CAMPAIGNERS for Welsh independence have pledged support to Yes voters in Scotland following the announcement of the date for indyref2.
The pledge came as more than 6000 campaigners took to the streets of Wrexham for the first Welsh march and rally since the Covid pandemic began.
The march was part of a full weekend of activities organised by AUOB Cymru in partnership with IndyFest Wrexham and YesCymru.
There was also a special video message of support from Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald who said: “I wish you every success with your march today. You will always have friends here in Ireland. Above all, I wish you a future that matches the hopes and aspirations of the Welsh people.”
Musician Dafydd Iwan, who roused the crowd with a passionate rendition of Yma o Hyd – which means “we are still here” – said a new spirit was spreading through Wales.
“The feeling is growing that we can do better for the people of Wales if we do it ourselves,” he said.
“That is the true meaning of independence – not a separation, but joining all the other nations who govern themselves.
“Wales is beginning to believe in itself, and nothing can hold back a nation which has self-belief.”
This was the fourth in a series of Welsh marches for independence, with the previous three marches held in 2019 in Cardiff, Caernarfon and Merthyr.
Speaking at the event, broadcaster and comedian Tudur Owen stressed that the case for Welsh independence had been made.
“We now need the consent of the people of Wales and that is our next challenge,” he said.
Christine Moore of YesCymru told the Sunday National that Welsh activists had been given a boost by the announcement of a date for a second Scottish independence referendum.
“We are 100% behind you,” she said. “We will try and support you as much as we possibly can because we think it will aid our case as well.
“We have been waiting for this as there is a body of thought that says if Scotland becomes independent then Wales might too.
“People will start asking ‘what about Wales’ because we are largely ignored by England anyway so we feel it is beneficial to us on all counts.
“We are really hoping that you get the opportunity for a referendum and it would be very nice to think the application to the Supreme Court to hold one is favourable. In the end, it is only a question of time – after so long it becomes a dictatorship.”
READ MORE: Indyref2: Yes AHEAD in new poll on support for Scottish independence
The next Welsh march for independence will be held in Cardiff on October 1.
Kieran Thomas, one of the organisers of yesterday’s event, said months of hard work had paid off and had resulted in a big economic boost for Wrexham.
“We are over the moon that people believe so strongly in the cause that they travelled from all over Wales to get here,” he said. “People want a better Wales and can see that the dysfunctional British state is not going to provide it.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel