Our aim is for this guide to be ‘straight-talking’ and factual. It gives you the information to feel more confident about an independent Wales – and to persuade others.
We believe it’s time for a full debate on independence for Wales. Why?
Why Not?
Some may say Wales is too small to be independent. Yet some of the world’s most prosperous, equal and happy countries are small. What makes the people of Wales any different from Slovakians, Danes or the Irish? Surely, all decisions affecting Wales should be made in Wales – not just some of them, but all of them. Wales isn’t perfect. There are plenty of problems to tackle. Wouldn’t it be easier to tackle these problems if our government was fully focused on Welsh needs? Right now, Westminster treats Wales as a minor part of the UK, making decisions based on others’ priorities – as seen with Brexit, HS2, and the COVID-19 response. If an institution has repeatedly failed to meet our needs, the natural step is to form your own institution and take hold of your own fate. Independence is an opportunity to build a better Wales.
Wales Is Different
People may ask: “Wales? Isn’t that part of England?” Wales has a lot in common with the rest of the countries and regions of the UK, but we also have our own politics, values, culture, histories, and language. These have been shaped by people from all backgrounds, including one of Britain’s oldest multicultural communities in Cardiff’s Butetown, the descendants of industrial migrants, and the ‘New Welsh’ from Europe and beyond. Yet, all too often, Wales is treated as a region of England. Independence isn’t about division; it’s about celebrating our unique identity and securing our place as an equal member of the global community.
Get the Government That You Vote For
Welsh MPs make up just 5% of the House of Commons. No matter how Wales votes in a general election, we get the Westminster government that England wants. Since 1945, election results in Wales determined who the UK government is for only two years – between 1964 and 1966.
Wales’ voice in Westminster is small and has diminished further, with Wales now electing only 32 MPs in 2024, compared to 40 previously.
The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) is funded through the Barnett Formula, which allocates money to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, this funding is determined by the UK Treasury in London, based on England’s needs and priorities. The United Kingdom is, and always will be, an unequal union. The people of Wales must take control of their own future.
No More Excuses from Cardiff Bay
Whilst some progress has been made since devolution, real change can only happen if the Welsh Government has full control over all policy areas. For example, how can we properly integrate health and social care when welfare spending and taxation remain under Westminster’s control? An independent Welsh Government – not just a ‘devolved administration’ – could be far more ambitious. Independence would give Wales the tools to rebuild its economy and society, while also ensuring our politicians are fully accountable to us.
Don’t Think “Risks”; Think “Opportunities”
Lots of people say that independence is a nice idea, but Wales could never afford it. And yes, becoming an independent nation would come with risks. People take risks for a better future. The independence debate focuses too much on risk and not enough on opportunity. More and more people are realising this – and it’s empowering.
Wales is rich in resources and could lead the way in tackling climate change. Yet we can’t fully benefit from assets like offshore wind energy because they are controlled by the Crown Estate. Independence would allow Wales to build an economy shaped by Welsh priorities, not British ones.
It would also give us the power to create a fairer society, addressing injustices faced by people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, disabled people, the estimated 29% of children in Wales living in poverty[2] and other long-neglected and marginalised groups.
Yes, we must acknowledge risks. But the biggest risk may be doing nothing.
A New Beginning
No matter who is in power at Westminster, Wales keeps falling behind. Our economy fails the majority, our education system struggles, and political accountability is weak. Far too many young people in Wales face a future without real hope or ambition.
We can’t rely on Westminster to fix this. It’s time for Wales to take charge and build a better future. No one else will do it for us. It’s up to us to write the next chapter of Welsh history.
[2] Welsh Government (21st March 2024). “Relative income poverty: April 2022 to March 2023”.