Croeso, welcome, bienvenue, wilkommen — as you arrive at the entrance to many of our primary schools, this is the message that our children will see each morning as they embark on the day’s education.

It’s a lovely expression that we are a small part of something much bigger.

It’s also a reminder that there are many languages, many nationalities and diverse cultures that we will encounter during our formative years and hopefully this early foundation will guide our children to become good citizens.

In the years ahead will that education include the critical role that trade unions play, not only in the workplace but in the development of a welcoming, prosperous and considerate society?

The labour movement in Wales has many strands and it is important that the political and industrial wings are able to interact in such a way that progressive solutions can be found to the many problems that exist.

Welsh Communists understand that the trade unions are best placed to defend the interests not only of their respective members but of wider society in general.

There has been an increase in interest in finding out more about the Communist Party, analysing our policies and applications to join or to get involved in activities, so I will try to give an insight into the policies and developments since our Welsh congress last November.

The main resolution entitled Build the Broad Left in Wales, For Federalism and a Socialist Future sets out the immediate and mid-term priorities, continuing to explain the progressive case for leaving the European Union, respecting the will of the people expressed clearly in the 2016 referendum to leave with no second referendum.

Wales TUC congress delegates can hear more about our position and discuss this issue at a Wales beyond the European Union fringe meeting at the Cae Mor hotel, next door to Venue Cymru, at 6pm on Wednesday.

Welsh Communists have initiated a debate for progressive federalism, recognising the advances since the establishment of the Welsh Assembly. We feel that the constitutional question requires further development.

Our party believes that building a broad left front in Wales points the way forward to end the disastrous and cruel policies of austerity.

The increased political consciousness and advance of socialist ideas within the Labour Party, as eloquently put by Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, ably supported by Welsh Grassroots Labour and Momentum, has reached out to many who had become disillusioned with the political parties.

However, it cannot be left to Labour alone to campaign against Tory cuts.

The Welsh working class must mobilise its political, industrial and community activists to take the message that “another way is possible.”

Can an alternative be developed that would draw on the talents of the left of Plaid Cymru? Can we embrace ecological positions put forward by the Green Party? Can we agree on a set of policies to get rid of the Tories and end austerity? Are we able to overcome differences between other socialists?

Welsh Communists will be increasing activities and visibility in what looks like an exciting and colourful summer.

Following Wales TUC congress, we head straight to the Merthyr Rising festival in Merthyr Tydfil on May 25-27 for a weekend of music, political debate and, hopefully, sun and salsa. Should be fun.

Later in the summer you will find us at the El Sueno Existe festival in Machynlleth on Saturday July 26, celebrating the life of martyred Chilean communist Victor Jara. This year’s main El Sueno focus is on Nicaragua.

And from August 3-11, we will be at the national eisteddfod in Cardiff.

At all these events you will find us with up-to-date literature and, of course, promoting the daily voice of the left, the Morning Star. Come and have a chat.

Trevor Jones is secretary of the Communist Party in Wales