Support for Welsh Independence Reaches ‘Milestone’ Figure, Reveals New Poll
A recent poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for YesCymru has displayed a significant level of support for Welsh independence, marking a pivotal moment for the movement. The online survey involved 1,000 Welsh adults aged 18 and above, spanning from March 24 to 27 this year. Participants were asked, “Should Wales be an independent country?” Out of the 960 respondents, 35% answered yes, 50% said no, and 14% were uncertain. When those undecided were excluded, the data revealed that 41% supported independence, with 59% against. YesCymru has hailed this 41% as a critical milestone in the progression of the Welsh independence movement.
Phyl Griffiths, Chair of YesCymru, expressed significant optimism in response to the poll results. Griffiths highlighted the steady increase in support, noting a five-point rise compared to the previous year’s poll. He emphasised that nearly half of working-age adults now exhibit confidence in Wales’s autonomous governance capabilities. The chair stated, “We’re witnessing a real shift in attitudes, and people across Wales are ready to have a serious conversation about independence.” The inclination towards independence was notably strong among younger demographics, with 72% of individuals aged 25 to 34 backing the movement.
During the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, participants were posed with a binary choice of “yes” or “no.” In the upcoming ‘March for Independence’ scheduled for April 26 in Barry, organised jointly by YesCymru and AUOBCymru, the active engagement in the movement is palpable. Since 2019, thousands have partaken in independence marches across various Welsh towns and cities such as Caernarfon, Merthyr, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea, Carmarthen, and Cardiff, which drew over 10,000 individuals in 2022. Mark Hooper, one of the organisers, reflected on this momentum, asserting, “The energy behind this movement is growing. With every march, every conversation, and now, with this poll, the data backs it up.”
The forthcoming March for Independence in Barry is positioned as an opportunity for individuals across Wales to unify and showcase the escalating support for Welsh independence. The organisers aim to underscore the tangible and rising strength of this movement. The resounding message from the organisers is that the groundswell of backing for independence is real, burgeoning, and unstoppable. The March in Barry seeks to bolster this sentiment, serving as a visible demonstration of the mounting enthusiasm for Welsh autonomy.
As the Welsh independence movement gains traction, the forthcoming events and conversations surrounding the topic anticipate a surge in engagement and advocacy for a sovereign Wales. The palpable shift in public sentiment suggests a growing appetite for further exploration of Welsh independence. The blend of grassroots activism and polling data underscores a robust foundation for continued discourse and action towards realising the aspirations of an independent Wales. The evolving landscape within Wales indicates a future where the pursuit of independence enjoys unwavering support and determination.