THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have extended their congratulations to President Donald J. Trump ahead of his inauguration, with Darren Millar MS urging the Welsh Labour Government to strengthen ties with the United States. The announcement has sparked controversy, with anti-racism campaigners demanding a retraction of comments made by Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan defending Trump.

Conservative endorsement

Darren Millar MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, stated: “I would like to extend my congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration. His return to the White House signals a conservative resurgence on the other side of the Atlantic which is welcome.”

Millar criticised Labour for what he described as undermining the UK’s “special relationship” with the US, pointing to Labour activists’ anti-Trump stance and the absence of the Prime Minister at the inauguration.

He added:
“In the interests of global peace, trade links, and economic development, deepening our ties with the incoming administration will be paramount.”

Backlash from anti-racism groups

Millar’s remarks coincide with growing calls for First Minister Eluned Morgan to apologise for comments made in November, where she expressed doubt about Trump’s alleged racism. During a BBC interview, Morgan remarked:
“I shouldn’t think he is, to be honest. There were a hell of a lot of black people and Latinos who voted for him in the election.”

This has sparked criticism from Welsh anti-racism groups, including Stand Up To Racism, Black Lives Matter, and MEND. In an open letter signed by nearly 100 campaigners, the groups condemned Morgan’s comments as “reckless,” accusing her of downplaying Trump’s history of inflammatory rhetoric.

Hussein Said, Chair of Stand Up To Racism Cardiff, stated:
“To dismiss the racism of Trump is to ignore the very real ways in which he emboldens far-right and fascist figures here in the UK. The Islamophobia and anti-migrant rhetoric they use should never be legitimised.”

The letter also highlighted Trump’s divisive policies, such as the Muslim travel ban and mass deportation plans, which they argue are antithetical to human rights.

Royal visit speculation

Meanwhile, Downing Street has hinted at a possible royal visit to the US to cement the UK-US “special relationship.” A government source said:
“Donald Trump has a clear affinity for the royal family. A royal tour to the US would help reinforce the special relationship.”

The meeting could coincide with America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, where Trump has pledged to host “the best of all time” events.

Divided opinions in Wales

Trump’s inauguration has reignited debates in Wales over the UK’s relationship with the US under his leadership. While some, like Millar, see an opportunity to rebuild transatlantic ties, others warn against legitimising what they view as a divisive and dangerous administration.

The Herald will continue to follow the implications of these developments for Wales.

THE CONSERVATIVES criticised the UK Government’s record six months on from the general election, accusing Labour of doing “not a dickie bird” to stand up for Wales.

Darren Millar, leader of the Tories in the Senedd, said people were told Labour governments at both ends of the M4 would be great for Wales in the run up to July’s election.

But he warned: “What we’ve actually ended up with is a double whammy: broken promises and failing policies … alongside a passive, silent Labour Welsh Government unwilling to offer a squeak of criticism or lift a finger to defend the interests of the people of Wales.”

Leading a Tory debate, he said the new UK Government has hit farmers with inheritance tax, taken winter fuel allowance from pensioners and hiked national insurance for businesses. 

Mr Millar told the Senedd that Welsh railways remain underfunded as he accused Labour of settling for “scraps” despite previously calling for billions of pounds from HS2.

Peter Fox, the Tory shadow rural affairs secretary, warned farmers have to deal with Labour governments “who either do not care or do not understand the needs of rural communities”. 

Mr Fox, a farmer and former council leader who represented Monmouth since 2021, criticised changes to agricultural property relief by the UK Government.

“It’s not a loophole,” he said. “It’s a carefully designed policy … to protect Britain’s family farms from being broken up.”

His colleague Natasha Asghar, who represents South Wales East, described a -45% approval rating for Keir Starmer’s government as “a tad generous”.

She said: “If this is just what the first six months of Sir Keir’s premiership look like, I sincerely dread to imagine what the next six months have in store for all of us.”

Mark Drakeford said the Conservative motion in front of the Senedd concentrated entirely on matters outside the Welsh Parliament’s responsibility.

Following the debate on January 15, Senedd members voted 26-24 against the motion with Labour’s amended version agreed by the same margin.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT remains in the dark about how much Wales will receive to cover the estimated £109m cost of tax rises in the public sector, a committee heard.

Jayne Bryant said the UK Government has confirmed it will provide funding to public-sector employers towards the increased cost of national insurance contributions from April.

But Wales’ local government secretary said ministers expect to receive additional funding in ‘late spring’ and have not yet received confirmation of how much Wales will receive.

Plaid Cymru’s Siân Gwenllian raised concerns about the impact of tax hikes as the Senedd’s local government committee scrutinised Welsh ministers’ 2025/26 spending plans.

Judith Cole, deputy director of council finance policy, said the Welsh Government estimates the cost of the tax hike to the public sector in Wales at £109m.

Asked how funding will be divided between councils, Ms Cole said the standard funding formula could be used or it may be based on a proportion of spending as in England.

But she stressed that other factors need to be taken into account because, for example, some councils will provide more services by directly employed staff.

Reg Kilpatrick, director of local government, added: “We’re entirely dependent on the negotiations between the cabinet secretary for finance and the UK treasury.”

Ms Gwenllian warned of the impact of tax hikes on the voluntary sector and outsourced services, piling more pressure on council budgets.

She said: “I’ve spoken with three councils … but one said that this will cost an additional £2m in terms of internal salaries but £2.5m in terms of the work that is commissioned.

“Another council said £5.4m on the internal, £2.8m on the work that is outsourced – another said £8m internal and £3m on the outsourced work. There is a lot of work commissioned beyond the local authorities themselves and there is no mention of any support.”

Giving evidence on January 15, Ms Bryant said the UK Government has confirmed it will use the Office for National Statistics definition of a public sector worker.