WELSH screenwriter Russell T Davies has spoken up about his views on Welsh independence ahead of the Senedd election.

Wales is set to go to the polls on May 6, the same day as the Scottish Parliament election is due to be held.

It comes after the Welsh independence campaign group Yes Cymru has seen a big increase in support in recent months, with membership reaching more than 17,000.

Recent polls have also shown increasing levels of support for independence in Wales.

READ MORE: Poll reveals Welsh independence support at highest ever level

With UK Government ministers looking at ways to save the Union, the TV producer was asked for his views this morning.

Davies’s programmes, which include the likes of Doctor Who, Years and Years and Channel 4’s It’s A Sin, often bring in political themes.

He told ITV politics show Sharp End that while he doesn’t think Wales is ready for independence, it’s time to “start the movement”.

Davies, 57, added that is he is “starting to listen to that rising independent voice” for the “first time”.

He told interviewer Rob Osborne: “I’m not sure we have a Senedd I’d quite hand power over to yet, but actually as these things build, anything to detach us from Whitehall. Let’s not even pretend that they care. Let’s not even pretend when we’re like 57th on the agenda.

“I think the communication in the virus between Wales and Whitehall has shown how low we are down the list. That’s fine, let’s get off the list, let’s hop it, let’s go, let’s start.”

He went on: “I am [curious about independence]. We’re not ready for it yet. My goodness me that place needs a clear-out, and it’s a big system that needs sorting out.

READ MORE: Threat to Welsh Labour as Yes Cymru urges votes for pro-independence parties

“Even just coming down here, I’ve been down here for the lockdown, I take eye drops for my eyes. Do you know prescriptions are free down here? They’re not in England. What a fine country. Let’s start the movement.”

Discussing his new programme It’s A Sin, which follows a group of young gay men in London during the AIDS crisis, Davies also used the interview to call for more LGBT history in schools.

“I don’t believe in a separate section – hiving us off into a pink corner. I think it’s just part of history,” he explained.

“It needs doing and it will be done with people like us making it happen.”