NATIONALIST leader Rhun ap Iorwerth set out his vision for independence in a major speech tonight but said steps to strengthen Wales must be taken immediately.

The Plaid Cymru leader was responding to the independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales report published two weeks ago.

Mr ap Iorwerth welcomed the report which he said was groundbreaking as it included independence as a viable option for the first time in an official Welsh government-commissioned report.

“The report by the Commission... recognised that the status quo is unsustainable and critically showed that independence is a realistic and achievable end goal,” he said.

The Plaid leader called for the creation of a standing National Commission, charged with analysing the full range of options for Wales’s future as it continued to evolve, and with monitoring relevant political and economic trends on an ongoing basis.

“The work of the Commission has helped to put us on the front foot in confronting our constitutional future, and we should look to stay there,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.

“We in Plaid Cymru know that independence is not only viable but that it is ultimately the best and most sustainable option for Wales’s future.”

He explained that he had always regarded independence as a journey. 

“It’s a journey whose destination is one I’ve always aspired to reach as early as we can, because I am convinced that is when Wales can begin to flourish, but we must travel it together as a nation.” 

Mr ap Iorwerth criticised successive Welsh Labour governments for lacking ambition.

“Every vote for Plaid Cymru in this year’s general election will be a vote to keep Westminster’s feet to the fire on fair funding for Wales, and to transfer further powers to Wales,” he said.

Mr ap Iorwerth said Wales must boldly take the next steps on its constitutional journey, adding that embracing further powers on policing, justice, broadcasting and welfare are key building blocks on a path towards a future independent Wales.

“I have no doubt that Wales’s best days are to come,” he said. 

“We have the skills, ingenuity and creativity to succeed as an independent nation, and that independence will give us the tools to deliver the kind of prosperity denied to us by our membership of the Union.”