‘There’s more reason to be yes than no’ says rugby star on Welsh Independence

Dragons rugby star Ashton Hewitt has said “there’s more reason to be yes than no” when it comes to an independent Wales.

Hewitt, 26, has become more vocal regarding political matters on social media since the death of George Floyd in May 2020, and is now one of the most prominent Welsh BLM activists.

Speaking on Welsh independence podcast ‘YouYesYet’ – which aims to normalise the conversation surrounding an independent Wales by chatting to notable Welsh names about the pros and cons – Hewitt described his identity as “both Jamaican and Welsh heritages playing a big part”, and how growing up “he always wanted to represent Wales”.

“There’s more reason to be yes than no.”

It seems as though @ashton_hewitt has one leg off the fence…

Listen to the full ep 👉https://t.co/IM6AoNn2Uf pic.twitter.com/tun3FkbfiC

— The YouYesYet? Podcast (@UYesYet) April 7, 2021

He also described the “racism and marginalisation” whilst growing up playing rugby in Newport and the Gwent valleys that “made me feel like some people don’t want me to be Welsh”, which heavily influences whether or not he would support independence.

‘Trust’

Dragons winger Ashton Hewitt said: “Social justice and equality for everybody is at the top of my priority list. Everything needs to be better in that sense.

“A huge one for me would be how they would proceed with stamping out racism, improving equality and eradicating social injustices that are existing throughout society. That would be my swaying factor.

“It does sound like there’s more reason to be yes than no. Do we just accept the bad situation, or take that leap and put trust in ourselves to make it better?

“I’m not fully yes – it’s going to take a bit more research and a bit more time – but I’m definitely edging towards yes. I’m taking the approach of, why not?”