Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies imposed the speaking ban after determining Martin's remarks breached chamber rules against discriminatory language. Reform Wales leader Helen Jenner and Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe publicly supported the politician, warning that barring elected representatives erodes fundamental democratic principles. While Plaid Cymru representatives urged an immediate apology, Martin remains eligible to take part in committee work. The disciplinary action arrives after a previous rebuke in September regarding comments about Welsh NHS gender service surgeons.
Key points
Reform Wales and allied figures insist elected politicians should not face parliamentary…: Reform Wales and allied figures insist elected politicians should not face parliamentary bans for expressing controversial viewpoints.
Political opponents argue that divisive demographic rhetoric harms local communities and…: Political opponents argue that divisive demographic rhetoric harms local communities and requires a formal apology.
The sanction marks Martin's second official disciplinary rebuke within the Senedd followi…: The sanction marks Martin's second official disciplinary rebuke within the Senedd following offensive remarks made in September.
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Reform's leader in Wales says she stands "firmly" by one of her Senedd members who was banned from speaking in the parliament for claiming white people are being "replaced" in the UK.
Helen Jenner said Members of the Senedd (MSs) should not be "silenced" after Joe Martin was told he would not be allowed to speak in the chamber until he apologised.
On Tuesday the Senedd's Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies said Martin's remarks were "unnecessarily provocative and deliberately offensive".
In a statement on social media on Wednesday, Jenner said: "Whatever your political views, nobody elected to the Senedd should be silenced simply because others disagree with what they have to say."
Jenner said: "Freedom of speech is a fundamental part of our democracy. It means very little if it only applies to opinions we agree with.
"We cannot allow the Senedd to become a place where challenging views are shut down."
Martin was also backed by the leader of right-wing party Restore Britain, Rupert Lowe.
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