Latest news with #WelshIndependence
Sky News
04-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Welsh independence will unleash 'full potential' as nationalists serious contenders to form next government
Wales should "learn" from the SNP's successes in Scotland, according to the man who could well be the next first minister of Wales. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth told Sky News: "I believe that we will not be able to fully release our potential until we're an independent nation." He admitted "not everybody agrees" but believes there should be a discussion about how to "edge things forwards" on independence. The party leader has ruled out a referendum in his first term but says support for Welsh independence is growing among young voters. Mr ap Iorwerth, whose party is neck and neck with Reform UK and Labour in the polls to lead the Welsh Parliament next year, says his party takes "very, very seriously the positive impact" the SNP has had in Scotland. It comes as a government minister admitted there are "major" questions about how fairly Wales is funded compared with Scotland. Stephen Kinnock, the Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg, told Sky News he and other Welsh MPs are looking for a reassessment of the funding formula. He said the Barnett formula, which decides the allocation of much of the funding from the treasury to devolved nations, works "much better" for Scotland and the industrial heritage and age demographics in Wales mean the nation has been historically underserved. Since Mr Kinnock spoke to Sky News, Wales was awarded £5bn in revenue and capital over three years, largely for rail infrastructure, in the spending review. However, some Welsh Labour MPs fear the growing nationalist tide could mirror Scotland's 2007 shift. Lessons "have not been learned" from Scotland, Labour Member of the Welsh Parliament Lee Waters said. Speaking to the Labour List website, he warned: "The control of the party machinery by London HQ, and the disdain of Westminster MPs towards their devolved counterparts were features now and then." Mr Waters sounded the alarm for Welsh Labour, adding: "Scottish Labour paid the price for it in 2007. The SNP seized on its chance to form a minority government and used it to build a generation of dominance. Plaid Cymru aim to do the same." Does Wales get treated unfairly? It's a question that could propel Reform UK or Plaid Cymru to power in Wales this time next year - a seismic political shift in a nation dominated by Welsh Labour since devolution began. The closure of the blast furnaces at Port Talbot, the end of virgin steelmaking in this country, drew comparisons with the government's intervention at Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire. Why was an English steelmaking site saved and not a Welsh one? The answer, as Wales MP and government minister Stephen Kinnock tells me, is not straightforward. The owners of Scunthorpe were "actively sabotaging the blast furnaces", and Labour were not in power in Westminster when decisions about Port Talbot were being made. "You have to set the bar really high when you're going to, as a government, go in and seize the assets of a private company," he said. But Port Talbot has become symbolic of something bigger, and it's not just about steel. Last month, a new railway line between Oxford and Cambridge was classed as an England and Wales project, meaning Wales does not get a share of funding, and earlier this year Wales' first minister said the allocation of HS2 funding was "unfair" for Wales. But Welsh Labour's Eluned Morgan may not have done enough to distance herself from the national party. Jac Larner from Wales' Governance Centre at Cardiff University says her emphasis on the close relationship between Welsh and UK Labour echoes the message from Scottish Labour before their vote collapsed. It makes it "easier for voters to punish both" he said. Launching his party's so-called contract with voters in Merthyr Tydfil, Nigel Farage said Wales has been "let down". The Reform UK leaders' progress in Wales has been notable, but as has that of a lesser known party leader, Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth. Can Wales' nationalist party echo the SNP's success in Scotland? Both parties are fishing in the same waters for disillusioned Labour voters. Both have a real shot at power in Wales. Reform UK are also tapping into a mood of discontent in Wales. Leader Nigel Farage has put re-industrialisation at the centre of his pitch and even pledged to reopen Port Talbot's steel blast furnaces. In last year's general election, Reform UK came second in 13 of the 32 Welsh constituencies. 1:37 Those close to Mr Farage suggest he sees the Welsh elections next year as an important stepping stone in his ambitions to get to 10 Downing Street. Asked about Reform UK, the Plaid Cymru leader said he sees it as his "duty" to keep the party out of power in Wales. Mr ap Iorwerth said Mr Farage's party "have no particular interest in developing policy for Wales".
