A Reform MS has said he was “shocked at the waste” upon entering the Senedd, questioning money spent on international offices.
David Mills, a Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd MS, clashed with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth over Welsh Government spending abroad.
Criticising the spending as falling outside of devolved responsibilities, Mr Mills argued the money would be better spent on the NHS, schools, and “other failing vital services”.
He questioned Mr ap Iorwerth on whether he “genuinely believes” every overseas office delivers “value for money”.
Describing himself as an “internationalist”, Mr ap Iorwerth pledged that his government will “always seek opportunities to sell Wales to the world”.
He added: “Our international operations are about seeking trade deals for Wales, attracting inward investment to Wales, selling agricultural produce to the world, building the kind of soft diplomacy that can bring results to Wales.
“Now, I know that the member is isolationist in the way that he sees the world. I am not; I am somebody who will always seek to promote Wales’ place in the world for the benefit of all the people who live in Wales.”
“Irony”
Sam Rowlands, the Conservative constitution spokesperson, noted the “irony” of Mr ap Iorwerth calling Mr Mills an isolationist – suggesting the First Minister himself is “desperate to break up the United Kingdom and isolate Wales”.
Sharing that he had met with residents in his constituency who have been flooded three times since 2021, Mr Rowlands added: “How can you look them in the eye, First Minister, and tell them money’s being better spent in international offices in places like China rather than on flood defences in places like Bretton and Broughton?”
Responding, Mr ap Iowerth told the Tory MS that his government can build relationships abroad and tackle the issues at home in Wales.
“A doorway”
Discussions about Wales’ international offices are too often reduced to “a line in a budget”, Plaid Cymru MS Sarah Rees said.
She described the offices as “not just a desk” but “a doorway”, recognising the benefits overseas relationships bring for the Welsh economy.
The Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg MS said: “In an increasingly interconnected world, I believe that we must think global and act local, learning not only from our neighbours in Scotland and Ireland, but from all across the world.”
Stressing his government’s internationalist outlook, the First Minister said: “Wales can’t just be promoted from behind a desk in Cardiff, or by looking inwards.
“Our international offices shouldn’t be judged either solely by trade and investment figures, though they are important.
“They also build trust, they deepen relationships, and they deliver results in soft power and in cultural diplomacy.”
