WELSH nationalists promised to “breathe new life” into the economy today as they launched an economic plan for Wales.

Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesman Luke Fletcher hopes the Making Wales Work strategy will kickstart the party’s campaign for next year’s Senedd election. 

Plaid is third in the opinion polls, just behind Welsh Labour and Reform UK.

Mr Fletcher said the plan would see “wealth built, retained and recycled in our communities instead of it leaking, and in some cases flooding, out of Wales.”

He claimed the economic strategy would grow and sustain Welsh-owned businesses, deliver good jobs, revive town centres and boost living standards. 

Mr Fletcher pledged better support for Welsh businesses, helping them grow and keeping successful companies in Wales.

“After 26 years of Labour in power, wages are too low, bills are too high, and too many decent businesses are closing their doors. Labour has no clear plan or vision to make Wales thrive,” he said.

“Our vision is of a Wales in which no child grows up poor, where every young person has access to fulfilling work, education or training, and where the economy works for our people and our communities, not the other way around.”

The party has been pushing First Minister Eluned Morgan to fight Westminster to give control of the Crown Estate income to Wales, as it is in Scotland.

Currently, the income is split between the Treasury and the Royal Family.

“We’ll fight for control over our own resources, like the Crown Estate, invest in skills, and use every power we have — and push for more — to build a thriving economy that works for all of Wales,” Mr Fletcher promised.

Welsh Labour poured scorn on the economic plan, claiming Plaid has voted down more money for Welsh businesses. 

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “Plaid Cymru’s pledges are nothing more than empty words. 

“When money was on the table in the Welsh government Budget for Welsh businesses, for community energy projects, for apprenticeships and the further education sector — all things named in their so-called plan — they voted against it.

“Plaid Cymru are only interested in playing politics and backing the Welsh economy when it’s convenient for them.”