Vox pop: Independence for Wales?

The Senedd: Scene of Welsh political debate

Welsh independence has never been on the mainstream agenda, but change could be afoot in view of recent developments in Scotland.

Scotland’s successful bid for an independence referendum has called into question the future union of the kingdom, lending greater scrutiny to the relationship between England and Wales.

Policy differences between Cardiff and Westminster have grown in the past year. Not only do the Welsh enjoy free prescriptions and subsidised tuition fees, but the March 2011 referendum gave the Welsh government direct law-making powers in 20 key areas.

A spokesperson for the Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru said: “Independence is our long-term goal, but it’s always going to be the people of Wales who decide how far on that journey towards independence they want to go.”

What do you think about independence for Wales? Alt:cardiff hits the streets of Roath to find out.

Phil, 40, university lecturer, Cardiff

“In general, I would say independence is a bad idea. I don’t think we’re any different from our cousins across the border.”

David, 32, builder, Ystrad Mynach

“Independence for Wales is a brilliant idea.”

Emma, 32, teacher, Ireland

“I don’t really think it would be good because it’s not sustainable. I think Wales is far more linked in with the UK than Scotland.”

Rhiannon, 22, cleaner, Ystrad Mynach

“I think independence is a good idea because I’m proud of my identity as a Welsh person.”

Tony, 60, teacher, Newport

“I don’t really give it that much thought, but it will be interesting to see what happens with Scotland because we’ve got a similar economy.”

Angharad, 20, nursery nurse, Cardiff

“I’m for a bit more independence, but I don’t think full independence is necessarily that realistic.”

Terry, 35, Welsh Assembly worker, Cardiff

“Independence for Wales is a bad idea. Scotland has oil and gas but Wales doesn’t have the same resources – financially, we need London.”

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