TOWN COUNCIL VOTES TO BACK WELSH INDEPENDENCE:

Town council backs Welsh independence movement

AGWYNEDD town has become the first in the region to formally back Welsh independence. Porthmadog town councillor Simon Brooks proposed a “formal declaration in favour of independence” that was backed by a majority of the town councillors last week. It follows

a decision made by Machynlleth Town Council in Powys last month that saw it become the first to formally back Wales becoming an independent country.

Describing the decision as “historic”, the Borth-y-Gest Plaid Cymru councillor said: “I think it’s great. We’re the democratically elected voice of our communities, and it just shows how mainstream the idea of Welsh independence has become.

“We need to go independent. “The United Kingdom is going to collapse around us after Brexit, and when

Scotland goes, we can’t just be left behind.

“I just think all the nations of the United Kingdom should get independence. Every nation deserves the right to be in charge of their own affairs.”

He added: “It’s a historic decision to be able to say that our town council supports independence.

“Machynlleth came out for independence last month and Porthmadog is the first council in North Wales. I hope it snowballs and that other councils make similar declarations.”

The move comes after Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price called for a referendum on Welsh independence if there is no second Brexit vote.

It came as Prime Minister Theresa May struggled to get a deal through parliament to leave the European Union (EU).

Following a poll created by our sister paper, The Daily Post as a result of the announcement, readers voted significantly for Wales becoming independent from the rest of the UK with 59% in favour.

There has also been an upsurge in support for a fledgling Welsh independence campaign after thousands took part in the “first-ever march for independence” last month.

The event, in Cardiff, was organised by AUOBCymru (All Under One Banner Cymru) and supported by a number of groups such as YesCymru, Awoken Cymru and Welsh Football Fans for Independence.

Ffestiniog Town Council were also set to discuss backing Welsh independence in a meeting.