Members of the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd, engaged in a heated debate on Wednesday, with a majority defending the Welsh government's "Nation of Sanctuary" policy against calls for its termination by the Reform party.
Reform's Welsh leader, Dan Thomas, argued that the initiative, designed to aid asylum seekers and refugees in integrating into Welsh society, "puts illegal arrivals ahead of the queue." However, politicians from Plaid Cymru, Labour, the Greens, and the Welsh Liberal Democrats rejected his criticism. Plaid Cymru's Deputy First Minister, Sioned Williams, characterized Reform's stance as "historically illiterate."
The Senedd ultimately voted against Reform's motion to scrap the policy, with 52 votes against and 38 in favor. This debate, though passionate, did not mirror the intensity of a previous session where two speeches from Reform's Joe Martin prompted a walk-out by Plaid Cymru members.
The "Nation of Sanctuary" policy, which is not controlled by the Welsh government but has been implemented to assist asylum seekers and refugees, dates back to when Labour led the Welsh government. Between 2019 and 2025, the Welsh government allocated £63 million, representing 0.05% of its total budget, to the policy, with the majority of funds directed towards supporting Ukrainian refugees.
Opposition parties, including Reform and the Conservatives, have expressed concerns that the policy sends the "wrong message," although both parties have supported aid for Ukrainians. Thomas contended that the "Nation of Sanctuary" policy acts as an "open invitation, welcoming the world to Wales irrespective of their backgrounds, their motives, their skills, or their criminal record." He also criticized Plaid Cymru's commitment to Wales, citing the policy and the allocation of public funds for overseas support while Wales faces challenges in education and healthcare.
In response to Thomas's remarks, Plaid Cymru's Alun Cox challenged him on past statements where he reportedly offered resettlement opportunities to Afghan households. Thomas differentiated these instances, stating the current situation involves "small in number" arrivals compared to what he described as "floodgates" opening with asylum seekers arriving by small boats.
Shav Taj, a Labour MS, refuted claims that the "Nation of Sanctuary" policy is responsible for pressures on the NHS, housing shortages, or community insecurity, labeling such assertions as "scapegoating" rather than evidence-based arguments. She emphasized that integration is a matter of "common sense," noting that individuals who learn local languages and find employment contribute to society rather than being a burden.
Joshua Kim of Reform stated that many in the UK feel their "kindness is being abused" and acknowledged that while not all asylum seekers are deceitful, some are. Kim, identifying as a citizen first and an immigrant second, asserted that prioritizing citizens is in the country's best interest.
Peter Fox of the Welsh Conservatives stated that while his party does not believe the policy is necessary, they "do not share Reform's approach" and condemned Reform's "extreme" stance, particularly regarding support for Ukrainians.
Carmelo Colasanto, whose parents immigrated to Wales in 1970, recalled that they received no special assistance for assimilation. He expressed concern that the "Nation of Sanctuary" policy places an unsustainable strain on the economy and poses security risks.
Responding for the Welsh government, Sioned Williams called Thomas's characterization of the policy as "virtue signalling" shameful. She invoked the post-World War II commitment to refugees and international law, stressing the importance of protecting the legacy of ensuring "never again" would refugees be turned away.