Thousands rally in Aberystwyth demanding Welsh independence and 2032 referendum
A large crowd marched through Aberystwyth on Saturday, calling for Welsh independence and a 2032 referendum, with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth speaking.
On Saturday, a sizable crowd marched through Aberystwyth, brandishing signs that called for Welsh independence and a referendum by 2032. The rally, billed as the first “March for Independence” in mid-Wales, was organized by pro-independence groups YesCymru and All Under One Banner Cymru and concluded with speeches and live performances at Castle Gardens. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth was among the speakers, noting the Senedd’s recent endorsement of the principle that the Welsh people should decide their constitutional destiny and urging equality with Scotland as a baseline.
He argued that Wales needs greater powers and investment from Westminster now. Organizers highlighted that this is the 11th such march since 2019, with previous events held in cities such as Cardiff and Swansea. A Survation poll for YesCymru indicated that 32 % of likely voters would support independence if a referendum were held tomorrow, with support strongest among those aged 18-44. The rally also featured remarks from YesCymru chairman Rob Hughes and was hosted by Radio YesCymru’s Siôn Jobbins, while leaders of Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin recently signed the Cardiff Memorandum affirming each nation’s right to self-determination.
Why it matters
The march shows rising momentum for Welsh independence and could shape future referendum debates.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the same rally and its size, but left-leaning coverage stresses the growing momentum of the independence movement, while centrist coverage highlights the specific 2032 referendum goal and the demand for more powers and investment.
LEFT
Frames the rally as evidence of growing momentum for Welsh independence and calls for parity with Scotland.
CENTER
Frames the event as a sizable pro-independence march calling for a 2032 referendum and greater powers and investment from Westminster.
The left emphasises
- growing momentum of the pro-independence campaign
- parity with Scotland as a baseline
- eleventh march since 2019
In this story
