -when I was dating Martin.	0:46:19	0:46:22
-This is where we enjoyed a stroll.	0:46:22	0:46:25
-I got married as a young girl -and fought in the Strike...	0:46:27	0:46:32
-..and never thought -I'd end up at Westminster.	0:46:32	0:46:36
-But I've achieved my dream -and it's been a great experience.	0:46:36	0:46:42
-People have said "no" to me -throughout my life.	0:46:46	0:46:51
-They said that I couldn't be -more than a housewife.	0:46:51	0:46:56
-They also said -that I couldn't be a politician...	0:46:56	0:47:02
-..or a Member of Parliament.	0:47:02	0:47:05
-But a person has to try -to fulfil their dreams.	0:47:06	0:47:08
-If they say they're going to -do something, they have to do it.	0:47:09	0:47:13
-This tree has stood here -since my childhood.	0:47:14	0:47:17
-We'd climb around it -and reach the top.	0:47:17	0:47:20
-Well, well, well.	0:47:23	0:47:25
-It's like an old friend.	0:47:25	0:47:28
-I've got other things to do -so my journey isn't over.	0:47:29	0:47:33
-I'm excited about the future.	0:47:33	0:47:36
-We're not the same people -that we were before the Strike.	0:47:40	0:47:45
-As women, we have to advance.	0:47:46	0:47:47
-It won't happen -if we sit around and wait for it.	0:47:48	0:47:52
-Sian James - -Working Hard for Swansea East.	0:47:52	0:47:55
-Hopefully, people are aware -that I enjoyed every minute of it.	0:47:55	0:48:00
-S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis	0:48:18	0:48:20
-.	0:48:20	0:48:21

Sian James: O'r Streic i'r Senedd

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