Arron Banks' Comment Sparks Accusations of Racism
Arron Banks, who is not a candidate in the Senedd Cymru election, made a comment in response to a video posted by Plaid Cymru on the social media platform X.
A senior member of Reform described the remark as a "joke" on social media, but one Reform candidate in the Senedd Cymru election called the comment racist.
James Evans stated that the comment was incorrect and racist, becoming the first member of the party to use this term regarding Banks' statement.
Arron Banks wrote "Welsh lad?" on X in response to a video by Plaid Cymru presented by a Black community organiser from the Tremorfa area of Cardiff.
Plaid Cymru said this indicated that Mr Banks believed "Black people cannot be Welsh." Mr Banks has not responded to BBC Cymru's request for comment but has said the remark was a "joke" and that Plaid Cymru "have lost their sense of humour."
Plaid Cymru emphasized that "there is no place for racism in Wales or within society anywhere."
Reform Member Labels Comment Racist; Party Leadership Responds
The "Welsh lad?" comment was described as a "joke" by a Reform member amid allegations of racism.
Following the controversy, a deputy leader of Reform in Wales issued an apology on behalf of the member.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called the comment "in poor taste" and stated that Mr Banks should apologise.
However, James Evans is the first party member to publicly declare the comment "racist."
"Of course, it is racist. He shouldn't say these things," Evans said on the BBC Politics Wales program.
Earlier this week, Dan Thomas, the Welsh leader of Reform, declined to give a direct answer when asked about his views on the comment.
"My Welshness has been questioned by Plaid Cymru supporters. They have called me a plastic Taffy because, as it happens, I live in England," Thomas said.
Responses from Political Parties
A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said:
"Arron Banks' comment was racist, but Farage and his man in Wales, Dan Thomas, continue to refuse to say so. There is no place for racism in Wales or anywhere in society, and we will continue to challenge it."
A Welsh Labour spokesperson commented:
"Another U-turn by Reform UK. There should be no concern about challenging this abhorrent racism. Wales cannot afford the community divisions that Reform causes."
A Welsh Conservative spokesperson stated:
"We welcome this recognition from a Reform representative that the comment was racist. There is no place for racism and hatred in our society, and we all have a duty to challenge it whenever it arises."
A Green Party spokesperson remarked:
"If Arron Banks thinks it was a joke, it is a joke that would only be funny to someone racist, and it is a racist joke. Will James Evans now call for his expulsion?"
The Welsh Liberal Democrats said the comments by Mr Banks are "part of a pattern of behaviour causing concern among Reform representatives across the UK."
"On Thursday, Wales will send a message to Reform UK — that their divisive politics are unwelcome here."
Additional Information
Follow Cymru Fyw on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok.
Send story ideas to cymrufyw@bbc.co.uk or contact via WhatsApp at 07709850033.
for the latest news from Wales on your mobile device.
Information about upcoming elections is available through the BBC in cooperation with the Electoral Commission. Personal data is sent to the Commission to provide election information relevant to your area.
To find out where to vote in your area, enter your full residential postcode in Wales.
Note: A modern browser with JavaScript and a stable internet connection is required to view interactive elements.
