MADAM,
The county of Monmouth was created by an Act of Parliament in 1536 in the first of two acts which constitute the "Act of Union". Nobody disputes that before this it was a part of Wales, indeed the Act makes this clear stating: "That the parishes of Monmouth, Chepstow, Mathern...in the said county of Wales...shall be members of the said Shire of Monmouth."
The argument is therefore over Monmouth's status post the 1536 Act, although the Act itself makes clear that all regions of Wales would be legally annexed to England and by implication Monmouth's status was no different to that of other Welsh areas.
The confusion began because unlike the other counties of Wales, Monmouth was administered in the same ways as the English shire counties. This was done purely for reasons of convenience as Monmouth was both richer and nearer to London than the rest of Wales.
The widespread use of the Welsh language in the area until the 18th century as well as the Welsh system of land holding, provide further evidence of Monmouth's historic status.
Those who favour a referendum to determine whether Monmouth should continue as a part of Wales should remember that this could not take place within the area of the current county of Monmouth - but would have to be held over what was the original county, an area that stretches almost as far as Cardiff. There might be a small amount of support along the banks of the Wye for an English Monmouth but the overwhelming majority across the original county would want to remain in Wales.
However, to Mr Stroud and his supporters, let me offer some reassurance. Whilst proud to be Welsh (I can trace my family line back to Owain Glyndwr) I am first and foremost proud to be British - a sentiment which I hope we both share. But while we live in Wales I hope we can feel a sense of pride in the performance of the Welsh rugby team, especially when they play as well as they did in Paris last Saturday!
David Davies,
AM for Monmouth