Rhun ap Iorwerth Leads Pro-Independence Rally in Aberystwyth

First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth addressed a rally of approximately 8,000 pro-independence campaigners in Aberystwyth on September 26, 2026. Organized by All Under One Banner Cymru and Yes Cymru, the event marked the first time a First Minister of Wales explicitly campaigned for independence. Ap Iorwerth described Wales as a "small and mighty nation" ready to shape its own future, though he ruled out holding an independence referendum during the current Senedd term.

The rally followed a meeting in Cardiff where ap Iorwerth joined Scottish National Party leader John Swinney and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill to sign a memorandum of understanding. The leaders committed to independence and declared that "Westminster’s time is coming to an end."

Ap Iorwerth asserted that the Welsh Government is now led by a party believing in the unalienable right to self-determination and argued that his administration can manage public services while pursuing constitutional goals. Conservative Senedd Member Andrew RT Davies criticized the First Minister for attending the rally, suggesting he should have remained at his desk to address government problems instead of marching.