Wales First Minister Declares 'No Turning Back' on Independence Journey

Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth declared that there is "no turning back" on the nation's journey toward independence during a rally in Aberystwyth on Saturday. The event, organized by the campaign group Yes Cymru, saw an estimated 8,000 to 9,000 attendees, marking the first time a Welsh First Minister has participated in a Yes Cymru march.

Ap Iorwerth stated that the "next step" for Wales must be "equality with Scotland, as a minimum." He emphasized that Wales is "on a journey, and there's no turning back." Thousands have previously participated in independence marches across various Welsh cities since 2019.

The rally featured speeches from ap Iorwerth, Yes Cymru chairman Rob Hughes, and Plaid Cymru MS for Gwynedd Maldwyn, Elwyn Vaughan. This gathering follows Plaid Cymru's entry into the Welsh government after the May Senedd elections.

Ap Iorwerth articulated the need for Wales to "stand up for Wales, pursuing the investment and greater powers we need from Westminster now, so we can make a real difference to people's lives as the next step in our constitutional journey." He also referenced Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent comments ruling out the devolution of powers for a referendum on independence to the Welsh government, stating that "the right to self-determination is not a right that the UK government is willing to acknowledge."

This development occurs in the wake of a narrow Senedd rejection of a motion declaring Wales' continued place within the United Kingdom. The vote was initially tied at 45-45, with the Presiding Officer casting the deciding vote against the motion, adhering to parliamentary convention.

Some political figures expressed dissent regarding the First Minister's attendance. A Reform Cymru Member of the Senedd (MS) voiced disappointment, while a Welsh Conservative MS suggested it would be "better for him to be behind his desk in Cathays sorting the problems he said he would sort out."