Davies attacks ‘Nation of Sanctuary’ policy after asylum seeker jailed for child rape

A SENIOR Welsh Conservative has called for the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” policy to be scrapped after an Afghan asylum seeker was convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, said the case highlighted what he described as the “dangers” of the current approach to asylum and migration in Wales.

Ahmad Mulakhil, who arrived in the UK by small boat from France in March 2025, was convicted of the attack just four months later.

The case, reported nationally this week, has prompted renewed political debate over the Welsh Government’s stance on supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

Political row reignites

Mr Davies said: “This appalling case demonstrates the dangers of importing violent criminals into Britain.

“Plaid Cymru and Labour’s decision to make Wales a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers is a pull factor, encouraging more people to enter our country illegally.

“I reiterate my calls for this dangerous policy to be scrapped.”

The comments directly target the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” plan, launched in 2019, which aims to make Wales a welcoming place for refugees and people seeking asylum, with support for housing, education and integration.

The policy, backed by Labour ministers and supported in principle by Plaid Cymru, focuses on community support rather than border control, which remains the responsibility of the UK Government.

Under the programme, local authorities and charities across Wales work to provide English lessons, school places and basic support for asylum seekers dispersed to towns and cities.

Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire have both housed asylum seekers in recent years through Home Office accommodation contracts, with some placed in hotels or temporary housing while claims are processed.

However, immigration enforcement, background checks and decisions on who can enter or remain in the UK are controlled by the Home Office in Westminster, not by the Senedd Cymru.

Critics argue that the branding risks sending the wrong message at a time when small-boat crossings are rising. Supporters say the vast majority of those seeking sanctuary are law-abiding families fleeing war and persecution.

The Welsh Government has previously defended the policy, saying it reflects “Welsh values of compassion and fairness,” and stressing that responsibility for border security lies with the UK Government.

Meanwhile, the UK Government has introduced tougher measures aimed at reducing small-boat crossings and speeding up removals of those with no right to remain.

The latest case is likely to intensify scrutiny of how asylum accommodation and safeguarding are managed across Wales.

For many residents, the debate now centres on how to balance humanitarian support with public safety and confidence in the system.

As Mr Davies’ intervention shows, the political argument over Wales’s role as a “Nation of Sanctuary” is far from over.

DECISIONS on the future of nine frontline hospital services across west Wales will be made later this month when Hywel Dda University Health Board holds a special two-day Board meeting.

The Extraordinary Board will meet on Wednesday (Feb 18) and Thursday (Feb 19) to determine the next steps for critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology services.

Health chiefs say the proposed changes are aimed at tackling staffing shortages, improving clinical standards and cutting waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.

More than 4,000 people responded to a public consultation on the plans. Feedback was gathered through questionnaires, public meetings, staff sessions and discussions with stakeholder groups.

An independent consultation report compiled by Opinion Research Services will form part of the evidence considered by Board members. It will sit alongside updated data on workforce pressures, estate condition, clinical standards and how services link together across hospitals.

All documents to be considered by the Board have now been published online ahead of the meeting.

Alternative ideas assessed

During the consultation, communities also submitted 190 alternative proposals.

Each idea was tested against “hurdle criteria” to check whether it was safe, practical and capable of delivery before being taken forward.

Of those, 22 met the criteria and have been developed into full options. These will be considered alongside the Health Board’s original proposals.

Board members will assess whether each option is clinically sustainable, deliverable, accessible to patients, aligned with the Health Board’s long-term strategy and financially viable. They will also decide whether further engagement or evidence is needed before any final changes are introduced.

Some changes, if approved, could be phased in over time.

Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of the Health Board, said: “At our meeting next week, the Board will carefully consider the consultation feedback alongside the latest clinical evidence, workforce insights, updated impact assessments and the alternative options that were put forward during the consultation.

“Our responsibility is to consider the full range of evidence and ensure we make decisions that ensure that our services are sustainable for the future. No decisions have been made ahead of the Board. We are committed to a thorough and transparent process, ensuring each option and alternative options are considered in the round, and focused on improving services for the people who rely on them.”

FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy an afternoon of music, stories and traditional festivities when a colourful half-term celebration of Welsh culture comes to Narberth next week.

The community-focused event, taking place on Wednesday (Feb 18), promises a relaxed and welcoming day out, with hands-on workshops, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities for people to drop in and take part at their own pace.

Organisers say the aim is to create a warm, inclusive atmosphere where all ages can explore Welsh heritage through creativity, craft and food.

At the heart of the programme is the Dewi Sant Promenade Parade, a lively procession through the town featuring traditional music and some of Wales’ best-loved folklore characters, including a dragon and the Mari Lwyd. The parade will be accompanied by music from Reel Rebels, encouraging families to join the celebration as it winds through the streets.

Elsewhere, adults can try their hand at a calming weaving workshop with artist Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts, while younger visitors can enjoy storytelling and craft activities led by Hedydd Hughes and Luci Saunders at the Narberth Scout Hut.

The day will finish with a traditional family Twmpath, complete with live music, dancing, cawl and Welsh cakes, offering a sociable close to the festivities and a taste of classic Welsh hospitality.

Organisers say the event has been designed to be accessible and affordable, welcoming both local residents and visitors looking for a low-cost half-term activity.

Event highlights include:

• Adults’ weaving workshop with Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts
• Children’s storytelling and craft session at Narberth Scout Hut
• Dewi Sant promenade parade with music, dragon and Mari Lwyd
• Family Twmpath with cawl and Welsh cakes

Event details:

Date: Wednesday (Feb 18)
Locations: Narberth Scout Hut and SPAN Arts, Narberth
Time: 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Pricing: Pay what you can, from £3
Booking: span-arts.org.uk
Accessibility enquiries: [email protected]