Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts has argued the UK must rejoin the European Union, saying Wales "cannot afford" the economic hardship caused by leaving the bloc. Speaking at the party's conference in Llandudno, its first since its historic victory in May's Senedd election, she said Wales needs to work with its international partners.
Extra barriers to trade and investment
Ms Saville-Roberts spoke of the pain she feels the UK leaving the EU has caused, arguing there are now "extra barriers to trade, growth and investment." She said the economic damage of Brexit continues to be felt across Wales through higher trading costs, reduced investment, and additional barriers facing Welsh businesses seeking to export to European markets.
"We know that leadership means having the confidence to say clearly what you believe," she said. "For our economy, for jobs, for opportunities, we must rejoin the European Union."
Rejecting a false choice
She rejected what she described as a false choice between "London rule and Brussels rule," arguing the real choice facing Wales is between isolation and influence.
"The choice is not between London rule and Brussels rule. The choice is between isolation and influence. Between standing outside the room and sitting around the table," she said.
"The nations of Europe do not gather as subjects. They gather as equals. Independent nations working together, advancing their interests together."
Economic reality and public support
Ms Saville-Roberts highlighted the economic reality of remaining outside the EU, noting Welsh businesses face barriers their competitors in the EU do not, supply chains become more complicated, trade becomes more expensive, and investment goes elsewhere.
"Wales cannot afford that, nor should it have to. So, we mustn't whisper in euphemisms. While others edge cautiously towards conclusions we already understand, we in Plaid Cymru are not afraid to be bold," she said.
Her comments come after First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth used his speech to call on Westminster and the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver "a new deal for Wales" that would see greater powers devolved to the Senedd. Ahead of the conference, he told WalesOnline he is the only leader in the Senedd who genuinely believes about Wales, adding that "no Westminster leader will genuinely prioritise Wales."
Recent Wales-specific polling by YouGov found 61% of people in Wales believe Britain was wrong to leave the European Union, while a majority (59%) also support rejoining. Ms Saville-Roberts, the Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP, said her party is "not afraid to be bold" in outlining its clear desire for the UK to rejoin the EU.
