WELSH independence campaigners hailed a 6,000-strong march and rally in Swansea on Saturday, saying that the prospect of an independent Wales was becoming more credible.

Addressing the rally, Naomi Hughes of independence campaign group YesCymru asked: “If Slovakia can be independent, why can’t we?

“And if Iceland, with a population only 30 per cent greater than Swansea itself, can be independent, why can’t we?

“We must seize a collective ambition to make this positive change to the future of our nation and the generations to come.”

Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts said: “We are all united against the injustices we face as a nation.

“We are here to outline our vision of a better, richer, fairer country. This isn’t a cost-of-living crisis, it’s a cost-of-greed crisis.

“We can build a modern, thriving and inclusive European nation. We can be a sanctuary for those seeking refuge where diversity is celebrated and embraced.”

Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said: “We believe that independence is an essential step in creating a truly equal, inclusive, cosmopolitan and welcoming society in Wales. 

“A green, fair and independent Wales could co-operate with other small independent nations to tackle the climate crisis at the scale and urgency needed.”

Welsh Labour policy is against independence, but Monmouthshire Labour councillor Rachel Garrick told the crowd why she supported the demand.

“Our country is not represented fairly as a nation within the UK political system,” she said. “Our job is to normalise the need for independence in my party.

“The future of our country is in an independent Wales.”