Scots' separation to make independence 'inevitable'

PLAID Cymru leader Leanne Wood has claimed Welsh independence is "just a matter of time" if Scotland decides to go its own way in 2014.

Asked if Wales following suit would then be inevitable, Ms Wood replied yes, and added: "It would just be a matter of time; when rather than if, because the UK would be no more, wouldn't it?"

She also claimed her party was now in a good position to become the biggest party in the next Welsh Assembly election, adding: "and we're working towards that end".

The Nationalist leader was speaking after calling for a "fast track to further powers for Wales" if Scots backed independence in a referendum due next October.

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She said: "It is common sense that the Welsh and UK Governments must plan for all eventualities of the referendum in order to have a better understanding of how it will affect us.

"If Scotland votes yes then Wales cannot wait until 2020 for job-creating powers recommended by the Silk Commission such as income tax.

"There should be a fast-track to full powers for Wales which would mean a revised timetable for financial powers and other powers which are recommended by the Silk Commission."

Ms Wood said there should be "parallel discussions" between the Welsh and UK Governments while the latter was also negotiating the terms of independence with Scotland. She added: "The structure of a reformed UK must be discussed now, not afterwards — we can't have a state in limbo for years, muddling through.

"That's why we believe that these talks should be beginning now, not after Scotland votes yes.

Plaid's economics spokesman, the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards, said: "Equality with Scotland is one of the most powerful messages in Welsh politics ... parity with Scotland is a strategic objective."

But he admitted the party was not in a position to win a referendum on Welsh independence until the economy had improved.