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Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
March for Welsh independence warned they face 'uphill battle'
March for Welsh independence warned they face 'uphill battle' Thousands of people took to the streets of Barry on Saturday for the March for Independence (Image: Mark Lewis ) Over the weekend, more than 6,000 people took to the streets of Barry in a march for Welsh independence, sparking conversation among Wales Online readers. Supporters from all over Wales, some accompanied by their children, participated in the March for Independence, an event organised by YesCymru and AUOBCymru. Since 2019, thousands have joined independence marches in various locations across Wales – including Caernarfon, Merthyr, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cardiff. This time, it was Barry's turn to host the march. The organisers highlighted the town's significant role in the Cymru Fydd movement for Welsh self-government in the 1890s. Following the march, a rally was held in King Square, featuring speeches from supporters such as former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, Catalan campaigner Anna Arqué i Solsona, political activist Kiera Marshall, Wales Green Party spokesperson Tessa Marshall and singer-songwriter Eädyth Crawford. The rally, hosted by Vale of Glamorgan Plaid Cymru councillor Mark Hooper, also featured live music from Emma Winter, known from Y Llais, the Welsh version of The Voice. In a first for the March for Independence, all speakers and performers – with the exception of the MC – were women. Article continues below However, people commenting on WalesOnline were sceptical that independence was viable. Tannerbanc said: " I am as proud as anyone to be Welsh but compared to the past most industry has been lost in Wales, do we generate enough wealth here (GDP) to pay for the public services that are demanded ? especially by those who do not contribute towards it. Unfortunately we are far too much a a public sector and benefits country, who do these people think pays for that ? They should travel across the PoW bridge now and then and see there are far more areas of prosperity there and they are subsidizing Wales. Then there is the issue of government, has the Senedd really benefited Wales ? I think most people would say no, the Senedd could hold a referendum to ask that question to know for sure?" Andypandy60 adds: "Whilst being a great country to live in and especially living in the Vale of Glamorgan, it is not a place that can support itself. We are half the size of Scotland and we depend on financial support from Westminster, without that we would be a third world country. The Senedd has not done us any favours. As for 25 years Labour has had the monopoly. Next year in the elections, it will be interesting to see how well Reform and Plaid Cymru perform. Barbarap states: "The clue is in the title United Kingdom which is what we need to be. Hopefully, to regain our place on the world stage. The money that has been spent on the Welsh assembly could fund face to face GP appointments and therefore relieve the amount of times A&E is being used." Boyo1958 says: "I am strongly for the language but not PC on the whole. Where is the money coming from to resolve the issues that the Senedd has created over the past years? With only 3 million people, it is not enough to run the country. By all means, protect and encourage more Welsh language uptake but otherwise forget Independence." Violentrevoltnow writes: "The Yes Cymru movement faces an uphill battle against a system that thrives on dependency, manipulation, and deception. Independence may sound empowering, but the reality is that the very industries sustaining the UK, those tied to crime, addiction, and poverty, are deeply entrenched and reliant on systemic dysfunction. Breaking away doesn't eliminate these issues; it risks amplifying them within a smaller, less resilient framework. Article continues below "Devolved governments have already demonstrated the flaws in this path, struggling to manage the balance between autonomy and dependency. The public, driven by surface-level narratives, demands change without realizing they're feeding the cycle that undermines true progress. Independence under these conditions isn't liberation, it's stepping deeper into a system designed to perpetuate control and dependency." Do you think that Wales would prosper if they gained independence? Join in the conversation HERE or in the comments below.
