Full Breakdown
Walkout in the Senedd Over Reform UK MS’s Controversial Remarks
6/18/2026, 12:27:24 PM
Core Incident: Reform MS Joe Martin’s Remarks Prompt Walkout
On Wednesday, Reform UK Member of the Senedd Joe Martin delivered a speech in which he mocked Welsh students’ literacy and suggested Indian nurses were “taking Welsh jobs”. The comments followed a Tuesday speech that linked Sudanese asylum seekers to “inevitable” attacks. Plaid Cymru, Labour and Welsh Green members left the chamber in protest, and Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies later rebuked Martin for breaching expected standards of debate.
Context & Key Players
Reform UK has been vocal on international aid and immigration, often framing such issues as wasteful or security-related. The Senedd’s standing orders require members to avoid language that could inflame debate. Key figures in the episode include: Joe Martin (Reform UK MS); Huw Irranca-Davies (Presiding Officer, Llywydd); Zaynub Akbar (Plaid Cymru MS, Caerdydd Fynnon Taf); Jason O’Connell (Reform UK spokesperson); Llyr Powell (Reform chief whip); Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru minister for government business); Anthony Slaughter (Welsh Green Party leader); Dafydd Trystan Davies (Minister for the Constitution); and Dan Thomas (Reform Welsh leader).
Timeline of Events
- Tuesday: Martin addressed the first-minister’s questions, alleging that attacks by Sudanese asylum seekers were “inevitable” and citing a Belfast incident and the murder of Rhiannon Whyte. No immediate rebuke was issued.
- Wednesday: In a debate on overseas spending, Martin quipped that “some Welsh students … couldn’t read” and praised the recruitment of Indian nurses as a route to universal credit. The walkout occurred; Irranca-Davies later asked Martin to reflect on his remarks.
Official Statements & Responses
- Huw Irranca-Davies: “I would like you to reflect, please, on the remarks and your contribution today. It was not in line with my expectations.”
- Jason O’Connell (Reform): Described the walkout as “shameful” and expressed disappointment at the disruption.
- Llyr Powell (Reform chief whip): Stated that any breach would have been dealt with “there and then” and labeled the media focus on the Llywydd as “bad form”.
- Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru): Called the comments “dangerous and derogatory”, saying they brought the Senedd into disrepute and requesting an urgent ruling.
- Dafydd Trystan Davies: Said the debate had descended “to the level of a public house” at points.
- Anthony Slaughter (Welsh Greens): Accused Martin of “completely disregarding the opening statement” and showing “a complete lack of respect for the Senedd”.
Criticism & Opposition
Plaid Cymru, Labour and Welsh Green members walked out, condemning Martin’s remarks as racist and mocking of Welsh communities. Plaid’s spokesperson warned that Reform UK was “making a mockery of our democracy”. Zaynub Akbar publicly left the chamber, stating she could not accept the language used.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A Senedd spokesperson asserted that no standing-order breach had occurred, while Plaid Cymru maintains that Martin’s remarks constituted a clear breach. Initial reports indicated the Presiding Officer did not reprimand Martin on Tuesday; a formal rebuke was only issued on Wednesday. Martin has not been approached for comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We send Uganda money to plant trees as well, because we won that competition, who can find the stupidest use of taxpayers' money” — Joe Martin
- “I'm going to leave this because I don't accept any of this and I don't want to be a part of it.” — Zaynub Akbar, Plaid Cymru MS
- “to the level of a public house” — Dafydd Trystan Davies, Minister for the Constitution
- “ He added: "Get used to it, it's the new norm are the words I use.” — Llyr Powell, Reform chief whip
Why It Matters
The incident underscores heightened sensitivities around immigration, race and parliamentary decorum in Wales. It raises questions about the enforcement of Senedd standing orders, the role of the Llywydd in maintaining standards, and the broader UK debate over the balance between free speech and hate-speech safeguards.
What’s Next
Plaid Cymru’s letter to the Llywydd seeks an urgent ruling on a possible breach. The Senedd may consider formal disciplinary action against Martin, and the episode is likely to influence future debates on immigration policy and parliamentary conduct.
