Labour must tell voters where they stand on Welsh independence, Andrew RT Davies says

Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, has called on Labour to make clear where they stand on independence ahead of May’s Senedd election.

A recent poll showed that a majority of Labour voters backed independence, he said. Labour have also selected three pro-independence candidates for May’s election.

Andrew RT Davies also referred to comments by the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, in which he declared the United Kingdom “is over”, while outlining his plans for “home rule”.

In contrast, Welsh Conservative candidates have all signed a pledge unequivocally backing the Union ahead of May’s Senedd election, the Welsh Conservative leader said.

“Welsh Conservatives are clear where we stand on the Union and the chaotic prospect of independence which is being openly pursued by Plaid Cymru,” Andrew RT Davies.

“We believe our economic recovery depends on remaining a United Kingdom, and the sole focus of the Welsh Conservatives will be on ensuring families, workers and businesses can bounce back after the pandemic.

“But where do Welsh Labour stand? It’s time they were up front and honest with the Welsh people ahead of such an important election.

“Welsh towns and communities look set to be worst hit by the pandemic and it’s not the time to be talking about separation and division when we all need to be focused on rebuilding the Welsh economy.

“It’s either a robust economic recovery in a strong Union, or a dangerous dance with separatism that risks economic and constitutional chaos – it can’t be both.”

51%

Labour have selected three independence supporting candidates in the Mid and West Wales Region.

Cian Ireland has been selected as the Welsh Labour candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Dylan Lewis-Rowlands has been selected in Ceredigion, and Ben Gwalchmai is standing on the Mid and West Wales regional list.

A YouGov poll in September showed that a majority of those who voted Labour at the 2019 General Election would back Welsh independence if a referendum was held.

With the figures adjusted to remove those who refused to answer, didn’t know or said that they wouldn’t vote, 51% of respondents who voted for Labour said they would vote for Welsh independence with 49% against.