South Wales Argus
28-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Plaid Cymru unveils economic plan to revive Welsh economy
The plan, titled "Making Wales Work: Plaid Cymru's New Economic Plan," was launched on Monday, April 28, at Coaltown Coffee in Ammanford. Luke Fletcher, Plaid Cymru's economy spokesperson, highlighted the plan's focus on retaining wealth within Welsh communities and fostering the growth of Welsh-owned businesses. Mr Fletcher said, "Our plan will see wealth built, retained, and recycled in our communities instead of it leaking, and in some cases flooding, out of Wales." The plan also aims to deliver "good jobs," revamp town centres, and improve living standards. Key pledges in the plan include enhanced support for Welsh businesses, a strategy for energy independence, and a future-focused skills strategy. The plan also outlines a new approach to innovation, backed by a new deal for universities, and support for community-owned businesses, social enterprises, and co-operatives. Mr Fletcher criticised Labour's long-standing governance, stating, "After 26 years of Labour in power, wages are too low, bills are too high, and too many decent businesses are closing their doors." He emphasised that a Plaid Cymru government would advocate for small and medium-sized Welsh businesses and strive for control over resources like the Crown Estate. The party plans to establish a new Welsh Development Agency to boost business growth. Mr Fletcher also criticised other parties, stating, "Labour has let Wales down, and other parties have no answers. "Plaid Cymru has the energy, ambition, and ideas to deliver the fresh start Wales needs." It comes after more than 6,000 people marched through Barry on the weekend, calling for Welsh independence. The March for Independence was organised by YesCymru and AUOBCymru.
South Wales Argus
27-04-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Barry: Thousands march through town for Welsh independence
The March for Independence was organised by YesCymru and AUOBCymru and was described as a "powerful show of unity and hope for a better future". This event is part of a growing movement, with thousands having participated in similar marches across Wales, including in Caernarfon, Merthyr, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea, Carmarthen, and Cardiff since 2019. Barry, Wales' largest town with a significant political legacy, made its mark on this journey towards independence. The march was followed by a rally in King Square, featuring speeches from former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, Catalan campaigner Anna Arqué i Solsona, political activist Kiera Marshall, Wales Green Party spokesperson Tessa Marshall, and singer-songwriter Eädyth Crawford. Local councillor Mark Hooper acted as the MC, and the event also included live music from Emma Winter, known from the Welsh version of The Voice, Y Llais. All speakers and performers, except the MC, were women, a first for a March for Independence. Kiera Marshall, a 27-year-old activist from Swansea, said: "How can we afford not to be independent? "The UK system keeps us poor, while our children go hungry and cold." Leanne Wood said: "It's time to end our dependence. "We have an opportunity to build an alternative to the failed economic model that serves the City of London while leaving crumbs for communities in Wales." The Barry march follows a Redfield & Wilton poll commissioned by YesCymru, which revealed that 41 per cent of decided voters would vote for independence. This figure rises to 72 per cent among 25 to 34-year-olds. YesCymru chair Phyl Griffiths said: "What we've seen today in Barry is a reflection of the mood across Wales – people are ready for change, and independence is no longer a fringe idea. "It's a serious, hopeful response to a broken system."
