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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.'
Wales Online
24-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Big step forward for plan for world's first tidal range lagoon in Severn Estuary
Big step forward for plan for world's first tidal range lagoon in Severn Estuary There are hopes to make Wales 'a world centre for emerging tidal technologies' with a report suggesting a lagoon could supply up to 7% of the country's current electricity The Prince of Wales bridge (Image: John Myers ) The world's first tidal range lagoon has taken a huge step forward, after being backed by a major commission report. The proposal, recommended by the Severn Estuary Commission, aims to harness the immense tidal range of the estuary to produce predictable, low-carbon electricity. The project, if realised, would help the UK meet its soaring demand for clean energy and stabilise the national grid. The Severn Estuary Commission's report brought together figures from engineering, industry, environmental science and trade unions to assess the best renewable option for the area. Its findings point clearly to a tidal lagoon as the optimal solution balancing green energy output, environmental concerns, and economic activity, including the protection of commercial operations at the Port of Bristol. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Article continues below Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter welcomed the report and called for urgent government support to turn the recommendation into reality, Bristol Live reports. Mr Slaughter said: "With the second largest tidal range in the world, we have a unique chance to spearhead this technology for the world. This is something Wales Green Party has long campaigned for. "Too often industry in Wales has been extractive, with profits shipped elsewhere. "This gives us the chance to focus on research and development, and anchor excellent quality jobs here in Wales and neighbouring English regions." Cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans MS, wrote: 'We want to make Wales a world centre for emerging tidal technologies, and the Severn Estuary is a source of immense potential energy as one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. "I welcome the work of the Severn Estuary Commission and I look forward to working with the UK Government and the Western Gateway to make sure that we can harness its potential whilst also protecting this unique asset." As part of its key findings, the Severn Estuary Commission recommendations read: "The Severn Estuary, with its 14m tidal range, is the largest tidal energy resource in the UK. Alone it could supply up to 7% of the country's current electricity, potentially making it a significant part of the solution to the UK's energy needs. "Given the long planning and development lead times, if it is to contribute to achieving net zero by 2050, then development should start as soon as possible. "Use of this resource aligns with the Government's strategy to become a 'clean energy superpower', ensuring the availability of reliable, indigenous energy that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and imported energy. Article continues below "As part of a diverse renewable energy mix, tidal range complements offshore wind, solar, and nuclear, enhancing grid stability and energy security." New Civil Engineer reports how plans for a large barrage across the Severn Estuary were previously put forward in the 1980s but were shelved due to cost and environmental concerns. It adds that, in 2010, they were raised again but then dropped by the UK Government after it decided that low carbon energy could be more easily generated from new nuclear and offshore wind.
