Wales independence 'viable' option: Outrage as report fronted by Dr Rowan Williams pushes independent Wales

Wales independence 'viable' option: Outrage as report fronted by Dr Rowan Williams pushes independent Wales
Millie Cooke

By Millie Cooke


Published: 18/01/2024

- 11:35

Updated: 18/01/2024

- 11:57

The government was urged to have a 'laser-like focus' on 'getting to grips' with the problems facing Wales

The Welsh government has been accused of being "distracted" after a new report concluded that independence is a "viable" option for Wales.

The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales has argued that independence would be possible for the nation.


But it warned that an independent Wales would face a "significant" short to medium term challenge raising enough tax revenue for public services.

The report also said that creating a federal UK, where each nation is treated on an equal basis, and transferring further powers from Westminster would also be viable options for the nation.

DRAKEFORD

The Welsh government has been accused of being "distracted" after a new report concluded that independence is a "viable" option for Wales

PA

It acknowledged that there is "currently little appetite for [federalism] in England", also noting that it "runs counter to the aspirations of the Scottish government".

The commission was set up by the Welsh government in 2021, following a manifesto commitment from Labour at the Senedd election.

It is co-chaired by Prof Laura McAllister and former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams.

The panel includes figures from the four main parties.

McAllister argued that it is vital for the report to act as "impetus for change for the people of Wales in the future and we want the conversation to continue".

The report says Wales should choose its path by following a balance between risk and opportunity.

Outgoing Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford welcomed the report, saying: "I want to thank the Commission and everyone from across Wales who contributed to the process," he said.

"The final report is an important moment in the debate on the constitutional journey of Wales.

"It is a serious piece of work that deserves careful consideration and the Welsh government will be reviewing it in detail."

But the Welsh Conservatives have dubbed it a "distraction".

Darren Millar, Shadow minister for the constitution, said the Welsh government should have "a laser-like focus on getting to grips with unacceptable waiting lists, improving educational outcomes and better pay for hard-working people".

But he acknowledged there are "some interesting aspects of this report which will require further consideration".

You may like