Plaid Cymru Candidate States Welsh Senedd Election Not Focused on Independence

The Senedd election is scheduled for 7 May. Heledd Fychan, a Plaid Cymru candidate, stated that the election is not about independence. She denied claims by rival parties that Plaid Cymru would focus on Wales leaving the United Kingdom if it led the next Welsh government.

Rival parties expressed opposition to any independence focus. Samuel Kurtz of the Welsh Conservatives said Plaid Cymru would spend taxpayers' money on independence within the first 100 days of a Plaid government. The Welsh Liberal Democrats stated they would not work with any party spending money on a UK exit.

Reform UK said Plaid Cymru's approach would make Wales poorer by removing it from the United Kingdom. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth announced that a national commission on an independence White Paper would cost about £500,000. A White Paper is an in-depth report on a complex issue.

“We've said for over a year that there would not be a referendum during the first term of a Plaid Cymru government. " — Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru candidate (BBC, recent) Fychan emphasized commitments to devolution of justice and policing, the Crown Estate, and rail infrastructure. She said the election concerns using current powers impactfully.”

No party is expected to win a majority of seats, leading to potential negotiations for governance.

Rival Parties' Positions Rodney Berman, a Welsh Liberal Democrats candidate, said his party supports some devolution, including the Crown Estate, but opposes spending on independence.

He stated that public services need funding and Wales is better off in the UK long-term. Berman indicated willingness to work with other parties on sensible issues. The Welsh Greens and Welsh Labour have been asked to comment on the independence issue.

A Reform UK spokesperson said Plaid Cymru's manifesto indicates intent to work toward an independence referendum. They added that the next government should focus on public services rather than separation. Plaid Cymru has promised not to hold an independence referendum if in government.

The party would commission research into independence. Kurtz told BBC Politics Wales on Sunday that a Plaid focus on independence would make Wales and its people poorer.

Election Context The election follows the launch of Plaid Cymru's manifesto.

Negotiations may occur post-election due to the lack of a projected majority. Berman reiterated that the Liberal Democrats' red line in any coalition or cooperation is no spending on independence.