OVER 7000 pro-independence supporters in Wales have marched through Swansea and attended a rally.
Yes Cymru and All Under One Banner Cymru led the march through the streets of Swansea for the first time with an aim to revitalise activists and help “indy curious” people on their “journey to independence”.
Recent polls have consistently put support for Welsh independence at around a third. One poll prior to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 put backing at a mere 5% compared to almost 80% actively supporting the Union.
This was the sixth independence march held in Wales with two events having proved particular popular post-pandemic in Wrexham – which attracted between 6000 and 8000 people – and Cardiff, which around 10,000 people attended.
Following the march through Swansea, there was a rally at the National Waterfront Museum Green.
Guest speakers included the author Mike Parker, Naomi Hughes of YesCymru, Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader Liz Saville-Roberts MP, and the Leader of the Wales Green Party, Anthony Slaughter.
Roberts said: “It’s not normal to have a third of Welsh children living in poverty It’s not normal to have declining living standards in the 6th richest economy in the world Independence is normal - and is the vehicle to build a fairer, greener, more prosperous Cymru."
Sara Crowley, from Mountain Ash, who came along with her partner and their 2-year-old twins Cadi and Peyton, said: “I’m marching for my children, for their future. I wouldn’t let my next-door neighbour take care of my finances, so I don’t see why Wales’ next-door neighbour should either. We are big enough and strong enough to be able to stand on our own two feet. These marches are brilliant, everyone is welcome and it’s just a lovely atmosphere.”
Gwern Gwynfil, who became Yes Cymru CEO last September, said: “The main purpose [of the march] for us is it gives us spotlight.
“The media start to talk to us more. It also allows us to take a march to a place where we maybe haven’t yet had the opportunity to really establish a hard-working group to go out and be active and it really provides a catalyst.”
