Welsh first minister confirms he discussed independence with Starmer

"“I have a level of ambition for my nation, where I said that I want to lead a national conversation creating that confidence in our ability, undoubtedly, to be an independent nation like so many countries like ours,” he said. “But, I said to the prime minister, as I have said throughout my time in politics and will continue to do so, we deal with the issues that we deal with now, and we set a journey that the people of Wales will ultimately have to decide on the trajectory and the pace of.”"

"“He used his first statement to the Welsh Parliament to press the case for more powers and funding for Wales' institutions, and set out his priorities including cutting waiting lists and tackling child poverty.”"

"“Plaid Cymru has ruled out trying to hold a referendum on independence in the first term of a government, but has said it will set up a national commission that would look at building the case for Wales as a separate nation state.”"

"“After the call, the Welsh government claimed the prime minister had been ‘open to a conversation’ about giving the Senedd more powers. But others familiar with the conversation had expressed surprise that ap Iorwerth had brought independence up.”"

Rhun ap Iorwerth, newly sworn in as First Minister of Wales, confirmed he discussed Welsh independence from the United Kingdom with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a call. He said he wants to lead a “national conversation” about Wales’ ability to go it alone, while also focusing on practical priorities. In his first Senedd appearance, he pressed for more powers and funding for Welsh institutions and set goals including cutting waiting lists and tackling child poverty. Reform’s Dan Thomas criticized him for being distracted by constitutional issues. Plaid Cymru ruled out an independence referendum in the first term but plans a national commission to build the case for Wales as a separate nation state. The Welsh government said the prime minister was open to a conversation about devolved powers, though others were surprised independence was raised.

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