Council Leader would look for public vote if independence motion came before council – YesCymru march planned for April

As campaigners for an independent Wales announce plans to hold a mass march in Wrexham next April as part of a series of events they’ve held in the past few months, we asked the Leader and Deputy Leader about the Council’s view on independence.

YesCymru and All Under One Banner Wales have already held marches in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Caernarfon and several town councils have adopted motions that support moves towards an independent Wales. Earlier this year Gwynedd became the first local authority to declare its support for Welsh independence again via a motion put to and voted on by councillors.

Wrexham.com used a monthly media brief to ask the Leader and Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council if such a motion was something they would support, or if the Executive Board would make such a declaration.

We also asked if Wrexham Council would help facilitate a march such as the one planned for Wrexham on Saturday, 18th April 2020.

The new Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council Cllr David A Bithell was first to reply, telling us: “I think as with any motion that’s put forward to the council or the Executive Board we will consider on its merits.

“We have a protocol for matches, and demonstrations, I would expect consistency with that. As long it follows our agreed protocol, then, you know, I don’t think we want to stifle democracy.”

Council Leader Mark Pritchard talked at length on the topic, “I think in regards to independence, I think it’s a difficult one. Obviously, when a motion comes to full Council I always considered it very carefully. Is this decision in the right place, and should it be made by the Full Council?

“I think with independence, it’s bigger than a motion, and it’s bigger than the council itself. I think if an independence decision was going to be made in Wrexham, I think it should be made by the people of Wrexham. I passionately believe that.

“I think that’s probably the best way, now you might sit down and go ‘No, not another referendum’ or ‘Not another consultation’ but I think it’s important.”

“Now other authorities have gone ahead and accepted it, and that’s fine, I have no problem with that, that’s up to them. They’ve got sovereignty, they decide what they want to do.”

“But for me, I always like to be fair to everybody. If it did come into the council I would ask for it to go to the people of Wrexham and hear what they have to say about.

“I think sometimes a motion will come in which is better than the council itself. I think it would be very unfair to speak on behalf of the people if we don’t know them thoughts.”

“I hope that these debates are held in the right manner. I hope that everybody respects everybody has a different point of view on independence and there’s nothing wrong with that.

“I’m a very proud welshman. I have no problem with any motions coming into the council, but on this one I think it would have to be a decision by the people of Wrexham and not just a small set of councillors. I say that because I passionately believe in democracy, and the process of it.”

It is unclear what mechanism could be used to gauge public opinion, however local advisory polls are possible under the Local Government Act 2003, on “…any other matter if it is one relating to the authority’s power under section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) (authority’s power to promote well-being of its area)” and if exercising democracy is seen as promoting or improving the social well-being of Wrexham enough to fit the definitions required.

By coincidence later yesterday ‘Yes Wales’ organisers issued comments on the topic of a march in Wrexham, with Yes Wales Siôn Jobbins saying: “Momentum is building for independence in Wales and the marches are going from strength to strength. This is the first march to be held in the north-east and we’re working closely with friends locally to ensure it’s a great day out with music, stalls and entertainment as well as speeches from independence supporters.

All Under One Banner Wales organiser Llywelyn ap Gwilym added: “We will be announcing speakers in the coming months but hope that we can emulate the fantastic speeches we had in Merthyr from ex-Wales and Everton goalkeeper Nevill Southall and former Wales rugby captain Eddie Butler.”

A local campaign group YesWrecsam has been established in the town and spokesperson Emyr Harris said: “We’re delighted that Wrexham will be hosting the next march. We intend to work with the national organisers, local businesses and the council to make sure this is a huge success for the town and for Wales as a whole. We intend to create a carnival atmosphere in the town.

“To start building for the event, we’ll be hosting a fund-raising social in Undegun on Regent Street in the town centre on October 29th with local artists. We’ll also be inviting local businesses who want to support the march to contact us so they can put up bunting and show their backing for the event.”

Anyone wanting to get in touch can contact YesWrecsam on Facebook and Twitter.

The below video from Caernarfon shows what could be coming to Wrexham next year: