‘Believe in Wales’ Future’ Says Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has issued a rallying call urging Welsh citizens to embrace optimism about the nation’s prospects, declaring: “I want people to believe in the future Wales.” Speaking ahead of his party’s conference, the impassioned plea comes amid economic challenges facing Wales.
A Vision for Self-Confidence
The Ynys Môn MS emphasized that belief in Wales’ potential must precede political independence. “Before we can achieve independence, we must build our collective self-confidence,” ap Iorwerth told BBC Wales. His vision prioritizes tangible improvements in daily life, including:
- Reforming the underfunded NHS through health service investments
- Creating green jobs in Wales’ growing renewable energy sector
- Securing fair funding following IFS analysis showing Welsh underfunding
Policy Priorities Driving Change
Plaid Cymru’s “Wales Can” policy platform targets practical solutions aligned with national optimism. Key pillars include:
Economic Transformation
With Wales’ GDP per capita 24% below UK average (ONS 2023), Plaid advocates harnessing Wales’ tidal and wind resources. The party points to Morlais tidal energy project as proof of renewable leadership.
Cultural Confidence
The 2021 census showed Welsh language speakers increased to 29% – the first rise in decades. Plaid proposes expanding language integration in education and business to strengthen national identity.
Political Empowerment
Ap Iorwerth contends that Wales’ 25-year-old devolution settlement requires modernization: “We must stop asking permission. Our Senedd deserves the tools to build prosperity.” He cites Scandinavian regions as models of successful self-governance within larger frameworks.
Overcoming Challenges
While acknowledging Brexit disruptions and cost-of-living pressures, ap Iorwerth remains steadfast: “Cynicism is easy. What’s brave is looking at Wales’ potential and saying: We can do this.” Critics argue independence would create economic risks, but Plaid counters that Constitution Unit research supports greater fiscal powers.
As Wales navigates post-pandemic recovery, the Plaid leader’s message centers on agency: “We shape our future not through wishes, but through the will to build it. That starts with belief.”
