Latest news with #YesCymru
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Crown Estate: Westminster holds the power claims campaign group
It follows two letters received by the group. One from Welsh secretary Jo Stevens on behalf of prime minister Keir Starmer, confirming Westminster's refusal to transfer the Crown Estate to Wales. The other, from first minister Eluned Morgan confirming the Welsh Government's commitment to securing control of the Crown Estate. YesCymru chairman Phyl Griffiths said: 'These letters reveal exactly where decisions about Wales are really being made – and it's not in Wales. "The Welsh Government understands that control over our natural resources is key to our economic future, but Westminster's answer is simply 'no'. This is why our campaign will only intensify until the Crown Estate is transferred to Wales.' YesCymru has led a national campaign for transferring the Crown Estate to Wales, which is backed by all 22 Welsh councils. YesCymru director Rob Hughes said: 'It's a farce that YesCymru has to act as a go-between to get clarity on the Crown Estate. "Why are the Welsh and UK Governments not talking directly to each other about Wales' resources? This back-and-forth through us only highlights how little say Wales has in decisions that should be made here at home. "Until we have independence, we will remain at the mercy of a system where Westminster holds the power and Wales gets the leftovers.'
South Wales Argus
19-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
YesCymru take campaign letter to Downing Street
Directors Rob Hughes and Sam Murphy took the letter to 10 Downing Street as part of a national campaign for control of assets and revenues in Wales. The campaign has already garnered support from all 22 local authorities in Wales, the Senedd, and 75 per cent of the Welsh public. YesCymru argues that transferring control of these assets to Wales, as has already happened in Scotland, would support local economies and promote sustainable development. Mr Hughes said: "Wales has been overlooked and undervalued for far too long. "All we're asking for is fairness, and when that's denied, more and more people see independence as the only way forward. "This united support across Wales shows that YesCymru can bring people together behind a clear demand, and that real change is possible when voices across the country speak as one." Torfaen Council was the last Welsh local authority to back the transfer of Crown Estate powers, with a motion passed on June 10. The Crown Estate in Wales, worth over £850 million, currently sends its profits straight to the UK Treasury.
The National
19-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Yes Cymru deliver Crown Estate campaign letter to Downing Street
All 22 local authorities in Wales, the Senedd, and an overwhelming 75% of the Welsh public have supported the campaign on, with the final council voting unanimously to support the proposal last week. In the letter, YesCymru set out the case for the transfer, stating that "Westminster's failure to act is strengthening the case for independence" and driving public support. Thee group highlighted the significant rise in backing for an independent Wales, from around 5% before the 2014 Scottish referendum to 41% in the most recent poll, conducted in April. READ MORE: Robin McAlpine: Why support for independence is surging in Wales Campaigners are calling for the management of Crown Estate assets in Wales to be devolved to the Welsh Government, and for the profits from these sites to stay in Wales also, instead of going to the UK Treasury. Crown Estate Scotland manages seabed, coastline, rural estates and other assets, delivering the profits to the Scottish Government for public spending. The Crown Estate in Wales, valued at over £850 million, generates significant revenue from Welsh land and seabeds. Several peers argued in October that it is only fair to devolve the Crown Estate in Wales to the Welsh Government, given Scottish assets were devolved to Scotland in 2016. Director of YesCymru, Rob Hughes, said: "Wales has been overlooked and undervalued for far too long. All we're asking for is fairness, and when that's denied, more and more people see independence as the only way forward." The letter outlines that YesCymru is willing to engage constructively with the UK Government, not only on transferring the Crown Estate but also on preparing the way for a referendum on Welsh independence. Hughes concluded: "This united support across Wales shows that YesCymru can bring people together behind a clear demand, and that real change is possible when voices across the country speak as one."
South Wales Argus
10-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen Council to vote on Crown Estate control in Wales
If agreed, the June 10 motion would make Torfaen the 22nd and final Welsh local authority to support the proposal, following a campaign by YesCymru. The Crown Estate is currently managed by the UK Government. YesCymru views the motion as an opportunity for a united Welsh stance on national sovereignty. YesCymru director Rob Hughes said: "Should we achieve unanimous support across all local authorities and the Senedd on Tuesday, the message from Wales will be loud and clear. "We call once again on the UK Government to do the right thing and transfer control of the Crown Estate to Wales." The motion in Torfaen has been introduced by Labour councillor for Fairwater Ward, Jayne Watkins. Mr Hughes has praised the cross-party collaboration that has pushed the campaign to this point. "When Wales works together, Wales works well," he said. "This campaign proves that radical, positive change is possible when people from all walks of life unite for the common good. "The future of Wales is ours to shape, and together, our potential is limitless."
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.
