Thousands join march for an independent Wales

Mali Phillips
Thousands joined a Carmarthen march to call for Welsh independence [BBC]

Thousands of people have attended a march to call for an independent Wales.

The event, held in Carmarthen, was organised by Yes Cymru and All Under One Banner Cymru.

Chairman of Yes Cymru, Phyl Griffiths said the event was a "celebration" of how far the movement has come.

This latest march follows similar events held in and Caernarfon, Merthyr, Wrexham, Bangor, Swansea and Cardiff since 2019.

Phyl Griffiths from Yes Cymru
Yes Cymru's Phyl Griffiths said polls are showing more and more young people are in favour of an independent Wales [BBC]

"Seeing the recent opinion polls shows that more young people are in favour of independence... that can only be something good and we can build on it for the future," said Mr Griffiths.

"It's not a protest, it's more of a celebration of where we've come.

"But certainly there needs to be more discussions now."

He added that Yes Cymru is keen to "ask politicians where they stand on this important subject".

"I think that would certainly help people make smart decisions about who they want to vote for," he said.

Independence march
Thousands attended the Carmarthen march [BBC]

Yes Cymru Carmarthen chairman Dylan Phillips said: "The spirit of freedom weaves through the history of the south-west like a silver thread."

He added that the intention of the event is "not to look back, but to look forward and to call for a fairer Wales, a richer Wales, a free Wales".

Esyllt Rosser, 24 and Celyn Thomas, 25, had travelled from Swansea to join the parade.

"I think there are a lot of policies and the government doesn't listen to Wales," said Esyllt.

"So I think it is important for us as young people to show that we are interested in politics."

Esyllt Rosser (chwith) a Celyn Thomas
Esyllt Rosser, 24 and Celyn Thomas, 25 travelled from Swansea to join the Carmarthen parade [BBC]

The Welsh Conservatives declined to comment on the march.

A Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: "We believe in federalism and devolution, we don't believe in creating more barriers and borders.

"We will continue to push for more powers for Wales, giving local communities a voice."

Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru have been asked for comment.