YesCymru has welcomed today’s landmark agreement in Cardiff, where the leaders of Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin signed a joint memorandum affirming the right of Wales, Scotland and Ireland to determine their own futures.
The memorandum states that “no Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future” and calls on the British Government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction”.
Under the current constitutional settlement, the Senedd cannot legislate for a referendum on Welsh independence, and Wales has no established legal mechanism to hold one without Westminster’s agreement.
YesCymru Chair Rob Hughes said:
“YesCymru welcome any progressive talks to establish a framework and pathway to an Independent Wales.
“The fundamental issue here is who has the right to decide Wales’ future. We believe Wales must have the right to hold an independence referendum without a UK Government being able to block that choice.”
Northern Ireland already has a statutory mechanism for a Border Poll. Wales has no equivalent mechanism.
Mr Hughes continued:
“YesCymru launched a campaign in August to secure an independence referendum by 2032, and we will do everything we can to work towards that goal.
“YesCymru is a grassroots movement with thousands of members. As positive as today’s memorandum is, we believe that the destiny of Wales must ultimately be in the hands of the people of Wales, not just politicians.
“We have our 11th March for Independence in Aberystwyth on 26 September, and we will be looking to build on our recent positive polling and the genuine sense of excitement within the movement. Join us in Aberystwyth!”
A Survation poll commissioned by YesCymru and published last week found that 32% of likely referendum voters would vote for independence if a referendum was held tomorrow. Among likely referendum voters under 45, Yes had a majority in every age group: 59% among 18 to 24-year-olds, 54% among 25 to 34-year-olds and 57% among 35 to 44-year-olds.
YesCymru’s 11th March for Independence will take place in Aberystwyth on Saturday 26 September, beginning at 1pm from Castle Gardens.