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A controversial social media post by Arron Banks, a well-known supporter of Reform UK, has been labeled as racist by a candidate within the party in Wales. James Evans, standing for Reform UK in the upcoming Welsh election, publicly condemned the post, marking the first time a party member has explicitly described it as racist. The post in question, which appeared on X (formerly Twitter), featured Banks responding with the phrase “Welsh lad?” to a Plaid Cymru video that highlighted a black community organiser based in Cardiff.
Plaid Cymru swiftly responded, emphasizing that “racism has no place in Wales or society.” When questioned further about the issue on BBC Politics Wales, James Evans did not hesitate to affirm, “Of course it’s racist. He shouldn’t be saying these things.” In contrast, Dan Thomas, who leads Reform UK in Wales, avoided a direct answer regarding whether he distanced himself from Banks’ remarks but asserted that his party is not racist. Thomas also shared his personal experiences with accusations from Plaid Cymru supporters, stating, “I’ve had my Welshness questioned by supporters of Plaid Cymru,” adding that he has been called a “plastic Taffy” for living in England.
Plaid Cymru criticized both Banks and the broader Reform UK leadership, saying, “Arron Banks’ comment was racist, yet Farage and his man in Wales, Dan Thomas, still refuse to say as such.” The party vowed to continue challenging racism wherever it arises. Welsh Labour also weighed in, condemning Reform UK’s handling of the issue and warning against community divisions: “There should be no qualms about calling out this abhorrent racism. Wales can’t risk the community division that Reform brings.” Meanwhile, the Welsh Conservatives welcomed the admission from a Reform UK representative that the post amounted to racism, emphasizing the collective responsibility to confront hatred.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Wales Green Party were made but no response was noted. This incident adds another dimension to the tensions surrounding the forthcoming elections in Wales
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