INDEPENDENCE campaigners used their St David’s Day message on Saturday to demand the Welsh Labour government be more assertive in demanding fair funding and control over Wales’s resources.

YesCymru urged it to follow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s calls for a new deal for the north of England.

The demand came after Labour MPs, including those from Wales, recently voted against devolving the Crown Estate to Wales — directly opposing the policy of the Labour-run Welsh government.

YesCymru chairman Phyl Griffiths said: “Andy Burnham is showing how leaders can stand up for their communities and demand their fair share, even when that means challenging members of their party.

“First Minister Eluned Morgan and the Welsh government must be far more assertive in calling for fair funding and control over our natural resources.

“While Scotland and the north of England are being taken seriously, Wales continues to be ignored,” Mr Griffiths said.

The First Minister’s St David’s Day message was about taking care of others, community and tolerance.

“We are right to be proud of our close-knit communities and strong sense of social justice and fairness. Our tolerance and our progressive values are also key to us,” Ms Morgan said.

“I promise that we will continue our work to create a stronger, fairer and a greener Wales.”

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “We remember what Dewi [Saint David] said: ‘Do the little things’ — and as important as that message is, let’s think big for Wales.

“Let’s aim higher and be ambitious for our future.”

YesCymru also echoed concerns expressed at the recent Morning Star conference in Wales about the 2026 Senedd election if fair funding and greater control over natural resources is ignored by Whitehall.

“We need strong leadership in Cardiff that will fight for what is rightfully ours,” Mr Griffiths said.

“If people feel abandoned and unheard, it creates an opportunity for the far right to exploit their frustrations — a threat that would be deeply damaging to Welsh democracy.”

The previous Tory Westminster government offered Scotland and Northern Ireland extra funding because of the HS2 high-speed rail project, which will run from London to Birmingham. Last year Plaid Cymru said Wales should receive £4 billion in HS2 compensation, but the Welsh government has been accused of going soft on the issue.