Arron Banks Describes Comment as a Joke
Arron Banks stated that his remark on X was intended as a "joke."
A prominent member of Reform UK has asserted that comments he made, which have sparked allegations of racism, were meant humorously.
On the platform X, Banks wrote:
"Welsh lad?"in response to a video by Plaid Cymru presented by a Black community organiser from the Treforest area of Cardiff.
Accusations from Plaid Cymru Leader
Liz Saville Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru in Westminster, claimed that Mr Banks believes
"Black people cannot be Welsh."
Mr Banks told BBC Cymru that Plaid Cymru had lost their sense of humour.
Political Background of Arron Banks
Mr Banks was Reform UK's candidate in the 2025 mayoral election for West England, where he finished second behind Labour.
He was a significant financial contributor to UKIP during Nigel Farage's leadership and participated in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
He is not standing in the upcoming Senedd Cymru election next week.
Response to BBC Cymru's Inquiry
When asked by BBC Cymru to clarify his comment and respond to Ms Saville Roberts, Mr Banks said:
"Plaid, understandably, have lost their sense of humour.
"Plaid still say that Wales is only for the Welsh, and are anti-English,"
he added.
Political Party Policies
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- Some policy areas remain under UK government control
- Control over the matter lies wholly or partly with the Welsh government
- Control over the matter lies wholly or partly with the UK government
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- Labour Wales
- Welsh Conservatives
- Plaid Cymru
- Welsh Liberal Democrats
- Welsh Green Party
- Heritage Party
Further Statements from Plaid Cymru
On X, Ms Saville Roberts stated:
"One of Reform's contributors and their candidate for the West England mayoral election believes that Black people cannot be Welsh.
"There is racism everywhere within Reform. We must stop them from becoming the largest party in the Senedd."
Reform UK Cymru's Response
In a statement, Reform UK Cymru referred to difficulties Plaid Cymru has experienced with their own candidates during the election campaign.
"This outburst from Plaid Cymru is tiresome,"
said the party.
The party did not respond specifically to Mr Banks's comment.
Internal Party Position
A source within the party told BBC Cymru that Mr Banks is a member but not a spokesperson and holds no official position within Reform UK.
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