Welsh Labour claims countryside is 'racist' as those of ethnic backgrounds face 'barriers created by exclusions and racism'

Following the creation of the taxpayer-funded “anti-racist Wales Action Plan” in 2022, Cardiff Bay has set out a “transformational path toward creating an anti-racist Wales by 2030".

Within the new report, it has said that those “of ethnic minority background in Wales face barriers created by exclusions and racism preventing them from fully participating in ‘environmental’ activities”.

The Welsh Government has pledged to analyse different ways in which racism is incorporated into its policies, rules and regulations, admitting that its goal was an “ambitious step”.

In its analysis of environmental policies, the report has highlighted that those belonging to ethnic minorities experience racism “overtly” whenever they visit or use green spaces, which drives “feelings of exclusion, isolation and disconnection with people and nature”.

The same individuals are claimed to be “disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards” - including poor air quality and flood risk.

Additionally, researchers have attributed systemic inequalities and lack of career opportunities for ethnic minorities to a lack of representation and diversity across leadership roles in environmental organisations.

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The rest of the report has sought to evaluate the Government’s own policies in health, education, employment and various other departments to ensure that they are “anti-racist”.

Conclusions have been drawn from data delivered by five “community groups” who undertook “dialogues” - which was funded by the taxpayer.

Some of the groups included Green Soul, which represents black, Asian, Arab and other minorities in South Wales, Climate Cymru Ethnic Minorities, Romani Cultural and Arts Company, and North Wales Africa Society.

Similarly, the document has claimed that while ethnic minorities are often excluded from “mainstream” discussion forums to debate environmental issues, they insist that they “care deeply” about these issues and remain “very engaged and informed” within their community.

Leader of Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies told Guido Fawkes: “This kind of outdated virtue signalling nonsense is completely out of touch with the needs of the people of Wales.

“Labour is stuck on yesterday’s thinking, the kind that is being roundly rejected globally. Time to turf them out.”

Responding to the report, a Welsh Government spokesman told GB News: “We are committed to creating an anti-racist nation by 2030. Our Anti-racist Wales Action Plan is built on the values of anti-racism and calls for zero tolerance of all racial inequality.”