The Welsh Government has accused a Reform UK MS of 'bringing the Senedd into disrepute'. Heledd Fychan, leader of the house, has said comments by Caerdydd Penarth MS Joe Martin were 'dangerous and derogatory'.
Formal Complaint to the Speaker
Writing to the speaker on Wednesday, Ms Fychan said: 'The dangerous and derogatory remarks made in the Siambr yesterday by a Reform MS bring our Senedd into disrepute. I will always deal with instances of outright racism with the utmost seriousness and have written to the llywydd seeking an urgent ruling on what I believe to be a clear and serious breach of Standing Orders.'
First Minister's Questions Controversy
Mr Martin raised a question about the potential risks of the Nation of Sanctuary scheme during the weekly First Minister's questions. The scheme, designed by the former Labour-led government, supports refugees and asylum seekers. The Welsh Government says it cost £64m between April 2019 and March 2025, with 91% spent on helping Ukrainian refugees.
Mr Martin said: 'Defenders of the Nation of Sanctuary scheme will point to the fact that the primary recipients of aid have been Ukrainian families fleeing Putin's invasion. Whilst I don't know why it's necessary to spend additional money over and above what Westminster already spends to help Ukrainian families you won't find anyone seriously contending that they're the reason the scheme should be scrapped. But that's because, so far, there have been zero instances of Ukrainian refugees trying to behead people in the streets. The same cannot be said for Sudanese asylum seekers. Simply ask Stephen Ogilvie from Belfast, or the family of Rhiannon Whyte who was murdered, or any of the 226 women who were raped by Sudanese men in 2024 alone. These being the same men your ministers Mabon ap Gwynfor and Sioned Williams said Wales must welcome. So, First Minister, what will you do to make sure that when the next inevitable attack happens it doesn't take place in Wales?'
First Minister's Response
The First Minister replied: 'I guess, llywydd, we're going to have to get used to this kind of contribution where there is an attempt here to drive wedges between communities. And I, as First Minister, and I know I speak for my government, will not rise to that from the Reform benches.'
Plaid Cymru say the allegation about two of their members, both senior government ministers, is untrue and that his comments breached the standing order which states the presiding officer should call out any member who 'is guilty of discourteous or unbecoming conduct'.
Condemnation from Labour
Labour MS Shav Taj condemned the comments during the session, telling the Senedd: 'I am a proud child of immigrants myself and I'm also really proud of the fact that my late father chose Wales over and above England where he first arrived. The Nation of Sanctuary, ultimately, is about keeping our communities safe and when people are coming over here – and quite often people are coming here temporarily because they are seeking refuge because they are scared. Now, to conflate the issue of immigration with the Nation of Sanctuary and then, of course, some of the vile stuff that we've just been hearing, is actually really shocking. I think it is disturbing. It's disturbing for the children who visit the Senedd who will be sitting up in the gallery watching our debate here. And the fact that we can actually be having this type of interchange in a place like this I think is pretty damning and telling of some of the voices, unfortunately, that are here.'
Reform UK and the Senedd have been asked to comment.
