Football legend ‘Big Nev’ to make the case for Welsh independence at Labour conference event

Former Wales and Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall will make the case for Welsh independence at a Welsh Labour conference fringe event in Llandudno, today.

The Corbyn-supporting former goalkeeper who won 92 caps for his country will be speaking at an event organised by Labour for an Independent Wales.

‘Big Nev’ has recently taken to Twitter to discuss issues as diverse as sex work, transgender rights and, of course, Welsh politics.

He told Golwg magazine this week that he thought independence was inevitable.

“I believe it will happen sooner or later,” he said. “I would like to see us standing on our own two feet.

“If I believe in something I stick to it but politicians these days… they don’t do what they’re supposed to. You have to do it for the people, not your own career.

“I believe that we have a fantastic country, we have fantastic people and if we don’t sell our country, we’ll suffer.”

‘Refreshing’

Ben Gwalchmai of the group Labour for an Independent Wales said that the support of ‘Big Nev’ was a great way to get the message about Welsh independence out to the public.

“What’s great about Nev is that he’s happy to listen and discuss without prejudice, and if we’re honest about it, there are a lot of assumptions and prejudices around the idea of Welsh independence that we need to challenge,” he said.

“As committed Labour members who believe in self-determination for Wales, it’s really refreshing to find a big celebrity who’s also a Labour supporter that’s actually willing to say – yes, you know what, it’s an idea that I believe in principle, and I’d like to discuss more.”

The event begins at 6.30pm on Saturday night at the Mostyn Arts Centre on Vaughan Street in Llandudno. Tickets may be ordered here.