33%NOWBACKINGINDEPENDENCE
MORE than one third of people in Wales would support the country becoming independent if it meant remaining in the EU, according to new figures.
The YouGov poll, commissioned by Plaid Cymru, found 33% would back breaking away from the UK – rising to 41% if excluding “don’t knows” – representing the highest level in polling history.
Growing support for Welsh independence has led to a series of rallies recently held in Cardiff, Caernarfon and Merthyr Tydfil, where thousands joined marches organised by All Under One Banner Cymru.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said the new poll represented an “historic high” for dreams of an independent Wales, and accused figures in Westminster of “wrecking Wales’ future”.
Mr Price said: “Westminster is in turmoil. Boris Johnson’s reckless Tory government and Jeremy Corbyn’s chaotic so-called opposition are wrecking Wales’s future.
“It is no wonder that we are witnessing a surge in support for a New Wales – a nation proudly taking its place as an equal partner on the international stage.”
The poll, which surveyed 1,039 Welsh adults, found 48% voted “no” when asked if Wales should be independent to remain in the EU.
And only 24% said they would support Welsh independence if a referendum was held tomorrow.
Recently, the people of Wales were urged to continue the growing conversation about Welsh independence at the latest march.
Author and poet Catrin Dafydd said: “I dare you all to have conversations across Wales... talk about our nation and the things we are able to do for ourselves.”
And Wales and Everton football legend Neville Southall declared: “This is the greatest country in the world, but it’s no good having a dragon if the dragon cannot roar.”
There’s been plenty of reaction to the latest march for an independent Wales which took place in Merthyr Tydfil the Saturday before last.
The organisers expressed their delight at the success of the march and rally.
This was the third march organised by independence campaign group All Under One Banner (AUOB) Cymru.
Organisers confirmed that more than 5,000 people had turned up for the event.
Previous marches in Cardiff and Caernarfon, in May and July, are thought to have attracted 3,000 and 8,000-10,000 participants, respectively.
Siân Gwenllian AM column: Page 14
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