Plaid Cymru has been accused of “secretly planning” a split from the UK.
Both Reform UK and Labour claim that the Welsh nationalist party is keeping the plans quiet prior to the May elections to avoid losing votes.
Some policies have been identified as evidence for the party’s pursuit of independence. One of which includes a focus on retaining talented Welsh teenagers from crossing the border into England.
A separate Welsh crime and courts system, similar to that of Scotland and Northern Ireland, is also being considered, while the party could demand total control over Welsh rail and welfare.
Reform’s leader in Wales, Dan Thomas, accused Plaid of seeking “independence by stealth”.
“Plaid might try and keep that quiet, because they know it is deeply unpopular with the people of Wales, but it is one of the founding principles of that party,” he told The Telegraph.
“This would make the whole UK worse off and cause havoc on issues like studying, cross-border working and funding our struggling public services.
“The only way to stop independence by stealth is to vote Reform in May.”
Plaid Cymru has been accused of ‘secretly planning’ a split from the UK
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The polls suggest Plaid is in a strong position heading into the May 7 elections, which would mark Wales’s first nationalist government.
A Plaid spokesman told GB News the party will “never apologise for believing in Wales and having ambition for our nation”.
“People know that when they choose Plaid on May 7, they are choosing a government that finally stands up for Wales,” the spokesman said.
“They are choosing a party that will bring down NHS waiting lists and support families with the cost of living by delivering universal free childcare.
“They are choosing a party that will back Welsh businesses and grow our economy.
“They are choosing a party that will give Welsh students the opportunities they deserve while also making sure our universities are fit to thrive in the future.
Plaid pointed to 27 years of Labour Government that has has left Welsh universities ‘struggling to survive’
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“Plaid Cymru will never apologise for believing in Wales and having ambition for our nation.
“Labour has had its chance. Their legacy is nothing but record-high NHS waiting lists, struggling public services, falling standards in our schools, and an unfair system that denies Wales more powers and fair funding.
“Even in No10, Labour is working against Wales’ interests with the Prime Minister actively encouraging his cabinet to undermine Welsh democracy.
“Meanwhile, Reform UK is using Wales as Nigel Farage’s stepping stone to 10 Downing Street.
“They show no respect for our language, culture, or the priorities of Welsh communities.
“Neither party is offering leadership that actually works for Wales and their shameless fearmongering just won’t work.
“The people of Wales are ready for change and they are ready for new leadership with Plaid Cymru.”
Plaid is said to be considering encouraging more Welsh students to attend Welsh universities by scrapping the £1,000 grant to those who choose to study elsewhere.
The spokesman added the party demands a “full review of how universities are funded,” blaming 27 years of Labour government that has left Welsh universities “struggling to survive”.
“Universities themselves have said this is needed, but Labour have done nothing to help them.
“Plaid Cymru wants a comprehensive and independent review of higher education funding to make sure our universities thrive and give Welsh students the opportunities they deserve.”
