WELSH nationalists launched their manifesto today with a call for fairer funding and pledging a consultation in Wales over independence.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth hosted the launch at Cardiff’s Temple of Peace.

Mr ap Iorwerth said his party had an inspiring vision for Wales and that people longed for a more hopeful vision of the future.

“It feels as if more people than ever are left utterly uninspired by what either Labour or the Conservatives have to offer,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.

The nationalist leader said Plaid was the only party advocating the abolition of the Barnett Formula for funding, which he said “needs scrapping in favour of a needs-based model.

“It’s not a begging bowl, it’s just what’s right, enabling investment in public services and the economy.”

The manifesto also called for Wales to receive funding from the troubled high-speed HS2 rail project, which is badged as an England and Wales initiative.

“Scotland and Northern Ireland are compensated but, of course, there’s not a single mile of HS2 track in Wales – and we get nothing,” Mr ap Iorwerth said. 

“In line with the compensation for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Wales is owed some £4 billion – just imagine what that could do to transform our public transport network.”

Plaid also committed to rejoining the European Union’s single market and the customs union, claiming this would be vital to mitigate the impact of Brexit on Welsh businesses, though a majority in Wales voted to leave the EU.

The manifesto included a further commitment to scrap the two-child benefit cap, which both Labour and the Tories are keeping, and promised to increase child benefit by £20 per week. 

The Plaid leader quoted Gordon Brown calling child poverty “a scar on the soul of Britain” and said: “If only Keir Starmer was making this a priority now.”

The Plaid manifesto called for the devolution of justice to Wales and on foreign affairs gave a commitment to the pursuit of global peace, from Ukraine to Gaza.

Plaid’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts took a swipe at Labour saying: “They’re sticking to Tory fiscal rules, which means £18 billion will have to be cut. More austerity, but painted red.”

She also attacked Labour’s “shamelessness” in parachuting candidates into safe Welsh seats.