Welsh parliament drops poet from opening ceremony after Gaza reference in poem
Welsh parliament drops poet from opening ceremony after Gaza reference in poem 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…
Welsh parliament excludes poet from inauguration after Gaza mention in verse
Hanan Issa, Wales' national poet, was extended an invitation to perform at the opening of the Senedd, the Welsh parliament, but her poem was ultimately dismissed. The poem, named "To Grow," contained references to Gaza and was deemed too political by the governing body, leading to its rejection. Issa, a Welsh-Iraqi poet, expressed disappointment and stated that she would not participate in the ceremony.
The Senedd Commission justified the decision by stating that the poem did not align with the event's objectives. Despite the rejection, literature experts commended the poet for inspiring reflection and positive change.
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