Plaid’s Rhun Leads Historic Welsh Independence March in Barry

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Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, has voiced growing optimism within the Welsh independence movement as the latest March for Independence is set to take place in Barry this Saturday.

Addressing supporters ahead of the event, ap Iorwerth emphasised the increasing disillusionment with Westminster among Welsh communities and criticised the Labour UK Government for what he described as a failure to deliver on promises of change.

“I’m excited to be joining thousands of others in Barry today – whether indy-curious or indy-confident – as we celebrate the possibilities of Wales’s potential,” said ap Iorwerth.

“With recent independence polling moving again in a positive direction, Wales is clearly on a journey and it is up to us as those who believe in our nation’s ability to stand on her own two feet to bring as many people as possible with us.

“As disillusionment with Westminster grows in Welsh communities, we are also seeing a growing confidence that Wales should have the right and resources to decide its own future.

“Labour fought the UK General Election on a promise of change – that promise now lies in tatters. We always knew that the Tories would never give Wales the fair deal we deserve but now it’s crystal clear that Labour never will either.

“Whether it’s the cuts to welfare depriving the most vulnerable of a safety net or the outrageous decision not to give Wales its share of HS2 money, more and more people are waking up to the fact that the Union is both morally and economically indefensible.

“Plaid Cymru has always said that we will fight for more powers not for the sake of it but for a purpose – so that we can properly fund our vital services, so we can grow our economy, and so we can begin to repair the fabric of society which has been torn by more than a decade of Tory austerity.

“I look forward to another successful Yes Cymru march and would encourage anyone who is tired of Westminster’s broken promises and believes that decisions about Wales should be made in Wales to join us.”

The march, jointly organised by YesCymru and AUOBCymru, is expected to draw several thousand participants, departing from King Square at 1pm. Barry holds a special place in Welsh history, having played a pivotal role in the Cymru Fydd movement for home rule in the 1890s. 

Mark Hooper, local councillor and one of the event’s organisers, reflected on this legacy, stating: “The historical significance of Cymru Fydd in the 1890s serves as a powerful reminder of our collective voice. As we face contemporary challenges, the thirst for self-determination remains as strong as ever. It’s crucial that we honour our past while advocating for a future that reflects our values and priorities.”

Following the march, a rally will be held in King Square featuring speeches from former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, Catalan independence campaigner Anna Arqué i Solsona, Plaid Cymru’s Kiera Marshall, Tessa Marshall from the Green Party, and singer-songwriter Eädyth Crawford.

The event will be hosted by local councillor Mark Hooper, with live music from Emma Winter, known for her appearance on Y Llais, the Welsh version of The Voice.