Torfaen County Borough Council has today voted in favour of transferring control of the Crown Estate to Wales – making it the final local authority to do so. The vote marks a historic, unanimous consensus across all 22 local councils and the Senedd, following a coordinated national campaign led by YesCymru.
YesCymru, the movement advocating for Welsh independence, has been at the forefront of the push to transfer powers over the Crown Estate – currently managed by the UK Government – to the people of Wales. The outcome in Torfaen now sends an unequivocal message: Wales wants control of its own natural resources.
YesCymru Director Rob Hughes said:
With unanimous support across all local authorities and the Senedd, the message from Wales is loud and clear. We call once again on the UK Government to do the right thing and transfer control of the Crown Estate to Wales.
Highlighting the growing appetite for political change in the country, Hughes added:
Recent polling shows support for Welsh independence is at an all-time high, over 40%. The UK Government ignores the people of Wales and independence movement at its peril.
The motion in Torfaen was introduced by Councillor Jayne Watkins, Labour representative for the Fairwater Ward.
YesCymru paid tribute to the cross-party and grassroots collaboration behind the campaign, which has brought together voices from across the political spectrum.
Rob Hughes concluded:
When Wales works together, Wales works well. This campaign proves that radical, positive change is possible when people from all walks of life unite for the common good. The future of Wales is ours to shape, and together, our potential is limitless.
YesCymru campaigning in Moel Famau, October 2024
YesCymru campaigning in Swansea, April 2024
YesCymru campaigning on the Menai Straight, August 2024