Reports indicate an increase in independent feeling across Wales, mainly influenced by ongoing Brexit negotiations
Nearly a quarter of Welsh people would vote for independence if there was a referendum tomorrow. This is according to a YouGov poll led by Plaid Cymru.
The poll shows that more would support an independent Wales if it were to stay part of the European Union. 18 to 24-year olds are most enthusiastic about independence, with 42% in favour.
This comes after prominent marches for independence took place across Wales this year, including Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Caernarfon. Pro-independence groups like YesCymru and Welsh Football Fans for Independence have seen their membership grow in the last 12 months.
Tortoise Media, a new slow news website, held a talk (or a ‘ThinkIn’) at Cardiff University last month, asking “Is Wales becoming indy-curious?”. The panel included former First Minister Carwyn Jones, Plaid Cymru AM Delyth Jewell and university professor Laura McAllister. Many agreed with the question, but remained ambivalent over the actual prospect of an independent Wales, citing population size and lack of infrastructure as main reasons.
In response to this reported increase in independent feeling, we asked the Cardiff general public what they thought.
If there was a referendum on Welsh independence in the next few days, how would you vote?
Dai Dreaden, 33, Pub General Manager, Bristol
“I would vote for Wales to stay in Britain. I don’t think Wales is a big enough country to survive on its own, I don’t think it has the infrastructure and I don’t think it’s got the financial stability.”
Joanne Williams, 42, Barrister, Cardiff
“I would vote to remain in the UK. I feel that Wales would be served better on many levels from remaining in the UK. We are too small a country to manage everything and we do get benefits from being part of a wider United Kingdom.”
Ellyn Rhys, 20, support worker, Pembrokeshire
“I’d vote to become independent. With Brexit going on, I think it’s safer for us to be out of the UK and go back to the EU.”
John Scott, 60, retired, the Wirral
“I’d vote against it… I’m English. I don’t think (Wales) have the economic clout unfortunately.”
Lowri Meyrick, 25, unemployed, Cardiff
“I would remain part of the UK. I think we’re dividing more and more. We had a lot of European funding, that’s not happening anymore… (but) maybe I do vote for Wales to be independent, because I know England aren’t going to be as nice to Wales as Europe.”
Michael Payne, 44, self-employed, Newquay, Pembrokeshire
“Even as an Englishman, I’d vote for Wales to become independent. Inevitably Scotland is going to break. Northern Ireland have their own rules in regard to the EU. I think the separation of the UK has already begun, and it’s in Wales’ best interests to separate also.”