YesCymru and YesBreizh, Brittany's leading movement campaigning for home rule, have formed a new partnership aimed at strengthening ties and cooperation between the two organisations.
Representatives of YesCymru travelled to Brittany over the weekend, where YesCymru Chair Rob Hughes and Bronwen Morgan, a member of YesCymru's staff, attended the 37th Gouel al levrioù e Breizh (Breton Book Festival) and met with YesBreizh representatives, including Philippe (Fulup) Corréa, Izold Guegan and Alain Le Cloarac.
The partnership agreement aims to foster closer cooperation between the two movements, strengthen cultural and political ties, and encourage the sharing of experiences and ideas as they pursue their respective goals.
Speaking on behalf of YesCymru, Rob Hughes said:
“We are fortunate to have this excellent opportunity to collaborate with YesBreizh, a relatively new movement working to support the people of Brittany on their journey towards home rule. It’s remarkable to think that we faced a similar battle almost thirty years ago, winning by the narrowest of margins to establish the Welsh Assembly, which has since evolved into the Welsh Parliament. Now, with independence a real possibility in Wales, we can reflect on our successes and draw on our experience to support movements in other countries on their own journeys.
“Without a doubt, Brittany faces many of the same challenges and injustices as Wales. It was a real pleasure to have so many conversations in Welsh with our Breton cousins and friends over the weekend. We are extremely grateful to YesBreizh for the warm welcome, wonderful experiences and generous hospitality.”
Speaking on behalf of YesBreizh, Philippe (Fulup) Corréa said:
“We are delighted to be working with YesCymru, whose experience and determination are a tremendous asset to YesBreizh as we build support for home rule in Brittany. Wales’s journey shows that change is possible when people believe in their country’s future and work together to shape it.
“What made this weekend especially moving was hearing the remarkable similarities between our Breton and Welsh vocabularies. We are more than neighbours: we belong to a living community, rooted in shared history, related languages and enduring cultural bonds. Working together is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen that community and give our peoples greater confidence in their future.
“Brittany can do better. Brittany must do better. Brittany will do better!”
The agreement marks a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Wales and Brittany, two nations united by deep historical, linguistic and cultural bonds. Both movements hope the partnership will encourage greater cooperation, mutual understanding and lasting solidarity between their peoples.