Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has ruled out the prospect of a Welsh independence referendum before 2030, stating that the focus must remain on rebuilding Wales rather than pressing immediately for constitutional change.
Speaking a day after a new poll suggested Plaid Cymru could top the Senedd in terms of seats at the next election—now less than a year away—Mr ap Iorwerth made clear that, while he believes in independence, now is not the time to push for a referendum.
“There will need to be a referendum,” he said, “but it’s not something we’re looking to impose on the people of Wales tomorrow. The people will tell us when it’s time.”
When asked directly whether a Plaid-led government would seek to hold an independence vote during its first term, he replied simply: “It would not.”
Mr ap Iorwerth, who represents Ynys Môn in the Senedd, sought to clarify the party’s position amidst suggestions that Plaid Cymru may be stepping back from putting independence at the heart of its platform.
“I’m intrigued by that,” he said. “Front and centre of everything we do is the drive to build a fairer, more prosperous Wales. I believe the best way to achieve that is through independence—but this isn’t about forcing it on people.”
“This is a conversation I want to lead,” he added. “And I try to lead it every day—about how we give ourselves the best shot at success as a nation.”
While reaffirming his belief that the UK’s current political structure no longer serves Wales, he emphasised that change must be rooted in democratic consent.
“My job is to bring people with us on this journey. We’ve come a long way in the past few years. More and more people are either saying ‘I’m in’ or ‘Tell me more’.”
Reflecting on recent polling, Mr ap Iorwerth described the results as a “welcome boost”, noting that there is growing enthusiasm around the party’s vision for the country.
“You get a sense in politics of shifting mood, and it’s becoming clear people are warming to our message,” he said. “We saw it in last year’s general election with our best-ever result, and that momentum is continuing.”
He argued that one of the greatest barriers to change in Wales is the belief that change isn’t possible, and said the poll gives people confidence that a Plaid-led government is within reach.
“People are realising it doesn’t have to be Labour in power forever. That’s exciting,” he said.
Pressed on what is drawing people towards Plaid Cymru, Mr ap Iorwerth said it’s a combination of policy and disillusionment with the status quo.
“Just look at our health service—yes, we see incredible efforts from NHS staff, but the outcomes aren’t what they should be. Waiting times, delays, the impact on people’s lives—it’s not good enough.
“Our education results continue to lag behind, the economy is stagnating, and child poverty remains a national disgrace. People know something isn’t working in Welsh Government.”
He was also critical of Labour’s performance both in Cardiff and Westminster, accusing the Welsh First Minister of placing party loyalty ahead of the interests of the people of Wales.
“For months we’ve heard, ‘Wait until there’s a Labour government in Westminster’—but it’s become clear that partnership isn’t delivering for Wales. We were promised cooperation, and instead we’ve seen timidity.”
He added: “The First Minister’s priority seems to be not rocking the boat, keeping things calm for Keir Starmer, instead of standing up for Wales. People can see that.”
Looking ahead to next year’s Senedd election—and the potential for coalition-building under the new electoral system—Mr ap Iorwerth said no outcome should be taken for granted.
“This isn’t about dodging the question. I genuinely believe in democracy, and in proportional systems like this you rarely get outright majorities. You wait for the people to speak, and then you take stock and work out how best to move forward.”
As for the long-term goal of independence, Mr ap Iorwerth was clear that the journey continues—but not at the expense of the urgent challenges facing Wales today.
“This is about dealing with bread-and-butter issues now,” he said. “To show what a competent, forward-thinking government could look like—and, at the same time, build excitement about what Wales could be.
“Independence isn’t about breaking things up. It’s not separatism. It’s about redesigning Britain—about being more than what we are now.”
While he declined to set a timetable for any future vote, his message remained resolute: “There will be a referendum one day—but only when the people of Wales are ready. It’s not for me to dictate. I trust them to decide.”
