Cymru Annibynnol

Cymru Annibynnol / Independent Wales, later named Cymru Rydd (English: Free Wales), was a small political party operating in Wales. They were formed as a splinter from Plaid Cymru in January 2000, when that party's leader Ieuan Wyn Jones distanced Plaid from supporting Welsh independence.

Cymru Annibynnol were an expressly republican organisation seeking full independence for Wales from the United Kingdom. They contested various seats in the Welsh Assembly elections of 2003. The party described their aims and methods as being:

People voluntarily organising and pursuing their aims by peaceful political activity freely associating together according to the provisions of the Party's Constitution. The party is non-sectarian and inclusive of all people who consider themselves Welsh. Our aim is to secure full Independence for Wales as a democratic and sovereign state ensuring economic prosperity and social harmony for the people of Wales and safeguarding our common Welsh heritage, language, culture and identity.

Broadly they were like Plaid Cymru: a left-leaning party that favoured independence as a means to combating what they perceive as the negative effects of globalisation, also favouring wealth redistributive measures.

They stated that they did not intend to contest elections to the British House of Commons and would instead only contest local elections, and those to the then-Welsh Assembly. They contested the 2003 Assembly elections but did not poll highly.

Cymru Annibynnol changed its name in 2004 when it became Cymru Rydd - Welsh Republicans. Its tag line was "Fe godwn ni eto" (English: We shall rise again).

Neither Cymru Annibynnol nor Cymru Rydd are currently registered with the Electoral Commission as of 2020.[1]