The old union is finished, says Plaid Cymru leader

The leader of Plaid Cymru has suggested the fragmentation of the UK is inevitable.

Speaking at the Institute for Government on Monday, Rhun ap Iorwerth said the “old union” is “finished” and will need to be replaced with new alliances.

Mr ap Iorwerth has previously said his Plaid Cymru would use time in government to make the case for an independent Wales.

In his speech, he said: “We want to empower people by giving them more say over their future on a national level in Wales.

“As the UK fragments, we must focus on fostering co-operation based on shared values, mutual respect, and principled collaboration.

“The old union as it was is finished – so let us replace it with new alliances, underpinned by radical pragmatism, partnership and principle.

“A Celtic bloc, for example, can be a force for good for all who live within it.

“Together, we can present a united front on defending devolution and making the case for constitutional reform.”

Mr ap Iorwerth pushed back against suggestions that his belief in Welsh independence made him a “separatist”.

He said: “I have always believed in independence, I always will.

“But I also believe very firmly that independence works through collaboration and cooperation, and recognising interdependence.

“I’m no separatist or isolationist.

“But independence comes as part of a journey, a journey on which I’m eager to show leadership, and bring people with me.”

Plaid Cymru has positioned itself as a government-in-waiting ahead of the Senedd election in May and Mr ap Iorwerth told his party conference on Saturday of his ambitions to reset the relationship between Cardiff Bay and Westminster.

“I’m sure I’ll be seen as something of a nuisance, in a way the current First Minister isn’t,” he said on Monday.

“But that’s because I promise to be very, very focused on standing up for Wales.”