Increased Tory majority would further boost support new poll finds
A quarter of the Welsh public favour independence for Wales, with support rising to a third if the Conservatives increase their majority at Westminster, according to a new opinion poll undertaken by YouGov on behalf of YesCymru.
People were asked to rate their support for independence between zero and ten. Of those polled, 26% favoured independence, another 16% were neither in favour or against and 47% were against. Those most supportive of independence were Labour voters, Plaid Cymru voters and the 18-49 age group, with Conservative and UKIP voters being least supportive.
When the same people were asked how they would feel if the Conservatives increased their majority in the House of Commons following the elections on 8 June, support went up to to 32%. When “don’t knows” are discounted, 36% would favour independence if May was returned safely to Downing Street after the election.
Incredibly, when those who are undecided are discounted, 47% of Labour voters would favour independence under this scenario, with 23% being strongly in favour.
Responding to the news, the Chair of YesCymru, Iestyn ap Rhobert, said:
"These results are superb for the campaign for Welsh independence. It’s really encouraging to see so much cross-party support, even though those parties are not currently making the case for freedom for our nation. The political parties need to let the people of Wales decide on the fate of our nation – this campaign is the people’s campaign, and the momentum is growing.
"This is also a huge boost for us as we prepare for our annual meeting in Aberystwyth next month. Our aim is to gain independence for Wales in order to improve the way our country is governed. We believe in an inclusive citizenship, that welcomes and celebrates the fact that everyone who chooses to make Wales their home – regardless of background – is a full citizen of the new Wales.
"We will make the case that Wales, like other small nations, are better off running their own affairs as part of a wider European and international family – without the backing of the political establishment. After all, it is only sensible that decisions about Wales should be made in Wales. We have the right to be an independent country, and Westminster has no divine right to reign over us."
Yes Cymru are holding their annual meeting in Aberystwyth on Saturday 17 June.