Thousands expected for Swansea march organised by Yes Cymru and AUOB
voice.wales will be live reporting on the protest throughout the day
This article will be updated throughout the day
Cover image: Supporters of Welsh independence march through Cardiff last year.
Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on Abertawe / Swansea today for the first march for Welsh independence of 2023, and the most anticipated since the Covid lockdown.
The march is being organised by pro-independence campaign YesCymru and AUOBCymru (All Under One Banner Cymru).
Crowds will gather from midday and march through the city centre. Busses have been organised from all corners of the country to bring supporters of Welsh independence to Abertawe.
Organisers hope the event will show a renewed movement that is growing in support, and comes shortly after a new poll showed that 36% of people in Wales favoured independence.
42% of Labour votes in the country backed the idea of an independent Cymru.
Amongst those addressing the crowds following the march will be Liz Saville-Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru’s Leader at Westminster, award-winning author Mike Parker, and Scottish campaigner Robin McAlpine, founder of Common Weal.
Speaking ahead of the march, Liz Saville-Roberts MP said said that the fight for independence was tied to the fight against the “injustices we face as a nation – on rail funding, water, and the attacks on peaceful protest. But more than that, we’ll be outlining our vision of a better, richer, fairer country.”
“We’ll be marching and protesting loudly – in defiance of Westminster’s attacks on the right to protest – carrying on a proud Welsh tradition; not just of standing tall against injustice, but rising above it to create something better.
She said this week’s poll by Redfield and Winton reflects a “growing confidence that we all feel in the air in Wales. It’s time for Westminster to listen.”
Robin McAlpine, from the pro-indy group Common Weal in Scotland said that the indy movement in Cymru was growing.
“There is a real energy around the independence movement, and it is exciting to watch from Scotland,” he said. “I’ve been looking forward to joining you all in Swansea and to share all our hopes from Scotland that you can keep your momentum going and build even further.”
The campaign for Scottish independence has faced a major setback recently, with the legal route to a referendum cut off by Westminster and the leader of the SNP, Nicola Sturgeon, resigning amidst a scandal of party finances. Despite repeatedly talking up the idea of an imminent independence referendum, the leadership of the SNP have left many grassroots activists frustrated at the lack of campaigning on the issue or plan as to how to achieve secession from the British state.
Campaigners in Cymru hope that today’s march can open up a new chapter in the fight for independence, after damaging splits in Yes Cymru and accusations of discriminatory behaviour by some leading figures in the group.
Speaking to voice.wales for a longer article out next week, Yes Cymru’s new CEO, Gwern Gwynfil, said that a new chapter had opened in the organisation.
“The whole structure has changed…And that kind of situation could never happen again,” he said. “I do have to make it clear that our inclusivity is total. You know, there’s total inclusivity… and it is across the cross section of society.”
The day will start with the ‘Indy Market’ and free Welsh Cakes at the Waterfront with the march itself starting at 1pm on May 20th at Wind Street, Swansea and ending at the National Waterfront Museum Green, where the rally will be held. There will be a large stage and screens for speakers and music. Fringe events are also scheduled over the weekend.
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