Welsh parliament drops poet from opening ceremony after Gaza reference in poem

NEWS SUMMARY

The Welsh parliament rejected a poem by national poet Hanan Issa for its opening ceremony attended by King Charles III, citing political references to Gaza and trans healthcare. Issa stated the poem was rejected twice, first for mentioning Gazan children and then for referencing "watermelon children" and "brambles of fascism", deeming the Senedd an apolitical event. Literature Wales expressed disappointment that a literary contribution would not be included in the celebration of Welsh democracy.

Full BriefOn request

Submitted by Imran Mulla on Thu, 10/15/2026 - 13:56 Hanan Issa, the Welsh national poet, was invited to give a recital attended by King Charles but her poem was rejected Hanan Issa is the national poet of Wales (Screengrab/X) Off The Welsh parliament rejected a poem written by the country's national poet for its opening ceremony, which was attended by King Charles III, it has emerged. Hanan Issa was invited to give a poetry recital at the opening in Cardiff on Thursday, but said on Wednesday tha

Welsh parliament drops poet from opening ceremony after Gaza reference in poem

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