Heated Welsh election debate over immigration and party policies

A heated debate took place among party leaders ahead of the Welsh Senedd election scheduled for May 7.

Reform party leader Dan Thomas defended his party against accusations of racism and challenged other parties to publish the full costs of their policy promises.

The debate focused heavily on immigration policies, particularly the Welsh government's 'Nation of Sanctuary' initiative, which supports refugees and asylum seekers in Wales.

Thomas criticised this policy, which is opposed by both the Conservatives and Reform.

Official figures indicate that the 'Nation of Sanctuary' policy accounts for a small portion of the Welsh government's overall budget, with most funding directed towards supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia.

The debate saw strong exchanges, with Wales Green party leader Anthony Slaughter accusing Reform and the Conservatives of blaming immigrants for deteriorating public services.

Thomas rejected this, stating that listening to the majority of people in Wales is a democratic process.

Thomas also addressed past comments from his time as leader of Barnet Council in 2021, where he spoke of a "proud history of providing sanctuary" before the "floodgates were opened." He insisted that welcoming refugees then showed the party was not racist but reasonable.

When questioned about a social media comment by Arron Banks, a prominent party member accused of racism by Plaid Cymru, Thomas did not respond directly.

Banks, who is not standing in the election, described his comment as a joke and suggested Plaid Cymru had lost their sense of humour.

Thomas noted that he himself has faced accusations from Plaid Cymru supporters questioning his Welsh identity and calling him an English nationalist due to his residence in England.

The debate also highlighted that the leaders of four left-wing parties ruled out working with Reform to form a government but did not exclude cooperation among themselves.

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