Reform MS Criticizes Ukraine Flag at Welsh Parliament
A Reform politician has stated that displaying the Ukrainian flag outside the Welsh Parliament is an act of "virtue signalling" and argued that it should not be flown in front of the building.
Cai Parry-Jones expressed that the parliament estate should fly an equal number of Welsh and UK flags. He also aligned with UK party leader Nigel Farage's view that flags of foreign countries should not be flown over public buildings.
The blue and yellow flag of Ukraine has been displayed outside the Senedd since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022.
The parliament declined to comment on the matter. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar, however, stated that the flag serves as a "visible sign of the Senedd's resolute opposition to Russia's illegal invasion."
Parry-Jones Advocates Equal Representation of Flags
Parry-Jones, who is among Reform's significant new intake of Senedd members following the recent Welsh Parliament election, said:
"Wales is a proud part of the United Kingdom and the Senedd estate should reflect that fact by flying an equal number of Welsh and Union flags at all times."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has stated on X that the party would not fly foreign flags over public buildings.
Supporting his leader's stance, Parry-Jones told BBC Wales:
"I stand solidly behind the people of Ukraine who are rightly standing up to Putin following his illegal invasion of their country."
However, he added:
"Flying their flag is not doing anything to keep Russia at bay.
We need to move away from virtue signalling politics - people see through it and rightfully want politicians to go back to focusing on bread-and-butter issues that will positively and noticeably impact the people of Wales, such as health, education, and the Welsh economy."
Context of Flag Displays in the UK
This statement follows a recent decision by a newly-elected Reform administration in Essex to remove a Ukrainian flag earlier this month. The administration's leader, Peter Harris, described the removal as a "proud moment," while the council's Conservative opposition expressed concerns that flying the flag could encourage "pro-Kremlin politics."
Since the onset of Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian flags have been flown at government buildings across the UK.
Current Flag Arrangements at the Senedd
At present, the Senedd displays two Welsh flags and one Union flag—commonly known as the Union Jack—at the front of the building, alongside the Ukrainian flag.
Occasionally, one of the Welsh flags is replaced with a flag related to a special event. Additionally, the Welsh government flies a Ukrainian flag at its headquarters in Cathays Park, Cardiff.
Any future decisions regarding the flags flown outside the estate will be the responsibility of Labour's Huw Irranca-Davies, who assumed the role of Llywydd (presiding officer) after the election earlier in May.
Support and Opposition Within the Senedd
A cross-party group of Senedd members had previously collaborated to raise funds and source vehicles for Ukraine. Former Labour MS and ex-minister Mick Antoniw has made multiple visits to the country since the war began.
Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar stated:
"I support the flying of the Ukrainian flag outside our parliament.
It's a visible sign of the Senedd's resolute opposition to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Having visited Ukraine last year with one of Reform's MSs I am surprised and disappointed by their position."
The Welsh government also declined to comment on the issue.
