THE UK establishment will never promote Wales as a priority no matter who is in government, the leader of Plaid Cymru told an independence march.
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS addressed a rally after campaigners marched through the streets of Bangor in support of Welsh independence, led by a giant red dragon.
Organisers YesCymru and AUOBCymru said the demonstration, which was the sixth march for independence in Wales, had attracted more than 10,000 supporters.
Ap Iorwerth told the crowd they were “inspiring a nation to think what it could be” and that “this is not as good as it gets for Wales”.
He said: “As important as it is to have our own Parliament, and as much as we can achieve through our Parliament, the Senedd can only be one step on our development and our journey as a nation.
“It’s limitations are the continued grip of the UK establishment, its ability to undermine and betray Wales at whim is why we today march for independence.”
He added: “I put the case in the Senedd again this week for independence but I was told once again by our First Minister to keep faith in the United Kingdom. That is how we pool our resources he says, how we make sure we all share in the rewards.
“But this most disunited of kingdoms has long forgotten how to share fairly.”
Ap Iorwerth went on: “The fact that every now and then we might get a less bad government at Westminster doesn’t take away from the fact that the UK establishment of any colour will never promote Wales as a priority.”
Actress Sera Cracroft, who also addressed the rally, said: “The march for independence was an unforgettable event.
“The dragon is a symbol of our fiery spirit and our unwavering commitment to an independent Wales. We are all determined that Wales is given the right to shape its own path towards independence and create a better country for all.”
There were also speeches from Welsh language campaigners and videos of support from Michelle O’Neill, vice president of Sinn Féin and Dolors Feliu, president of the Catalan National Assembly.
