Reform MS Defends Controversial Remarks on Sudanese Asylum Seekers
A senior member of the Reform party has urged political opponents to "get used to it" following accusations of "outright racism" directed at one of his party's MSs. The controversy arose after Joe Martin stated in the Senedd that attacks by Sudanese asylum seekers were "inevitable".
Plaid Cymru lodged a complaint with the presiding officer, Huw Irranca-Davies, alleging that Martin breached Senedd rules during first minister's questions on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Irranca-Davies appeared to indirectly criticize Martin's remarks, advising MSs to avoid language that could "inflame debate".
Reform's chief whip, Llŷr Powell, responded by saying he did not perceive any breach and added:
"Get used to it, it's the new norm."
Despite Plaid Cymru's complaint, a Senedd spokesperson confirmed that Joe Martin did not commit any breach. However, BBC Wales understands that the presiding officer's comments may serve as a final warning to all members.
Joe Martin has been contacted for comment.
Details of the Controversial Speech
During first minister's questions on Tuesday, Joe Martin raised concerns about the Welsh government's Nation of Sanctuary policy by citing incidents involving Sudanese asylum seekers. He referenced a recent attack in Belfast, for which a Sudanese man was arrested and appeared in court earlier this month, as well as the murder of Rhiannon Whyte by a Sudanese asylum seeker.
Martin asked the first minister what measures would be taken "to make sure that when the next inevitable attack happens, it doesn't take place in Wales".
Dan Thomas, Reform's Welsh leader, nodded in agreement as Martin spoke, while members of Plaid Cymru and Labour reacted with audible gasps.
Responses from Other Parties
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth responded by stating he believed the Senedd would "have to get used to this kind of contribution" and accused Martin of attempting to "drive wedges between communities".
Labour's Shav Taj delivered an emotional speech, nearly in tears, referencing her Pakistani heritage and describing the Reform speech as "disturbing".
Conversely, Welsh Conservative MS Sam Rowlands supported the questioning, stating it was "right" for politicians in the Senedd "to ask for assurances from its government as to the safeguarding arrangements".
Reform's Defense and Criticism of the Complaint
Llŷr Powell, Reform's chief whip, stated that if an incident as described by Plaid had occurred, the presiding officer would have addressed it immediately. He criticized the act of leaking the complaint to the press, calling it "bad form" to "put the spotlight on the Llywydd like this by leaking it to the press".
Powell added:
"I was sitting in the chamber, Joe Martin was standing behind me. I didn't hear anything I thought went over the line.
Everyone who voted for Reform knew what we were coming in to do. I was talking about the Nation of Sanctuary during the election, Joe Martin was talking about the Nation of Sanctuary in the chamber.
Now I've seen a lot of things coming out from the other parties, in my opinion: 'get used to it, it's the new norm' are the words I use."
Plaid Cymru's Formal Complaint
In a letter to the presiding officer, Plaid Cymru's minister for government business, Heledd Fychan, described Martin's remarks as "dangerous and derogatory" and stated they "brought the Senedd into disrepute".
Fychan, also known as the Trefnydd, emphasized her commitment to addressing instances of outright racism seriously and has requested an urgent ruling from the Llywydd on what she considers a serious breach of Standing Orders.
It is understood that Plaid Cymru contends Martin violated rules concerning discourteous or unbecoming conduct, the use of disorderly, discriminatory, or offensive language, or language that detracts from the dignity of the Senedd.
