Wales must not be complicit in genocide

“First Minister must do more to ensure Wales is not complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza” – Sioned Williams MS

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru spokesperson on equalities and social justice, has called on the First Minister to ensure Wales is not complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Today (Tuesday 16 September 2025) it was announced that a UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Ms Williams has repeatedly asked for the First Minister to confirm whether Welsh military bases are being used to train Israeli soldiers, and to take action to ensure that no Welsh Government activities, partnerships and procurement practices for companies or activities are implicated in any unlawful occupation or military action by Israel.

In a written response to Ms Williams, the First Minister has said that the use of military training facilities is a “matter for the Ministry for [sic] Defence.”

The written response did not address the question about Welsh Government activities, partnerships and procurement practices.

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said:

The First Minister must do more to ensure Wales is not complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The finding by the UN Commission is hugely significant and confirms the extent of the horror that we’ve been witnessing on the media over the last 2 years.

It’s not good enough that the First Minister has refused to acknowledge this is her responsibility. A one line response on Wales complicity in genocide is deeply shocking. She must provide confirmation that Welsh Government is not connected – through activity, partnership or procurement – to any company implicated in any unlawful occupation or military action by Israel, and she must also confirm whether or not Welsh military bases are being used to train Israeli soldiers.

Wales has a statutory duty to be a globally responsible nation, and it is incumbent on the First Minister of Wales to take that responsibility to confirm whether or not Wales is complicit in this genocide.