Ten town and community councils now backing Welsh independence

Ten Community and Town Councils have declared their support for independence during the last two months, and the matter will be discussed by several other Councils over the coming weeks and months.

The latest to pass a motion supporting independence were Bontnewydd Community Council last night, following the lead of nearby Caernarfon Town Council.

The first Council to declare their support for independence was Machynlleth Council at the end of May. Machynlleth, Porthmadog, Ffestiniog, Nefyn, Bethesda, Llanuwchllyn, Trawsfynydd, and Llanystumdwy followed.

YesCymru Chair Siôn Jobbins, said that the idea of independence “has captured people’s imagination”.

“People see that Wales can manage itself better than being controlled by Westminster’s mess and pomp,” he said.

“People understand that Scotland may vote for independence within two years. It will be too late after the Scottish vote to start debating, campaigning and organising for Welsh independence; this must be done now.

“As YesCymru, we are very grateful to the councils who have shown leadership by supporting independence, and we are looking forward to take part in the march for independence in Caernarfon on 27th July.”

He said that Yes Cymru’s aim was to improve the way the country is governed. The campaign group said they believe in an inclusive citizenship, which embraces and celebrates the fact that everyone who chooses to make Wales their home – regardless of their background – are full citizens of the new Wales.

‘Timely’

The vote in Caernarfon was a prelude to a March for Independence which will be held in the town on 27th July. The march is being organised by the ‘All Under One Banner’ movement (AUOB Cymru).

It will take place a few months after the first march for independence was held in Cardiff in May, attracting a crowd of 5,000 people.

Organisers urged everyone who wants to see an independent Wales to join the march, and to bring flags, banners, drums and instruments. The marchers will meet early at the Victoria Dock Car Park, Caernarfon, with the march starting at 1pm.

The proposal for independence in the town was passed by the town exactly fifty years to the week that Prince Charles was crowned the Prince of Wales.

Councillor Cai Larsen who made the proposal to Caernarfon Town Council said he was “delighted” the Town Council had backed the campaign.

“This proposal was extremely timely considering that a march to support independence will be held in Caernarfon later this month, and that a number of community and town councils have already supported similar proposals,” he said.

“The main focus of our debate was the failure of Wales’ current constitutional regime to ensure economic prosperity and social fairness for its people.”