‘Union all the way!’ Fears of UK breaking up dashed despite Welsh independence surge

Andrew Marr quizzes Adam Price on Welsh independence

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The poll ran from 5.30pm on Thursday, March 5 until 10am on Friday March 6 and asked: “Are you worried about the breakup of the UK as Welsh independence support surges?” A huge three quarters (75 percent or 1,929 readers) said they are not worried about a split in the Union following the latest drive in support for Welsh independence. Just 24 percent (611 readers) said they were worried by the breakup of the UK, with the remaining one percent (19 readers) undecided.

Express.co.uk readers dismissed the possibility of Welsh independence or the impact it might have on the rest of the UK should it ever happen in the comments section of the poll.

One person said: “This is rubbish. Most people in Wales that I know are ardent Unionists and outwardly supported UKIP.

“There will always be the no hoping Labour/Plaid Cymru lot who just want to sit back and complain and expect the country to provide them with a free living.

“But for the rest of decent hard working UK subjects, it’s Great Britain and the Union all the way.”

A second reader wrote: “As a Welshman living in Wales I do not know anyone here that wants independence.

“So I don’t know where they are getting these figures from.”

Several other readers also dismissed fears over a breakup of the UK but said Wales shouldn’t be blocked from holding their own referendum if that’s what they would like to do.

One person said: “I agree the UK is stronger together but if Scotland, Wales or NI for that matter want to go it alone, let them.

“First of all we must reverse devolution, clarify assets and liabilities for all sides then let them choose.

“I live in England, I have no personal preference but I am certain the fudge that is devolution satisfies absolutely no one.

“I am also sick and tired of hearing these whining, whinging politicians every day trying to blame someone else because they can’t do their jobs properly!

“I would vote for English independence in a heartbeat then let the other regions rejoin if they felt like it!”

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Another reader simply commented: “Fine with me as long as they pay their way and don’t try to blag off England.”

The comments from Express.co.uk readers comes after a poll for the ITV News Tonight programme, in partnership with Santanta ComRes, revealed 39 percent of the Welsh population are now in favour of independence from the rest of the UK.

The top reason for wanting to split was the view that Wales has different social attitudes compared to the other three devolved nations (53 percent).

Other reasons cited for Welsh independence included feeling that the country is historically a separate nation (51 percent), and the belief it would fare better if it was independent (46 percent).

More than a third of those quizzed (39 percent) were unhappy with the UK’s response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, while a slightly lower proportion (36 percent) were also found to have greater trust in the Welsh parliament than Westminster.

In response to the findings, a Government spokesperson said: “The United Kingdom is the most successful political and economic union the world has ever seen.

“This pandemic and our collective response, from the furlough scheme to vaccine procurement and the backing of our military personnel, has shown that we are at our strongest when we work together towards a common goal.

“The Prime Minister remains fully committed to strengthening and levelling up all parts of the country by empowering local communities and reforming central government.

“He has been clear that all parts of the UK are stronger together and he will always stand against those trying to separate the United Kingdom.

“Now more than ever, people want to see the UK Government and the devolved administrations working together to protect lives and livelihoods across our country.”

Savanta ComRes interviewed 1,003 Welsh adults aged 18 and over, a poll which also included quizzing adults from Scotland and Northern Ireland over their own views of independence for their respective nations.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said at the end of last year Wales will be offered the chance to hold an independence referendum within five years if the ruling party commands a majority at the country’s parliament elections in May.

The country is currently run by a Labour government but Plaid Cymru will be hoping to displace them from power in two months’ time.

Mr Price had claimed support for Welsh independence is now at its “highest” in history, and also claimed devolution is under attack from the UK Government in Westminster.

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