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Ex-Plaid Cymru leader Price unlikely to be re-elected in 2026
Former Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price is unlikely to be re-elected in next year's Senedd election. Members of the Senedd (MS) Cefin Campbell and Nerys Evans are the top two candidates the party will put forward for the new Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency while Price is third, the BBC has been told. Plaid Cymru's rules aim for gender equality, meaning the second name on each regional list must be a party would expect to win two of the six Sir Gaerfyrddin seats and face a challenge from Reform and Labour at the election in May 2026. Plaid's selection process is more competitive than Labour's or the Conservatives as the party is not giving its current MSs any preferential treatment and is prioritising gender balance in how it determines the order of Sir Gaerfyrddin, this means that if a woman tops the local members' selection, another woman must also be placed second on the list of up to eight candidates on the ballot. If a man takes the top spot, a woman would still be required to take second Campbell and Evans occupying the top spots, the prospects of Price securing a seat seem more exact votes cast for each member is yet to be confirmed but it is understood the selection process concluded on Thursday evening. Who is Adam Price? Price became leader of the Plaid Cymru in 2018 and led the party into the 2021 Senedd election with a pledge to hold a referendum on Welsh independence within five years if it won the party finished third behind Labour and the Welsh Conservatives. Following the election, Price signed a co-operation agreement with the Labour government, helping to deliver policies such as universal free school 2022, the party became engulfed by claims of a toxic culture, culminating in a report by Evans that said it had tolerated "too many instances of bad behaviour".Price stepped down as leader in 2023. Evans was an Assembly Member from 2007 to 2011, with Campbell elected to the Senedd in Price on the list is former Llanelli candidate Mari Arthur, who now works in marketing and the sustainable energy Griffiths, a Carmarthenshire councillor, is fifth, followed by Abi Thomas, a former Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire new election map has 16 seats, each electing six MSs, with the voting system electing members from party Cymru has been asked to comment. Analysis - BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis Had Adam Price had his way we could be on the verge of a referendum on Welsh one within five years was central to his pitch at the 2021 Senedd election, but Plaid finished seemed resigned to coming third again - this time in his party's list - when I spoke to him at Plaid's spring conference in some in the party his resignation in 2023 and the scandal surrounding Jonathan Edwards - the former MP in Price's Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency - still cast a long is not impossible for Price and Plaid to win three seats in Sir Gaerfyrddin, but they would need a good having topped a recent poll, Plaid's selection process could cost them two big names - Price and economy spokesman Luke Fletcher.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Welsh nationalist leader: IndyRef ‘could happen in our lifetime'
A referendum on Welsh independence could 'absolutely' be held within 'our lifetime', Plaid Cymru's leader has said. Rhun ap Iorwerth did not shy away from suggesting his party may be the leading political force in Wales following a poll that predicts Plaid will have the largest vote share in the 2026 Senedd elections. Plaid is projected to be the largest party in the Senedd following the outcome of the election, with around 30 per cent of votes and 35 seats in the Siambr, according to a YouGov poll published on Tuesday. Nigel Farage's Reform UK would be the second largest party, with 25 per cent of votes, according to the poll. The Plaid leader ruled out holding a referendum on Wales leaving the UK in the first term of a Plaid-led Welsh government, when speaking to the BBC's Walescast this week. He has previously declined to put a timeline on a referendum, after Plaid's last leader Adam Price promised such a vote within five years. But Mr ap Iorwerth told the PA news agency a referendum could form part of a Plaid government's platform for the future, once it has built trust with the Welsh electorate. 'The key thing is it's up to the people of Wales. And I've many times said that I would have independence tomorrow, but it's not what I think that matters,' Mr ap Iorwerth told the Press Association. 'It's what the people of Wales believe, and I absolutely think we can have that referendum and set us off on a different direction as a country within our lifetime,' he added. Should Plaid pursue such a referendum in future, it would be likely to need support from other parties in Cardiff Bay and at Westminster, which is unlikely to be forthcoming. Plaid would focus on 'deep problems within the NHS in Wales', as well as education, economic stagnation and poverty, should it be the party that leads the next Welsh government, Mr ap Iorwerth said. The next Senedd election will see Welsh voters use a new proportional system to choose their representatives. Some 49 seats will be required for an outright majority, with the Senedd being expanded to 96 members. The previous system had an 'in-built bias towards Labour', the Plaid leader said. Mr ap Iorwerth added: 'That changes with the new electoral system that we have in Wales, and it's a genuine case that wherever people are in Wales, the votes that they cast will contribute towards who can be leading that government next year, Plaid Cymru is putting itself forward as the party to lead that government. 'And if people want that, they can have it with me as first minister, the first non-Labour first minister, setting a different direction for governments in Wales.' Parties in Wales are likely to have to co-operate following the poll, the Plaid leader admitted, but he continued to rule out a 'formal relationship' with Mr Farage's Reform UK. Mr ap Iorwerth added: 'We have two conservative parties in Wales now: the Conservative Party, and the Tories on steroids that Reform are: the pro-Thatcher, the pro-Liz Truss, the pro-Trump political party that works against the interests of workers, that works against the interests of businesses in Wales. 'I just don't think that's the politics that is in the interests of Wales.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Welsh nationalist leader: IndyRef ‘could happen in our lifetime'
