Plaid Cymru pledges independence plan but rules out referendum in first term
Commission to shape debate on Wales’ future
Delegates at the annual conference backed a motion to establish a standing commission to engage the public on constitutional issues and prepare a white paper on independence.
The proposal builds on the work of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales, which earlier this year concluded that independence was a viable option, though one that would involve “hard choices in the short to medium term.”
Ap Iorwerth said the commission would “kick‑start the national debate on independence” and gather evidence in a first Plaid term, but stressed that a referendum would only be considered later.
‘Two very different futures’
Opening his speech in Swansea, ap Iorwerth described the city as “Copperopolis” — shaped by the growth of the copper industry — and said Wales now faced a historic choice.
“Today, with a historic nation‑building opportunity before us, I’m going to set out the choice facing Wales – two very different futures but only one credible option,” he told members.
He argued that change was “inevitable and long overdue” and urged voters to “come with us” on a path where Wales could fulfil its potential rather than “settle for what we have.”
A formal path to a referendum
The motion passed by members said Wales was “on a journey to independence” and that enhancing devolution could form part of that path. It called for the standing commission to prepare a white paper, setting out the formal steps towards a referendum.
Ap Iorwerth told delegates:
“The motion looks to the future… and the need ultimately for a white paper which would set the formal path towards asking the people of Wales in a referendum. We make it clear it is us that should call the referendum when the time is right. But that’s not for now or the next government.”
Positioning Plaid as government‑in‑waiting
The Plaid leader used the conference to present his party as ready to replace Welsh Labour at the 2026 Senedd election. He said Plaid would lead Wales “unleashed from its shackles” and promised a “fresh start under new leadership.”
He contrasted Plaid’s vision with what he described as Labour’s failure to stand up for Wales, citing the loss of virgin steelmaking in Port Talbot, and warned against the threat of Reform UK, which he said would seek to abolish the Senedd.
Context: from referendum pledge to phased approach
Plaid’s stance marks a shift from its 2021 manifesto under former leader Adam Price, which promised a referendum within five years. Ap Iorwerth has since ruled out a vote in the first term of a Plaid‑led government, instead focusing on building public engagement and laying the groundwork for a future decision.
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