VIEW FROM THE SENEDD: Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan must be scrapped

The brutal murder of Henry Nowak appalled and shocked all decent people.

The way he was treated by police officers as he lay to die was the result of serious cultural problems within our institutions.

For many years, the dangerous ideology of “anti-racism” has been embedded throughout organisations.

This ideology results in ethnic minorities being treated more favourably than white people.

Official police guidance told officers to treat ethnic minorities differently, stating a commitment to “racial equity” does not mean “treating everyone the same”.

This culture was the reason police responded in the way they did.

Vickrum Digwa, a Sikh who carried a knife for religious reasons, stabbed Henry Nowak.

When police arrived at the scene, Digwa accused Henry of racism.

As Henry bled to death, he was handcuffed by police. The police bodycam footage is distressing, but I believe it’s important we all see it.

We must appreciate the appalling consequences of anti-racism.

This case was not the result of a few people acting wrongly. It has structural roots.

That’s why I say it would be a mistake to place all blame on the shoulders of the officers at the scene.

I’ve long warned anti-racism leads to discrimination against white people.This case proves it.

In the Senedd, the new Plaid Cymru administration remains committed to the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan that’s worked to embed this ideology throughout institutions in Wales.

Henry Nowak’s case shows the dangers of this ideology.

The Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan must be scrapped.