Latest news with #PhylGriffiths
The National
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Wales to host major European conference on independence
The 2025 International Commission for European Citizens (ICEC) conference will be held in Cardiff on July 5 at the Old Library in the heart of the Welsh capital. Hosted by YesCymru on behalf of Wales, this international gathering will bring together representatives from seven stateless nations: Wales, Scotland, Catalunya, the Basque Country, Flanders, Sud Tirol, and Veneto. The aim of the conference is to forge closer working relationships between the seven participating nations, including fostering shared strategies, knowledge exchange and solidarity in their respective campaigns for independence. READ MORE: 20 Scottish mums start hunger strike in protest over Israel's Gaza genocide The event will feature speakers, panel discussions, and cultural showcases, offering a platform to highlight each nation's aspirations and challenges. Phyl Griffiths, a spokesperson for ICEC, said: 'We are honoured to host the ICEC conference here in Wales, this is more than a conference — it is a celebration of democracy, identity, and the shared pursuit of a better future for our nations.' Geraint Thomas, Wales representative for ICEC, added: 'Organising a transnational conference like this is a powerful opportunity to strengthen ties between our nations. "By coming together, we share not only our challenges but also our strategies, ideas, and hope for the future. This collaboration lays the foundation for a new era of cooperation among Europe's stateless nations — one rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared vision of democratic self-determination.' More details, including the day's agenda and speaker announcements, will be shared in the coming weeks.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands attend Welsh independence march
Thousands of people have attended a march to call for an independent Wales. The event, organised by Yes Cymru and All Under One Banner Cymru, was held in Barry on Saturday. South Wales Police estimated that between 6,000-7,000 people attended the march. Phyl Griffiths, YesCymru chair, said the event was a "reflection of the mood across Wales". Since 2019, thousands have taken part in independence marches across Wales - including in Cardiff, Carmarthen, Bangor, Swansea, Wrexham and Merthyr Tydfil. Following the march, a rally in King Square featured speeches, which included former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood and Wales Green Party spokesperson Tessa Marshall. The event included live music from Emma Winter, known from Y Llais, the Welsh version of The Voice. Ms Wood said it was "time to end our dependence", adding there was an "opportunity to build an alternative to the failed economic model that serves the City of London while leaving crumbs for communities in Wales". Mr Griffiths said: "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. Kiera Marshall, 27, travelled from Swansea to join the parade. "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." Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Plaid Cymru leader joined the march and said recent independence polls were moving in a "positive direction". "As disillusionment with Westminster grows in Welsh communities, we are also seeing a growing confidence that Wales should have the right and resources to decide its own future," he said. Thousands join march for an independent Wales Independence for Wales is viable, says report YesCymru best performing group - axed chief
BBC News
26-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Barry: Thousands attend Welsh independence march
Thousands of people have attended a march to call for an independent Wales. The event, organised by Yes Cymru and All Under One Banner Cymru, was held in Barry on Saturday. South Wales Police estimated that between 6,000-7,000 people attended the march. Phyl Griffiths, YesCymru chair, said the event was a "reflection of the mood across Wales". Since 2019, thousands have taken part in independence marches across Wales - including in Cardiff, Carmarthen, Bangor, Swansea, Wrexham and Merthyr Tydfil. Following the march, a rally in King Square featured speeches, which included former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood and Wales Green Party spokesperson Tessa Marshall. The event included live music from Emma Winter, known from Y Llais, the Welsh version of The Wood said it was "time to end our dependence", adding there was an "opportunity to build an alternative to the failed economic model that serves the City of London while leaving crumbs for communities in Wales".Mr Griffiths said: "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 Marshall, 27, travelled from Swansea to join the parade."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."Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Plaid Cymru leader joined the march and said recent independence polls were moving in a "positive direction". "As disillusionment with Westminster grows in Welsh communities, we are also seeing a growing confidence that Wales should have the right and resources to decide its own future," he said.
