Politicians from Labour, the Green Party, and Plaid Cymru walked out of the Senedd chamber following a contribution by Reform UK Senedd member Joe Martin. The walkout occurred during a debate tabled by Reform UK on international funding, which called for an end to all Welsh Government international spending.
Debate Over International Funding
The debate focused on the annual £9 million spent by the Welsh Government internationally, which Reform UK argues should be redirected to Welsh projects. This amount represents just 0.03% of the annual Welsh Government budget. While the Conservatives supported the proposal, the majority of Senedd members opposed it.
Controversial Comments
Joe Martin, the Reform UK MS for Caerdydd Penarth, made remarks that angered many politicians. He described the international spending as being "frittered on vanity projects" and criticized specific schemes, such as providing solar-powered canoes to an indigenous tribe in Peru and a beekeeping project in Uganda aimed at advancing gender equality. He also mocked Welsh education and suggested that Welsh people who would otherwise become nurses could instead go on Universal Credit.
Martin further provoked Plaid Cymru, saying, "When I wonder if we can ever work together, that is what I put my hope in. One day you'll rediscover the fact that you're a nationalist party." He added, "But when you love something, you put that thing first."
Walkout and Reactions
The walkout was led by Heledd Fychan, a Welsh Government minister, who was visibly angered by Martin's comments. Other Labour, Green, and Plaid Cymru politicians followed, with one member heard saying they would leave the chamber as they "don't accept any of this." The walkout was criticized by Reform UK's Jason O'Connell, who called it "deeply disappointing" and said, "When the going gets tough, they get gone."
Earlier in the session, the Llywydd (presiding officer) had warned members to monitor their language and tone, urging respect and courtesy. After the debate, the speaker cautioned Martin directly, stating his comments "were not in line with my expectations." Welsh Government minister Dafydd Trystan Davies closed the debate, saying the tone had "descended to the level of a public house not of a national Senedd."
Plaid Cymru Response
A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said: "Plaid Cymru will not stand by as Reform UK make a mockery of our democracy and mock the communities we represent. Wales is a tolerant nation, grounded in compassion and respect - characteristics completely absent in the Reform UK ranks."
