Cross-party backing highlights growing political focus on foreign policy and ethical investment
LONDON — More than 100 candidates contesting next week’s election to the Senedd Cymru have signed a “Pledge for Palestine,” signalling increasing political engagement in Wales around international human rights and ethical investment policies.
A total of 115 candidates have endorsed the initiative led by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC). The signatories span multiple political parties, including 46 candidates from the Green Party, 37 from Plaid Cymru, eight from the Liberal Democrats, six from the Labour Party, and five independents.
Pledge centres on rights and economic pressure measures
The “Senedd Palestine Pledge” commits candidates—if elected—to “take all appropriate steps to” (1) uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, (2) stand up to Israel for its crimes of genocide and apartheid, and (3) ensure the Welsh government is not complicit in these crimes, including by supporting the Palestinian-led call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement has been a focal point of international debate, with proponents advocating economic and political pressure on Israel, while critics—including some governments—have raised concerns over its broader implications.
Among those who have signed the pledge are high-profile candidates such as Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter, former Members of the Senedd including Mike Hedges, Sioned Williams, Llyr Gruffydd, Sian Gwenllian and Heledd Fychan, as well as former MP Beth Winter, now standing as a community independent, and Rob Griffiths.
Electoral system shift underscores significance of endorsements
The pledge takes on added weight under Wales’ new closed proportional list electoral system, where voters select parties or independent groupings rather than individual candidates. Among first-placed candidates on party lists—who have a higher likelihood of election—the pledge has been signed by two Labour candidates, three Liberal Democrats, 10 from Plaid Cymru and 12 from the Greens.
This concentration among leading candidates suggests the issue could carry influence in shaping the composition of the next Senedd, particularly as parties navigate voter expectations on international policy positions.
Government spending and supply chain scrutiny in focus
The pledge also intersects with scrutiny of Welsh government spending decisions. It follows reports that the Welsh government had awarded a £500,000 grant to a defence company supplying components for Israel’s F-35 fighter jet programme, despite earlier assurances from the First Minister.
Those aircraft have been deployed in the Gaza conflict, which has drawn significant international attention and legal scrutiny. A United Nations independent commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to genocide, a finding that has intensified calls for political and economic accountability.
For candidates backing the pledge, these developments underscore the relevance of devolved government decisions in global supply chains and defence-related investments.
Advocacy groups frame pledge as electoral issue
The Senedd initiative builds on similar efforts in England, where more than 1,800 local election candidates have signed comparable pledges supporting Palestinian rights.
Bethan Sayed, Co-Chair of Palestine Solidarity Campaign Cymru, said:
“Reaching 100 pledges is a milestone. It is a clear message that Palestine is on the ballot in this Senedd election. Wales has always aspired to be a nation that stands on the right side of history, a globally responsible nation that holds human rights and international law at its heart. These 100+ candidates are giving real meaning to that aspiration.
“Support for Palestinian rights stretches across every community and every constituency in Wales. Polls show public backing for this issue. Voters will be watching closely to see who has the conviction to stand with them.
“To those candidates who have not yet signed: time to act is now. This is a test of moral leadership. We urge every remaining candidate to sign the Pledge before polling day.”
Broader implications for Welsh policy direction
While foreign policy remains largely reserved to the UK government, the growing number of Senedd candidates endorsing the pledge highlights how devolved administrations are increasingly engaging with global issues through procurement, investment and ethical governance frameworks.
The outcome of the election will determine whether this cross-party support translates into policy action within the Senedd, potentially influencing how Wales approaches international partnerships and public sector accountability in the years ahead.