Wales Online
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
'We are the generation who will change it': Thousands march calling for Welsh independence
These were the scenes as more than 6,000 people marched through the streets of Barry today calling for Welsh independence. Supporters came from across Wales, some with their children, to join the the March for Independence, organised by YesCymru and AUOBCymru. Since 2019, thousands of people have taken part in independence marches across Wales – in places like Caernarfon, Merthyr, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cardiff – and today it was Barry's turn to host the march. Organisers said the town played a key role in the Cymru Fydd movement for Welsh self-government in the 1890s. After the march, crowds gathered for a rally in King Square. There were speeches from supporters including former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, Catalan campaigner Anna Arqué i Solsona, political activist Kiera Marshall, Wales Green Party spokesperson Tessa Marshall and singer-songwriter Eädyth Crawford. Vale of Glamorgan Plaid Cymru councillor Mark Hooper was MC for the rally which also included live music from Emma Winter, known from Y Llais, the Welsh version of The Voice. For the first time at a March for Independence, all speakers and performers – other than the MC – were women. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter her Kiera Marshall, 27, from Swansea, told the crowd: "How can we afford not to be independent? The UK system keeps us poor, while our children go hungry and cold. We are the generation bearing the brunt of this system – but we are also the generation who will change it. I cannot wait to stand here again one day, not in protest, but in celebration of a free and fair Wales.' Leanne Wood said said it was time for Wales to end its "dependence": " We have an opportunity to build an alternative to the failed economic model that serves the City of London while leaving crumbs for communities in Wales. In the face of growing intolerance and hate, our movement must offer hope. We know our country can do better.' Anna Arqué i Solsona, spokesperson for the International Commission of European Citizens (ICEC), said: 'Movements like ours believe democracy is the best path to full self-determination, even when it clashes with the interests of the states we're trapped within. That's why solidarity among our nations is vital.' Tessa Marshall from the Wales Green Party said Wales could not afford "to stay shackled to the British state". She cited child poverty in Wales as being the result as what she said was decades of underinvestment and decisions made far away. "An independent Wales can stand for children, end hunger and cold homes, and fund a decent start to life," said Ms Marshall. The Barry march comes soon after a Redfield & Wilton poll commissioned by YesCymru, which showed that 41% of decided voters would vote for independence – rising to a staggering 72% among 25 to 34-year-olds. After the march, local Cllr Mark Hooper said: 'This march and rally in Barry shows the ambition of the independence movement. Whilst others in politics fight for the lowest possible denominator, the Welsh indy movement is vibrant, hopeful and above all, youthful. Demographics are in our corner – but we must move faster.' YesCymru Chair Phyl Griffiths said: 'What we've seen today in Barry is a reflection of the mood across Wales – people are ready for change, and independence is no longer a fringe idea. It's a serious, hopeful response to a broken system. "We're seeing growing support, especially among younger generations who've had enough of being told Wales is too small or too poor. We know better – and today, thousands of people showed that we're ready to take our future into our own hands.'
The National
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Thousands of people turn out to Welsh independence march
More than 6000 people marched through the streets of Barry on Saturday calling for Welsh independence. The March for Independence, organised by groups YesCymru and AUOBCymru, brought people together from across Wales, as organisers said they hope it serves as "a powerful show of unity and hope for a better future". (Image: YesCymru) After the march, people gathered for a rally where speeches were given by an all-woman line up. Speakers included former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, Catalan campaigner Anna Arque and Wales Green Party spokesperson Tessa Marshall. Wood said: 'It's time to end our dependence. We have an opportunity to build an alternative to the failed economic model that serves the City of London while leaving crumbs for communities in Wales. 'In the face of growing intolerance and hate, our movement must offer hope. We know our country can do better.' READ MORE: Scottish Labour forced to apologise as by-election candidate gets pope's name wrong Arque, who is also a spokesperson for the International Commission of European Citizens, said: 'Movements like ours believe democracy is the best path to full self-determination, even when it clashes with the interests of the states we're trapped within. 'That's why solidarity among our nations is vital.' Marshall said: 'We can't afford to stay shackled to the British state. Child poverty in Wales is not the result of bad choices – it's decades of underinvestment and decisions made far from communities like ours. 'An independent Wales can stand for children, end hunger and cold homes, and fund a decent start to life.' The march comes after a poll earlier this month put support for Welsh independence at a staggering 41%. The Redfield & Wilson poll, commissioned by YesCymru, also found that support for independence rose to 72% among 25 to 34-year-olds. READ MORE: EHRC guidance on single-sex spaces branded 'harsh, authoritarian and cruel' by Greens The poll questioned 1000 adults aged 18+ in Wales between March 24 and 27. YesCymru chair Phyl Griffiths said: 'What we've seen today in Barry is a reflection of the mood across Wales – people are ready for change, and independence is no longer a fringe idea. It's a serious, hopeful response to a broken system. 'We're seeing growing support, especially among younger generations who've had enough of being told Wales is too small or too poor. 'We know better – and today, thousands of people showed that we're ready to take our future into our own hands.'
