Full Breakdown
Reform UK Calls for Removal of Ukrainian Flag Outside Welsh Parliament
5/23/2026, 4:45:54 AM
Core Event: Reform UK Pushes to Take Down Ukrainian Flag at the Senedd
Reform UK leader in Wales, Dan Thomas, has publicly backed a fellow party Senedd member’s demand that the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag be removed from the front of the Senedd building in Cardiff. Thomas argued that “all flags flown in the United Kingdom should be United Kingdom flags,” and suggested replacing the Ukrainian banner with the Cardiff County flag. The call follows finance spokesman Cai Parry-Jones’s description of the flag’s presence as “virtue signalling.”
Background & Context: Flag Flying Since Russia’s Invasion and Reform UK’s Stance on Foreign Flags
The Ukrainian flag has hung outside the Senedd since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, joining two Welsh flags and the Union Jack as symbols of solidarity. Reform UK has previously removed a Ukrainian flag from a council building in Essex, and party leader Nigel Farage has declared that a Reform government would prohibit foreign flags on public buildings.
Key Figures & Groups
- Dan Thomas – Leader of Reform UK Wales, opposition leader in the Senedd.
- Cai Parry-Jones – Reform UK finance spokesman and Senedd member for Cardiff Ffynnon Taf.
- Nigel Farage – National leader of Reform UK, author of the party’s foreign-flag policy.
- Darren Millar – Welsh Conservative Senedd leader, defender of the Ukrainian flag.
- Huw Irranca-Davies – Labour presiding officer of the Senedd, responsible for any future flag decision.
Data & Statistics: Flags Currently Flown at the Senedd
The Senedd’s front façade presently displays four flags: two Welsh flags, the Union Jack, and the Ukrainian flag. On special occasions, one Welsh flag is occasionally swapped for a flag representing a specific event. The Welsh government also flies a Ukrainian flag at its headquarters in Cathays Park, Cardiff.
Official Statements & Responses
Thomas reiterated his preference for exclusively UK-related flags, while Parry-Jones emphasized that Wales’ identity as part of the United Kingdom should be reflected by an equal number of Welsh and Union flags. Farage’s earlier social-media post warned that Reform-led authorities would ban foreign flags from public sites. The Welsh government and the Senedd have declined to comment on the specific request.
Criticism & Opposition
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar condemned the Reform UK position, describing the Ukrainian flag as “a visible sign of the Senedd’s resolute opposition to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.” He expressed disappointment that Reform members, after visiting Ukraine, would oppose the flag. Labour’s Huw Irranca-Davies, as presiding officer, will ultimately decide the flag’s fate, though no formal proposal has been presented.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official response from the Senedd Commission has been recorded, leaving the procedural path for any flag change unclear. While Reform UK frames the flag as symbolic virtue-signalling, supporters argue it represents genuine solidarity with Ukraine. The absence of a stated policy on foreign flags at the Senedd creates uncertainty about how the issue will be resolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yes, I would like to see that flag removed. We could replace it with the Cardiff County flag or something like that.” — Dan Thomas, Reform UK Wales leader
- “I stand solidly behind the people of Ukraine who are rightly standing up to Putin following his illegal invasion of their country.” — Cai Parry-Jones, Reform UK finance spokesman
- “there will be no foreign flags flown above our public buildings” — Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader (social-media post)
- “It's a visible sign of the Senedd's resolute opposition to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.” — Darren Millar, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader
- “Having visited Ukraine last year with one of Reform's MSs I am surprised and disappointed by their position.” — Darren Millar, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader
What’s Next: Pending Decision by the Senedd Commission
The Senedd Commission, chaired by presiding officer Huw Irranca-Davies, will consider any formal proposal to alter the flag display. A decision could set a precedent for how UK devolved bodies handle foreign-flag symbolism, potentially prompting further debate within Welsh politics and across other UK institutions.
