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Wales’ first minister has emphatically declared that the nation’s pursuit of independence is irreversible, speaking at a significant rally held on Saturday. Addressing attendees in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Rhun ap Iorwerth emphasized that the forthcoming objective for Wales must be to achieve at least the same level of equality as Scotland. This event marked a notable moment, with thousands of participants present. Organisers from the campaign group Yes Cymru estimated turnout to be between 8,000 and 9,000 people.
The first minister highlighted the ongoing momentum by stating, “[Wales is] on a journey, and there’s no turning back.” Since 2019, widespread marches advocating for Welsh independence have taken place in multiple cities, including Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhyl, and Barry. Despite this history of activism, Saturday’s occasion was the first time that a sitting first minister chose to attend a Yes Cymru march. However, this decision drew criticism from political opponents. A Reform Cymru Member of the Senedd (MS) expressed disappointment, while a Welsh Conservative MS suggested it would be “better for him to be behind his desk in Cathays sorting the problems he said he would sort out.”
After the march concluded, speakers addressed the crowd at Castle Gardens. Alongside the first minister, speeches were delivered by Yes Cymru’s chairman Rob Hughes and Plaid Cymru MS for Gwynedd Maldwyn, Elwyn Vaughan. The rally was significant as it came after Plaid Cymru had formed part of the government following the May Senedd elections, marking the first march under their leadership. Ap Iorwerth remarked, “We are standing up for Wales, pursuing the investment and greater powers we need from Westminster now, so we can make a real difference to people’s lives as the next step in our constitutional journey.”
Additionally, during the event, the Plaid Cymru MS for Bangor Conwy Môn referenced recent comments made by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who had rejected the idea of devolving powers to Wales to hold an independence referendum. Ap Iorwerth responded by stressing that “The right to self-determination is not a right that the UK government is willing to acknowledge.” This tension was further highlighted this week when the Senedd narrowly voted down a motion from Reform Cymru affirming Wales should remain part of the United Kingdom. The tied vote of 45-45 was decided by Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies, who cast the deciding vote against the motion in accordance with parliamentary procedures
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