CAMPAIGNERS will hold the first march for Welsh independence in three years this weekend, with organisers saying the Scottish referendum announcement has boosted momentum.
A march and rally will take place in Wrexham on Saturday, as part of a weekend of activities organised by Indy Fest Wrecsam.
Llywelyn ap Gwilym, a spokesperson for All Under One Banner Cymru, which is helping support the event, said what was happening in Scotland had “undoubtedly” helped to boost the campaign.
He said it was hoped this weekend’s events would start to build momentum again, after the success of independence marches held in Wales in 2019.
“We had three marches in 2019, which went very well but had to stop because of the pandemic,” he said.
“There was originally one planned in Wrexham for 2020, which was delayed, so it is happening on Saturday and we are hoping it is well attended.”
He added: “It is a great opportunity to bring people together and push things forward.
“One of the great things about the marches in 2019 is they were just such positive events.”
The latest poll on independence in Wales has found 32% in favour of Yes, with No at 68%.
Gwilym, who appeared on Independence Live on Wednesday ahead of the march, said there was “still a lot of work to do” to change independence support from being in the minority.
But he added: “We also have to recognise we have come a long way in a short time.
“Given we haven’t had a referendum, we haven’t had campaigning for one, we have a strong base.
“We shouldn’t rest on our laurels but we are in an alright position.”
The march is expected to be attended by various pro-indy representatives such as Plaid Cymru, Greens and YesCymru.
Among the speakers taking part in the rally in Wrexham is Dylan Lewis-Rowlands, of the group Labour for Indy Wales.
He was one of three Labour hopefuls who stood in the Senedd elections openly supporting independence - unlike in Scotland, where Labour leader Anas Sarwar has insisted candidates have a pro-UK stance.
A poll in 2020 found support for independence among Labour voters in Wales was more than 50%.
Lewis-Rowlands said there had been a rise in interest in Welsh independence over the pandemic, driven by Welsh Labour supporters and voters.
He declined to comment on Scottish Labour’s position, but added: “What I can say is that if I was in Scotland, I would struggle with the position of Scottish Labour.
“I think the more dubious stance [of Welsh Labour] makes sense. The stated position is ‘radical federalism’ – that is our approach – but that is completely dependent on the Tories agreeing to it.
“Frankly I don’t see the Tories agreeing to any more devolution, in fact what we are seeing is them actively attempting to roll it back.”
He added: “There is a much more nuanced approach in Wales and frankly I think that has benefited us.
“There is the feeling that if Scotland goes, do we really want it to be a union of Wales and England and have the permanent Tory rule that will bring – or constant neo-liberal rule. It is not what Welsh Labour wants.”
