Independence won’t fix Wales

As MSs prepare to debate a Welsh independence referendum, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have said they don’t believe that either independence or the status quo works for Wales.

The debate, initiated by Plaid Cymru, calls for the Welsh Government to seek powers to host a binding referendum on Welsh independence during the next Senedd term.

However, recent polls show that the majority of Welsh voters do not want independence or to abolish the Senedd – with both options polling 25% respectively.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said:

“People are rightly frustrated with the way things are right now. They see two Governments, one at each end of the M4, constantly arguing and trying to delegitimise the other, all while failing to make a real change to their lives.

“While many tout independence as this perfect solution to all of Wales’ problems, the truth is it will not solve any of them. Whether we are part of the UK or not, we still have to face up to the same problems that have dogged us decades – a lack of well-paid jobs, under-investment in our communities and patchy healthcare services.

“That is not to say that the current union is working for Wales either. We know that the UK Government mostly governs for England, leaving Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland almost as an afterthought. It’s clear we need to change the way things work, to rebalance the UK and build a truly equal family of nations.

“The UK Government should govern for the whole of the UK, focusing on addressing the big issues that affect everyone. Meanwhile, National and Regional Parliaments should have control over day to day life – empowering people and communities to have a greater say in the decisions that affect them most.

“The status quo is not an option, but the Welsh Liberal Democrats think that independence is not the answer. We need to focus on reforming the way things work so we can build a stronger and fairer federal union.”