A referendum on Welsh independence could 'absolutely' be held within 'our lifetime', Plaid Cymru's leader has said. Rhun ap Iorwerth did not shy away from suggesting his party may be the leading political force in Wales following a poll that predicts Plaid will have the largest vote share in the 2026 Senedd elections. Plaid is projected to be the largest party in the Senedd following the outcome of the election, with around 30 per cent of votes and 35 seats in the Siambr, according to a YouGov poll published on Tuesday. Nigel Farage's Reform UK would be the second largest party, with 25 per cent of votes, according to the poll. The Plaid leader ruled out holding a referendum on Wales leaving the UK in the first term of a Plaid-led Welsh government, when speaking to the BBC's Walescast this week. He has previously declined to put a timeline on a referendum, after Plaid's last leader Adam Price promised such a vote within five years. But Mr ap Iorwerth told the PA news agency a referendum could form part of a Plaid government's platform for the future, once it has built trust with the Welsh electorate. 'The key thing is it's up to the people of Wales. And I've many times said that I would have independence tomorrow, but it's not what I think that matters,' Mr ap Iorwerth told the Press Association. 'It's what the people of Wales believe, and I absolutely think we can have that referendum and set us off on a different direction as a country within our lifetime,' he added. Should Plaid pursue such a referendum in future, it would be likely to need support from other parties in Cardiff Bay and at Westminster, which is unlikely to be forthcoming. Plaid would focus on 'deep problems within the NHS in Wales', as well as education, economic stagnation and poverty, should it be the party that leads the next Welsh government, Mr ap Iorwerth said. Electoral reform to address Labour 'bias' The next Senedd election will see Welsh voters use a new proportional system to choose their representatives. Some 49 seats will be required for an outright majority, with the Senedd being expanded to 96 members. The previous system had an 'in-built bias towards Labour', the Plaid leader said. Mr ap Iorwerth added: 'That changes with the new electoral system that we have in Wales, and it's a genuine case that wherever people are in Wales, the votes that they cast will contribute towards who can be leading that government next year, Plaid Cymru is putting itself forward as the party to lead that government. 'And if people want that, they can have it with me as first minister, the first non-Labour first minister, setting a different direction for governments in Wales.' Parties in Wales are likely to have to co-operate following the poll, the Plaid leader admitted, but he continued to rule out a 'formal relationship' with Mr Farage's Reform UK. Mr ap Iorwerth added: 'We have two conservative parties in Wales now: the Conservative Party, and the Tories on steroids that Reform are: the pro-Thatcher, the pro-Liz Truss, the pro-Trump political party that works against the interests of workers, that works against the interests of businesses in Wales. 'I just don't think that's the politics that is in the interests of Wales.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Welsh independence referendum an 'absolute' possibility says Plaid Cymru leader
A referendum on Welsh independence is 'absolutely' a possibility within 'our lifetime', Plaid Cymru's leader has revealed. An independence referendum was promised by Adam Price, with the former Plaid leader saying it would take place in the next five years. However, new Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has now ruled out holding a referendum on Wales leaving the UK in the first term of a Plaid-led Welsh government, when speaking to the BBC's Walescast this week. But Mr ap Iorwerth told the PA news agency a referendum could form part of a Plaid government's platform for the future, once it has built trust with the Welsh electorate. Mr ap Iorwerth, speaking to PA, said: "The key thing is it's up to the people of Wales. And I've many times said that I would have independence tomorrow, but it's not what I think that matters,' 'It's what the people of Wales believe, and I absolutely think we can have that referendum and set us off on a different direction as a country within our lifetime,' he added. Rhun ap Iorwerth has said a referendum for Welsh independence could form part of a Plaid government's platform for the future. (Image: Ben Birchall/PA) Should Plaid Cymru pursue such a referendum in the future, it would be likely to need support from other parties in Cardiff Bay and at Westminster, which is unlikely to be forthcoming. Talk of a referendum for Welsh independence brought on by a Plaid-led Welsh government comes after the most recent poll results were released for the upcoming Senedd election (set to take place in 2026). Plaid is projected to be the largest party in the Senedd following the outcome of the election with around 30% of votes and 35 seats in the Siambr, according to a YouGov poll published on Tuesday (May 6). Plaid Cymru is the only credible pro Wales government on offer in 2026. 🏴 — Plaid Cymru 🏴 (@Plaid_Cymru) May 7, 2025 Nigel Farage's Reform UK would be the second-largest party, with 25% of votes, according to the poll. Plaid would focus on 'deep problems within the NHS in Wales', as well as education, economic stagnation and poverty, should it be the party that leads the next Welsh government, Mr ap Iorwerth said. RECOMMENDED READING: When is the next Senedd election in Wales? The exact date you can vote Plaid responds to Welsh Government NHS report The next Senedd election will take place on May 7, 2026. It will see Welsh voters use a new proportional system to choose their representatives. Some 49 seats will be required for an outright majority, with the Senedd being expanded to 96 members.
