Gwynedd could become the first local authority to declare its support for an independent Welsh nation.

While Wales has been politically aligned to England and later the United Kingdom since 1282, recent opinion polls have seen a rise in support for the idea of Wales becoming a sovereign nation in its own right.

Blamed on Brexit and other political factors, 11 community councils across Wales have already publicly backed the principle.

But while any constitutional change could only be agreed following an agreement between the Welsh and UK Governments – of which both ruling parties remain ideologically opposed to – a referendum of the Welsh electorate would also be needed to activate a break-up of the United Kingdom.

Recent opinion polls also suggest that support, while having risen over recent months, still remains well short of the over 50 per cent that would be required in any referendum. Despite this, a Plaid Cymru councillor plans to use her motion to seek the support of Gwynedd Council in backing the major constitutional drift.

Nia Jeffreys, who was among the nominees to become the party’s Dwyfor Meirionnydd Senedd candidate, has submitted the motion to be discussed during Gwynedd Council’s next full meeting on 18 July.

“Change is in the air in Wales and the people of Gwynedd are leading the change,” said Cllr Jeffreys with the motion being proposed just days before a planned pro-independence rally in Caernarfon on 27 July.

“There is a new confidence, in particular from our young people – there is absolutely no reason why all decisions about Wales should be made in Wales not in London.

“I and many others from north Wales attended the Yes Cymru – All Under One Banner march in Cardiff.

“There is already a lot of excitement surrounding the march in Caernarfon and the vote of support from Gwynedd will add to the momentum of this grass roots movement towards independence.”

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