22/06/2026
Stand Up to Racism West Wales and Women Against the Far Right West Wales were deeply shocked by the comments made by Joe Martin MS in the Senedd last week. His remarks about asylum seekers, international development work, and young people in Wales were unacceptable and risk fuelling hostility toward already marginalised communities.This morning, we submitted a formal letter of complaint to the Llywydd.
This morning, we submitted a formal letter of complaint to the Llywydd. We are sharing it below so our communities can see exactly why we felt compelled to act. We are also sharing the BBC’s reporting of Mr Martin’s comments:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgmq1v6d3vo
If you share our concerns, you may wish to write to the Llywydd as well. Elected representatives, especially those aligned with far‑right rhetoric, must understand that this behaviour is not acceptable in our Senedd or in our communities.
"Dear Llywydd,
Stand Up to Racism West Wales (SUtRWW) and Women Against the Far Right West Wales (WAFRWW) are writing to submit a formal complaint regarding the conduct and remarks made by Joe Martin MS during Senedd proceedings in the week commencing 15 June 2026. As organisations working to challenge racism and promote community safety across Wales, we are deeply concerned that his comments fall below the standards expected of Members and appear inconsistent with the Senedd's Code of Conduct.
The Code requires Members to treat
others with dignity, avoid prejudicial or demeaning language, and uphold
public confidence in the Senedd. We believe that the tone and substance
of Mr Martin's contributions last week
risk undermining these principles and damaging trust in our democratic
institutions.
We also note that Wales has a statutory commitment, through the Well‑being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, to work towards a more equal, cohesive, and globally responsible Wales. Public bodies, including the Senedd, are required to act in ways that support equality, community wellbeing, and constructive international engagement. Remarks that demean racialised communities, undermine global south partners, or fuel division run counter to the spirit and aims of this legislation.
During First Minister's Questions, Mr
Martin made inflammatory remarks
targeting Sudanese asylum seekers. Using the platform of our national
parliament to single out people fleeing conflict is not legitimate scrutiny. It contributes to a hostile climate for racialised and minority communities in Wales and risks legitimising narratives that cause real-world harm.
On Wednesday 17 June, Mr Martin went on to describe international development projects in Uganda and Peru as 'the most pointless schemes known to man' and labelled tree planting work in Uganda as 'the stupidest use of taxpayers money.' These comments were dismissive of global south communities and of the work undertaken by organisations engaged in climate resilience and poverty reduction. They did not appear to be grounded in evidence or in meaningful scrutiny.
His remarks about welsh students, implying they 'couldn't read' and referring to 'illiteracy rates for students graduating' were similarly inappropriate. These comments went beyond policy critique and instead ridiculed young people in Wales.
Additionally, Mr Martin's comments regarding the recruitment of nurses from India risk reinforcing divisive narratives about internationally recruited healthcare workers while simultaneously demeaning those who rely on social security benefits. This framing is prejudicial and incompatible with the principles of equality and respect that Members are expected to uphold.
Taken together, the cumulative tone of Mr Martin's contributions were mocking, inflammatory, and dismissive. While strong political debate is absolutely necessary, there is a clear distinction between scrutinising policy and demeaning people or communities.
His remarks crossed that line.
We therefore request:
A full review of the *Record of Proceedings* from the week commencing 15 June;
Assessment of whether Mr Martin's remarks breached the Code's principles of *Respect, Equality and Leadership*;
Consideration of referral to *The Commissioner for Standards*.
The Senedd must remain a space where scrutiny is serious, evidence-led, and grounded in respect. Not a platform for rhetoric that undermines the dignity and safety of communities in Wales.
Yours sincerely,
Stand Up to Racism West Wales
Women Against the Far Right West Wales"
Speech by Reform MS mocking Welsh students for being unable to read sparks Welsh Parliament walkout.
