Plaid Leader: Welsh Independence Vote Possible in “Our Lifetime”

A referendum on Welsh independence is “absolutely” a possibility within “our lifetime,” according to Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. This comes after former leader Adam Price had previously promised such a vote within five years. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

However, Mr ap Iorwerth has now ruled out holding a referendum on Wales leaving the UK during the first term of a Plaid-led Welsh government, as he revealed to the BBC’s Walescast this week.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr ap Iorwerth said a referendum could form part of a Plaid government’s platform for the future, once it has built trust with the Welsh electorate.

“The key thing is it’s up to the people of Wales. And I’ve many times said that I would have independence tomorrow, but it’s not what I think that matters,” Mr ap Iorwerth told PA.

“It’s what the people of Wales believe, and I absolutely think we can have that referendum and set us off on a different direction as a country within our lifetime,” he added.

Should Plaid Cymru pursue such a referendum in the future, it would likely need support from other parties in Cardiff Bay and at Westminster, which is unlikely to be forthcoming.

The discussion about Welsh independence comes as recent polling suggests Plaid Cymru could become the largest party in the Senedd following the 2026 election. According to a YouGov poll published on Tuesday (May 6), Plaid is projected to win approximately 30% of votes and 35 seats in the Siambr, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK potentially becoming the second-largest party with 25% of votes.

Mr ap Iorwerth stated that Plaid would focus on “deep problems within the NHS in Wales,” as well as education, economic stagnation and poverty, should it lead the next Welsh government.

The next Senedd election will be held on May 7, 2026, using a new proportional system. The Senedd will be expanded to 96 members, with 49 seats required for an outright majority. 🗳️