First ever summit for Welsh independence to be held in Swansea

The first ever summit for Welsh independence is set to take place in Swansea on January 28. The event, organised by the Melin Drafod think tank will be addressed by high profile figures from Welsh politics, and has already sold out.

Among those to address the event will be leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price, the leader of the Wales Green Party Anthony Slaughter and Labour Councillor Rachel Garrick. The summit is also supported being supported by the campaign groups YesCymru and Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

Speaking about the event, Talat Chaudri, Chair of Melin Drafod said, “Wales’ independence is in touching distance, but we need a plan to ensure that we can use the powers of independence to build together a society that is fair, green and progressive. If we get the plan right, we can be a beacon to the rest of the world.”

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS said, “This summit represents an exciting meeting of Wales’s progressive pro-independence forces who are driving the case for a fairer, greener, more flourishing nation.

“It’s a pleasure to be invited to address the summit and I look forward to sharing ideas and new thinking with those that share that vision.

“With Westminster undermining Welsh democracy at every turn, this is a golden opportunity to invite even more people to join us on the journey from indy-curious to indy-confident.”

Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said the event was taking place at “a crucial time for Welsh democracy”. He said, “This moment is a crucial time for Welsh democracy. The entire devolution settlement is at risk, threatened by a UK government intent on clawing back powers from the devolved nations. The most recent and blatant example of this is Westminster’s use of Section 35 to block Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill, a disgraceful attack on democracy and human rights. Westminster isn’t working. Wales deserves better.

“Wales Green Party believes that an independent Wales is a vital and necessary step towards building a fairer, greener society. An independent nation working together with others to build a truly equal, sustainable future. A nation in control of its ample sources of clean, renewable energy moving towards a zero-carbon future. Our vision of an independent Wales is that of a diverse, cosmopolitan and internationalist nation, committed to equality.

“A better future for Wales is possible, free from the chaos and cruelty of Westminster. Coming together at this summit to share ideas is a vital step towards building a truly progressive, inclusive and independent Wales.”

Labour Councillor Rachel Garrick from pro-independence group Labour for an Independent Wales said, “Support for independence has been growing throughout Cymru. It’s essential that those of us who believe in Cymru as an independent nation come together to speak and work for our future.”

Other speakers at the event include Sam Coates from pro-independence left wing movement Undod, CEO of YesCymru Gwern Evans, Joseph Gnagbo, Plaid Cymru MS Luke Fletcher, and Mirain Owen from Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.