Two new campaign groups set up to make the case for Welsh independence

Two new campaign groups, Indy Cymru and Ymlaen Cymru, have been set up to convince the public of the need for Welsh independence.

Indy Cymru told Nation.Cymru that their aim was to develop videos and infographics that would help spread the word and make the case for independence.

Ymlaen Cymru has been set up to campaign for Welsh independence from a progressive point of view, placing the focus on radical policies supporting the environment, equity and equality.

Both groups have said that they are independent of Yes Cymru, which has been the primary driver of the Welsh independence movement, as well as Plaid Cymru.

But both were also keen to stress that the aim was not to compete with any other pro-independence movement.

Indy Cymru was set up by Rhys Thomas and Liam Kennedy from Cardiff, but also depends on the support of a wider group of friends, they said.

“Our aim is to get more people talking about the future of our nation,” they told Nation.Cymru.

“We wanted to do so in a way that would best use our skills. Given our background in media and digital we will primarily focus on developing new content; including videos and infographics that we hope will promote further discussions around Welsh independence.

“We hope that this will compliment all the other great work that is already ongoing around the independence cause and will encourage people to get involved in the movement in whatever way they can.

“We believe that Wales is at a crucial crossroad in its history. Now is the time for a change. By working together, another future is possible.”

Campaign

They said that they had already created some video content, including a video that was widely shared online, including by YesCymru.

“The video was previously shared by Yes Cymru, but, was produced by ourselves and provided to Yes Cymru free of charge,” they said.

“We decided to set up the new platform as we are hoping to develop content on a more regular basis and we’ve got some exciting ideas for new videos in the pipeline.

“Given that we are hoping to produce regular content we felt it would be useful to establish a new platform where this could be shared.

“We hope that this new channel will be of benefit to all those organisations currently involved in the independence movement and that it might encourage more people to get involved with them, be that Yes Cymru, Plaid Cymru, Labour for IndyWales or any other group campaigning for a progressive independent Wales.”

Support

The new pro-independence campaign groups have appeared at a challenging time for the pro-independence movement.

On Saturday it was announced that four members of Yes Cymru’s Central Committee, including Chairman Iestyn ap Rhobert, had resigned after the AGM, feeling that they had lost members’ support.

Rhys Thomas and Liam Kennedy, however, said that they thought the campaign for independence was gaining momentum.

“Independence is an issue that has significantly increased in prominence in Wales,” they said.

“Support for independence has nearly trebled in a year, and with the UK Government seemingly intent on ignoring Welsh needs as it negotiates Brexit, this support is sure to grow.

“There are already a number of groups working to achieve independence. Yes Cymru has had phenomenal success in raising the profile of independence within our political discourse.

“The recent launch of Ymlaen Cymru builds on the work of Desolation Radio which has been vitally important in articulating how Welsh independence could lead to the creation of a more progressive Wales.

“The renewed focus on independence within Plaid Cymru and the formation of Labour for IndyWales also highlights how independence is a cross-party issue. We hope to be able to provide a further voice in this debate.”

Discussion

Ymlaen Cymru said they would be releasing more details about their vision in mid-November, but that they were making progress.

In an online update, they said that they “want to see a Wales that practices radical policies supporting the environment, equity & equality, inclusion, tolerance and the Welsh language and culture; and that rejects neoliberal economics”.

“We don’t believe that this Wales can be created within the ‘United’ Kingdom. We believe our best chance of realising our aspirations is to campaign for Welsh Independence.

“We need further discussion and consideration to develop themes and practicalities. This means that a membership offering is several months away (best guess early 2019).

“We are not competing with any other group or organisation. Multiplicity is vital for Welsh independence.

“We hope that we will be able to provide information on the development of these ideas by mid-November. Stay tuned.”