ACTIVISTS from YesCymru have held a historic meeting ahead of announcing a new "timetable for independence" in Wales.
YesCymru chair Rob Hughes met with Welsh Government constitution minister Dafydd Trystan Davies and officials this week to discuss the campaign group's aims, the constitutional future of Wales and the organisation's role in building public support for independence.
It comes after Welsh independence party Plaid Cymru stormed to a historic Senedd election win in May.
Hughes said discussions were "positive" as the group prepares to make a significant policy announcement this weekend regarding setting out a timetable for achieving self-determination.
Following the meeting, he said: "We are grateful to the minister for the opportunity to discuss our aims for an independent Wales and how YesCymru can help lead a national conversation about our country’s future.
“YesCymru’s goal is to secure and win a referendum on Welsh independence. Achieving that will require us to take the people of Wales with us and make a clear and persuasive case that independence is in our national interest.
“As would be expected, we share some aspirations with the current Welsh Government, and the discussion was positive. However, there are also differences, and YesCymru must remain a strong and effective independent voice, keeping independence at the top of the political agenda. We owe that to the people of Wales and to future generations.”
It comes after Welsh first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth suggested the role of Welsh Secretary in the UK Government "probably isn't" necessary.
YesCymru, which was formed following the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, will announce its “timetable for independence" on Sunday at The National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.
The National Eisteddfod is Wales’s largest annual cultural festival, celebrating the Welsh language, music, literature and the arts.
Hughes said with support for independence having soared in Wales despite a referendum date never having been set, he believes it is the group's job to lead the "next stage of national discussion".
Support for Welsh independence has been as high as 41% previously in some polls.
"Since our formation following the Scottish independence referendum, YesCymru has helped transform the national conversation about independence," Hughes went on.
“Support has grown from its historic level of around 5% to more than 35%, despite the movement never previously setting a timescale for achieving independence.
“Wales has undergone a significant political shift during that period. We now believe it is our responsibility to help lead the next stage of the national discussion.
“Our timetable will provide a realistic framework within which the pro-independence movement can build support, make its case and win the hearts and minds of those who are not yet convinced that independence is in Wales’s best interests."
