Andrew RT Davies accused of turning on Muslim colleague
Emily Price
Andrew RT Davies has been accused of “turning on his own colleague” after reacting with disdain to calls for a clamp down on racism.
In the Senedd this week, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice & Equalities, Altaf Hussain called out “online hate speech” and warned that malicious “misinformation” is helping to fuel antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.
The Tory MS for South Wales West cautioned against a “worryingly” growing trend of an increasing effort to “sow discord between communities”.
He also blasted tech billionaire X owner Elon Musk for “giving Nazi salutes” and warned against the rise of far-right groups.
‘Hatred’
Dr Hussain said: “When the world’s richest men took over traditional and online media, they allowed the amplification of hate speech.
“Not satisfied with giving Nazi salutes, the owner of X is giving a platform to far-right agitators and providing a microphone for their lies and propaganda.
“Misinformation is helping to fuel antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred and helping to drive converts to al-Qaeda.”
The Shadow Cabinet Secretary also warned against the rise of Patriotic Alternative – a far-right group that was recently exposed in a BBC documentary.
Dr Hussain was praised for his passionate contribution by opposition Members and thanked by the First Minister.
Clip
Responding to his speech, Eluned Morgan said: “I can reassure you that, in particular under the leadership of Jane Hutt over a number of years – she has done incredible work to ensure that, as a Government, we have this front and centre of what we do, in all aspects of Government.
“You’re aware of the ‘Anti-racist Wales Action Plan’; this is demonstrating our commitment to developing a nation where everybody feels like they can contribute and be a part.
“I’d like to thank you for that and give you reassurance that this is absolutely one of the things that is central to our core principles as a Government.”
A edited clip of Baroness Morgan speaking directly to Dr Hussain was later shared by former Tory leader Andrew RT Davies who called for the Welsh Government to “scrap” its anti-racism strategy.
Posting to X on Wednesday (January 29), he wrote: “Deeply concerned to hear Labour’s Eluned Morgan double down on her ‘Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan’.
“Under this divisive project, librarians were warned not to hold meetings in ‘racist buildings’, and taxpayers’ cash funded ‘anti-racist public artworks’. Scrap it now.”
Later the same day, Mr Davies called for the Welsh Government to “abolish” all of its diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives.
A Conservative source said: “It’s clear Andrew is now turning on his own colleagues.”
Behaviour
Dr Hussain is one of the Senedd’s only two Muslim MSs.
Both he, and his Tory colleague, Natasha Asghar, formed part of the group of seven that toppled the former leader from his top job in December after concerns were raised abut his behaviour.
It came after Mr Davies was accused of “Islamophobic race-baiting” over incorrect claims he made about Halal meat in Welsh schools.
Since returning to the backbench the Tory MS has said he does not “recognise” the term Islamophobia.
He has also defended Musk’s one armed salute saying, “he pointed to his heart, then the crowd.”
It came after the former Tory leader made a plea to the Tesla mogul to intervene in Welsh politics.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
F**k me, he’s going for gold!
RT may as well defect to Britain First at this rate. He’s a walking talking alt right bingo card.
Well it was clear that the reform party does not condone islamaphobia. It is sad to hear that our beloved Andrew RT Davies does not condone Islamaphobia either. Good to hear the Senedd support Dr. Altaf Hussain.
I think everyone who’s posted a criticism or mockery of ARTD, myself included, should perhaps hold fire for a bit before he does or says something even more stupid ( if that is at all possible ). We’re just throwing petrol on the fire.
What a surprise!? ARTD even slags of fellow Tories because they’re Muslim 🙄🤨
I didn’t even know what – if any – religious adherence Altaf Hussain has.
In terms of his role as an elected member, is there any solid imputation that his personal religious creed matters? If there is, I’m unaware of it.
Does it make any difference?
Not that I can see from any of this. But then ARTD these days not infrequently emits way more heat than light.
Back bone for mr Millar please.
When someone behaves in a manner that brings their profession into disrepute their manager would normally invite them into the office for a ‘discussion’ and inform them that if they did not change their behaviour then disciplinary action will be taken. How many chances has this man had and who is managing him? It all strikes me as this is a party that is out of control.
Kemi is calling the shots. She lets musks disgusting attack go. Cut from the same cloth as. The far right.
So it is a party out of control then?
Two things: Islam is not a race, it’s a religion; and anyone who genuinely believes that Musk executed a Nazi salute – in front of the world’s media no less – is an idiot.
I am calling it what it was a nazi salute. Unequivocal. Instead of an apology, he tried to joke his way out of it. He was joking over the holocaust and using his position of power to try to tough it out.
you think it was ok? Go do the same outside a religious place or school. Go stand on the steps of the senedd and do the same. Go stand on the high street and do the same.
The man is out of control, but on a wider front there could also be a different scenario at play here, not too dissimilar to Plaids West Wales super constituency wranglings over Price and Campbell.
Current MS are jockeying and courting different factions in their support pools to get the nominations for 2026 election.
I suspect there will be similar issues in all parties as the election gets nearer.
RTD will be buying a brown shirt any day now
Sounds like he’s prepping for his job at GB news, where the other failures end up.