Thousands attend Welsh independence march

The march took place in Barry on Saturday

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

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

South Wales Police estimated that between 6,000-7,000 people attended the march.

Phyl Griffiths, YesCymru chair, said the event was a "reflection of the mood across Wales".

Since 2019, thousands have taken part in independence marches across Wales - including in Cardiff, Carmarthen, Bangor, Swansea, Wrexham and Merthyr Tydfil.

Police estimated that between six and seven thousand people attended the march

Following the march, a rally in King Square featured speeches, which included former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood and Wales Green Party spokesperson Tessa Marshall.

The event included live music from Emma Winter, known from Y Llais, the Welsh version of The Voice.

Ms Wood said it was "time to end our dependence", adding there was an "opportunity to build an alternative to the failed economic model that serves the City of London while leaving crumbs for communities in Wales".

Mr Griffiths said: "People are ready for change, and independence is no longer a fringe idea. It's a serious, hopeful response to a broken system.

"We're seeing growing support, especially among younger generations who've had enough of being told Wales is too small or too poor.

"We know better - and today, thousands of people showed that we're ready to take our future into our own hands.

Kiera Marshall, 27, travelled from Cardiff to join the parade.

"How can we afford not to be independent? The UK system keeps us poor, while our children go hungry and cold. We are the generation bearing the brunt of this system, but we are also the generation who will change it."

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Plaid Cymru leader joined the march and said recent independence polls were moving in a "positive direction".

"As disillusionment with Westminster grows in Welsh communities, we are also seeing a growing confidence that Wales should have the right and resources to decide its own future," he said.

Posting on X, Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies, said however many turned up at the event, one thing was clear "the vast majority will not be local".

He continued: "The separatists may bus people in from far and wide for these things, but the reality is simple, the people of the Vale, like most of Wales do not want to break apart our nation."

He added "they want to focus on what matters, like our NHS, public services, improving living standards and reducing poverty".