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BBC Wales News political reporter David Deans has highlighted Plaid Cymru’s recent pledge to unveil a blueprint for Welsh independence, although not during the initial term of a Plaid-led government. Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth garnered support at the party conference for the establishment of a “standing commission” dedicated to engaging with the public on the nation’s future. Members backed plans for this commission to draft a white paper on Welsh independence, with ap Iorwerth clarifying that this initiative would not be immediate.
While the exact timeline remains unspecified, it implies that Plaid Cymru may consider pursuing independence following the 2026 and 2030 Senedd elections if successful. During the conference held in Swansea, ap Iorwerth positioned his party as a credible alternative to Welsh Labour, highlighting readiness to challenge the ruling party in the upcoming May elections. This stance marks a departure from their previous commitment to hold an independence referendum within five years, as declared during the 2021 election under former leader Adam Price.
Plaid’s annual conference also adopted a motion recognizing Wales’ progression towards independence and suggesting that bolstering devolution could be a stepping stone in this trajectory. Referencing a previous government-backed independent commission on Wales’ future, the party endorsed the establishment of a standing commission to oversee the recommendations set forth by the government commission. This entailed proposals such as devolving justice and policing powers to the Welsh government and granting full control over rail services – decisions that require approval from the UK government.
The motion further advocated for citizen engagement and research on constitutional matters, in addition to drafting a white paper on Welsh independence. This strategic approach mirrors the SNP’s handling of the independence issue in Scotland, culminating in a referendum during their second term in office. Ap Iorwerth conveyed during the conference that this motion aligns with the party’s forward-looking agenda, emphasizing the importance of initiating discussions on Wales’ constitutional journey without rushing into a referendum in the immediate future
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