Reform MS Joe Martin banned from speaking in Senedd after controversial comments about white population

A Reform UK Member of the Senedd has been barred from speaking in the Welsh Parliament until he apologises for comments claiming that white British people are being replaced in the UK.

Joe Martin, who represents Caerdydd Penarth, made the remarks during a Senedd session on Tuesday, prompting the Presiding Officer to rule that his contribution was discriminatory, offensive and damaging to the dignity of the institution.

Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies said Martin would not be called to speak again until he demonstrated that he understood the boundaries of acceptable parliamentary conduct and issued an apology to the Senedd.

Comments prompt immediate challenge

During the Senedd's Business Statement, Martin asked the Welsh Government for a statement on what he described as the “demographic replacement of white British people”.

He argued that mass immigration and differing birth rates meant white British people would become a minority in the UK within 37 years, by 2063.

The language echoed the far-right conspiracy theory known as the “Great Replacement”, which falsely presents immigration and demographic change as a deliberate attempt to replace white populations with other ethnic groups.

Government Business Minister Heledd Fychan immediately challenged the contribution, asking the Deputy Presiding Officer, Kerry Ferguson, to consider whether the remarks complied with the Senedd's standing orders.

Fychan said the Welsh Government was there to represent everyone in Wales, regardless of religion, sexuality or skin colour.

Presiding Officer imposes speaking restriction

Following a review of the proceedings, Huw Irranca-Davies issued a statement condemning Martin's contribution.

He said immigration could be raised as a legitimate policy issue, but argued that Martin's focus on race and ethnicity was discriminatory and unnecessarily provocative.

The Presiding Officer also referred to previous concerns about Martin's conduct, saying he had already been warned about pushing the boundaries of acceptable contributions.

He confirmed that Martin would not be called to speak until he provided a clear indication that he understood the rules and apologised to the Senedd.

The restriction follows earlier attempts to address his behaviour privately and a formal warning issued in September.

Previous controversies surrounding Martin

The latest incident is not the first time Martin has faced criticism over comments made in the Senedd.

In June, Plaid Cymru accused him of using dangerous rhetoric after he claimed attacks by Sudanese asylum seekers were inevitable.

The following day, Members of the Senedd walked out during a speech in which Martin made remarks about Welsh students' literacy and Indian nurses taking Welsh jobs.

He has also previously faced criticism over comments during a debate concerning the Welsh Gender Service.

These incidents have intensified concerns among political opponents about the language used by elected representatives and the standards expected of Members of the Senedd.

Plaid Cymru welcomes ruling

Plaid Cymru's Senedd group chair, Marc Jones, welcomed the Presiding Officer's decision.

He said: “Words have consequences. It's only right that Reform's Joe Martin apologises for the constant harm and fear he causes among our communities.”

Reform UK was asked to comment on the latest developments.

What happens next?

Martin's speaking restriction will remain in place until he apologises and satisfies the Presiding Officer that he understands the standards expected of Senedd Members.

The decision highlights the responsibility placed on elected representatives to debate sensitive issues, including immigration and demographic change, without resorting to discriminatory or inflammatory language.

It also raises wider questions about parliamentary conduct, political accountability and the role of the Senedd in maintaining an environment where all communities in Wales are treated with dignity and respect.