Senedd election is not about independence – Plaid Cymru candidate

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A Plaid Cymru candidate has emphasized that the upcoming Senedd election is not centered on Welsh independence. Heledd Fychan dismissed accusations from opposing parties suggesting that Plaid would prioritize campaigning for Wales to leave the United Kingdom if it formed the next Welsh government after the election in May. Instead, she clarified that the party’s focus lies elsewhere during this election cycle.

During an appearance on BBC Politics Wales, Samuel Kurtz, representing the Welsh Conservatives, argued that Plaid would allocate “hard-earned taxpayers’ money focusing on independence” within the initial 100 days of governance. The Welsh Liberal Democrats also expressed their refusal to collaborate with any party that invests funds toward pursuing a UK exit. Kurtz warned that such a strategy would impoverish Wales and its citizens.

In response, Fychan firmly stated that Plaid Cymru had committed over a year ago to not hold an independence referendum during its first term. She stressed that their priority is securing further devolution powers, including control over justice, policing, the Crown Estate, and rail infrastructure. Fychan maintained, “This isn’t an election about independence because referendum on independence will not be in this first term,” adding that voters want effective governance using existing powers.

Additional voices on the same broadcast included Liberal Democrat candidate Rodney Berman, who echoed the party’s stance against spending public money on independence efforts. While supporting more devolution, Berman urged caution, highlighting the importance of concentrating resources on public service improvements. Meanwhile, Reform UK and the Wales Green Party framed the election as primarily concerned with issues like the cost of living, housing, and health service protection. Welsh Labour had not provided a comment at the time, and no single party is predicted to secure a majority, potentially leading to coalition negotiations where funding for independence remains a contentious issue

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