WELSH nationalist leader Rhun ap Iorwerth backed statehood for Palestine today and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.
The Plaid Cymru leader was addressing his party’s autumn conference in Cardiff and told delegates: “We have stood firm on the side of peace.
“We say yes to making all efforts to forge a lasting peace, to not selling arms to be used on civilians.
“We say yes to the immediate release of the surviving hostages. Yes to a permanent and immediate ceasefire.
“Yes to freedom and statehood for the people of Palestine within a two-state solution.”
The former BBC news presenter turned his fire on Reform, saying they are not friends of Wales.
“Given half a chance they’d set our country back decades,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.
“They claim to be on the side of working people while their tax and spend plans would make Liz Truss blush.”
The Plaid leader set his sights on government and outlined a vision for a healthier and wealthier Wales.
“In 2026 the question facing the people of Wales is this: accept second best and give Labour a second chance, or elect Plaid Cymru into government,” he said.
He also promised action on the key issues of the economy, education and health and pledged that Plaid Cymru government spending on preventative health measures would increase each year.
“I can announce that in the first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru government, we will bring forward a new budget and I promise that spending on preventative health measures will increase each year.”
The Plaid leader also announced his cabinet would include a minister for public health, “ensuring a truly national mission of creating healthier lives which, in turn, deliver substantial savings.
“Unlocking our economic potential will need major improvements in education attainment, but another bedrock of a healthy economy is a well Wales,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.
The nationalist leader scorned Welsh Labour’s decision to cut spending on preventative health policies.
“This is short-term thinking with long-term pain guaranteed,” he added.
“As our centenary approaches and with the 2026 election on the horizon, I want our small nation to embrace the hope of what we can be and guide us towards a better Wales which can take its place among the world’s nations.”
