MS cautions on 'deep divisions' facing Wales

HATRED towards minority groups is becoming “frighteningly” commonplace — and “acceptable to some” in Welsh society, a Plaid Cymru Senedd member has warned.

- CHRIS HAINES

Sioned Williams, MS for South Wales West, cautioned that Wales faces deep divisions fomented by hatred whether rooted in racism, religious intolerance, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia or ableism.

Ms Williams, who lives in Alltwen in the Swansea Valley, told the Senedd: “What is frightening to me is that denying or justifying hatred towards people in Wales is now so commonplace and acceptable to some in our society.

“It's a frightening time for minorities and people who are seen by some as legitimate targets, either for physical attacks, online attacks or political attacks.”

Ms Williams, the party's shadow social justice secretary, reiterated Plaid Cymru’s calls for powers over justice and policing to be fully devolved to Wales.

“We can't tackle hate, which is growing, with our hands tied behind our backs,” she said.