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Two protests were held in Caerphilly town centre on Saturday October 18 – one opposing the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary scheme, and a much larger counter-protest supporting the policy.

Gwent Police were in attendance and confirmed the demonstrations “passed without incident”.

The protests came on the last weekend of campaigning ahead of this week’s Senedd by-election in Caerphilly.

The Nation of Sanctuary has been hotly debated during the contest, with Reform vowing to vote against any Welsh Government budget including the scheme, while the Welsh Conservatives have also opposed it.

However, Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party have all voiced their support for the Nation of Sanctuary.

Meanwhile, members of Caerphilly’s Ukrainian community have criticised Reform over campaign “misinformation” surrounding the policy.

This policy has cost £55 million since it was introduced in 2019 – with around 85% of that money going towards supporting Ukrainian refugees who have resettled in Wales following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of their country.

Following the protests, held at the Twyn car park, Gwent Police Chief Superintendent John Davies said: “The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which UK police services uphold and facilitate.

“I am glad to say that the events in Caerphilly on Saturday passed without incident and no arrests were made nor people warned for acting inappropriately.”

Gwent Police confirmed around 50 to 60 people took part in the peaceful protests.

One of those in attendance was Wendy Lewis, widow of the late Bedwas, Trethomas, and Machen Labour councillor Ray Davies.

Ms Lewis, who was there to support the Nation of Sanctuary, said: “The protest against the Nation of Sanctuary was a damp squib. Only a handful turned up, while a hundred anti-racists filled the Twyn by Tommy Cooper’s statue, separated by one weary policeman.

“Cor Cochion led the singing of peace songs for three hours by the Cenotaph in the square below.”

One of the songs sang at the protest was Hen Wlad fy Nhadau – Wales’ national anthem.

Ms Lewis added: “In such an overheated atmosphere, the positive response of passers by at the busy junction was heartening. There were thumbs up, honks, applause.”

Caerphilly’s by-election candidates

• Welsh Liberal Democrats – Steve Aicheler
• Gwlad – Anthony Cook
• Wales Green Party – Gareth Hughes
• Welsh Conservatives – Gareth Potter
• Reform UK – Llŷr Powell
• UKIP – Roger Quilliam
• Richard Tunnicliffe – Labour
• Lindsay Whittle – Plaid Cymru