This booklet needed to be written. The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016. Polls continue to show strong support for Scottish independence a decade after their referendum, alongside growing support for Welsh independence. Discussions about Ireland’s peaceful reunification are also gaining momentum. The UK is changing fast, and Wales must not be left behind.
In the following pages, YesCymru explores key questions about independence: How can a small nation like Wales succeed in today’s world? What resources do we have? How could independence reshape our economy and society? And what would our place be in the global community?
Supporters of Welsh independence will be very familiar with these questions posed by both sceptics and those who are open-minded but unsure. This booklet treats such questions as invitations to engage in rational debate. We hope it helps answer some of these big questions, giving readers the knowledge to challenge weak, uninspiring arguments from defenders of the status quo – and giving us the confidence to set the agenda for Welsh independence.
Welsh patriotism runs deep. We see it at every international sporting event – passionate, diverse, and inclusive. But Welshness isn’t limited to match days; it’s part of our everyday lives, in our communities, workplaces, and families.
We also know that pride in being Welsh doesn’t always mean supporting independence. This booklet isn’t just for committed campaigners – it’s also for those who are undecided. People whose hearts may be persuaded, but not yet their heads. The ‘indy-curious.’
YesCymru began in 2014 as a small group supporting Scotland’s independence campaign. Since its official launch in 2016, the idea of Welsh independence has moved from the fringes to the mainstream. As of November 2024, 37% of people polled support Welsh independence[1] – a number that was once unthinkable.
YesCymru believes in inclusive citizenship. Everyone who makes Wales their home – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation – is a full citizen of a future independent Wales.
The world is increasingly uncertain, and the UK is still dealing with the fallout from Brexit. So, what lies ahead for Wales? To be absorbed into a shrinking, reactionary ‘union’, or to stand as an independent nation among nations?
More and more people are recognising the deep unfairness of the status quo – whether it’s the billions of pounds Wales has lost from HS2, or the way the Crown Estate controls some of our most valuable natural resources.
National sovereignty is a cornerstone of international law. This booklet makes the case for our ability to govern our own affairs.
Given the rapidly changing political landscape, we ask: How can the question of Welsh independence continue to be ignored and what argument still exists for maintaining the status quo?
[1] Survation poll conducted by Arron Banks (published November 8th 2024). Don’t knows and undecideds removed. Full tables are available at https://cdn.survation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08145423/Wales_Tables.xlsx