Mark Drakeford has said he believes that Wales would not be “so poor” if it became independent but that the union is a great insurance policy.
In an interview with the Irish Times, Wales’ First Minister explained that he felt “Welsh first and British next”. Welsh independence has become a far more mainstream issue in recent years with polls putting support around 30%. You can read the things you need to consider when deciding your views on independence here.
As Welsh independence has risen in popularity, Mar Drakeford has toed a very delicate line between not calling for independence but also pushing for changes to the status quo through his desire for “radical federalism” (which would mean significantly more powers coming from Westminster to Wales). In doing this Welsh Labour have managed to avoid the fate of Scottish Labour who saw their vote share massively reduced for failing to properly address issues of independence there.
Read more: People think Truss not contacting Mark Drakeford is 'doing wonders for Plaid'
Speaking to the IT Mr Drakeford said: “My own case [for the Union] is not a sentimental one. I’m Welsh first and British next. I have never stated that Wales could not be independent if the people in Wales wanted it. I never signed up to the idea that we would be so poor. I want to be able to articulate that positive case for the current arrangements we have of strengthened devolution.
“The case is that it is a great insurance policy that we pool our resources and share the rewards where it is necessary at the UK level. We don't need a Welsh army or navy or air force. We don’t believe that Wales needs a seat at the United Nations.”
Drakeford has been critical of Prime Minister Liz Truss who has not contacted him since she became PM (the first person to not contact the devolved nations on the day they took office). WalesOnline approached the UK Government about this and you can see their response here.
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