SNP MP Mhairi Black will say that “real change will never come from Westminster” in the fraternal address to Plaid Cymru’s Spring Conference in Llanelli today.
In her first speech as SNP Westminster depute leader, Black will restate the SNP’s support for sister party Plaid Cymru and the shared goal of self-determination for their countries.
In the speech, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South is expected to say: “With the Tories and the pro-Brexit Labour Party now essentially one and the same, it’s clear that real change for Scotland and Wales will never come from Westminster.
“Only independence – and the full powers that come with it – can bring about a better future.
“People are recognising this as the reality, with support for independence having increased in the two Celtic nations.
“Under this Westminster government, built on sleaze and cronyism, we’ve had a decade of austerity, a disastrous Brexit, power-grabs on our devolved parliaments, and now it is pushing people across these isles into fuel poverty by raising energy bills, despite having the funds to cut them.
“As well as being the handmaidens to a Tory Brexit and ruling out ever looking to rejoin the EU, the Labour Party has consistently put the interests of Westminster before the people living in devolved nations, just as the Tories have done.
“Meanwhile, the SNP and Plaid Cymru have stood side by side in holding the chaotic Westminster government to account, as well as making the positive case for self-determination, and we will continue to do so.”
It comes as Plaid Cymru outline a new economic plan to transform the Welsh economy, create green jobs, and support small business, according to party leader Adam Price.
Speaking ahead of his party’s spring conference in Llanelli, the Plaid Cymru Leader said that the current economic crisis facing families in Wales was a “direct result” of Tory cuts and Labour inaction.
He said: “Soaring energy bills and falling wages. Workers on strike and public services in crisis. Jobs lost and businesses going bust.
“This is the direct result of over decade of Tory cuts and Labour inaction which has weakened the Welsh economy and left hard-working people struggling to put food on the table.
“Plaid Cymru says enough is enough. We need to transform our economy now to raise living standards and protect ourselves from Westminster’s economic chaos – taking ownership of our natural resources and investing in our local businesses.
“Wales as an independent nation, free from Westminster’s chaos and decline, can have a strong and dynamic economy, underpinned by successful homegrown businesses.
“So now is the time for a new vision that will turn the Welsh economy into an economy that works for every part and for everyone in Wales."
