In her speech in Plaid Cymru’s conference, Siân Gwenllian MS called out “mysonginistic attacks”.
Siân Gwenllian addressed her party’s conference in Newport, reflecting on the time when Bangor, in her constituency, found itself at the centre of a political row involving Reform UK.
The Arfon Plaid Cymru MS said: “I’ve had a taste of what Reform being in charge would look like for residents in my constituency of Arfon.
“A few weeks ago, Reform UK’s head of policy launched a culture war in Wales by threatening to withhold funding from Bangor University after its student debating society decided not to host the party.
“On the same day, Reform UK launched its Welsh policy to place a so-called ‘free speech duty’ on universities, giving ministers the powers to impose financial penalties or to withdraw financial support.
“Conference, this is straight out of the Trump playbook.
“This is an attack on learning and the value of education. It also disregards the pivotal role of institutions like Bangor University in our local economy and community. A place of learning established through the efforts of quarrymen, now providing thousands of jobs for local people.
“The intervention by Reform is a chilling reminder of what we can expect if they lead the Welsh Government in May.
“Reform UK use tactics of fear and threat to silence any individuals who speak out with different views. I know this from direct experience following an onslaught of on-line abuse after calling out their threats to Bangor University.
“I have a message for Reform supporters – you can bully me as much as you like.
“Your ageist and mysonginistic attacks towards myself as an older woman in politics is an attack on older women everywhere.
“Your attacks towards the fact that I use the Welsh Language in my public life is an attack on the Welsh Language.
“But I say this to Reform – you will not silence me.”
