Wales has a proud history of democracy and community. But right now, a major, long-term national strategy is being pushed through without ever asking the people of Wales if they agree.

The Welsh Government's "Nation of Sanctuary" policy fundamentally changes our country. A strategy of this scale directly impacts our local housing, our already strained public services, community cohesion, and the budgets of our local councils.

A Personal Story: "We are being left behind"

 "I have lived and worked in Wales my entire life. My daughter and her partner have been working hard, saving every penny they have for a deposit, trying to find an affordable home in our local area so they can stay close to family. But the reality on the ground is heartbreaking.

They have been on social housing waiting lists for over two years, competing for a microscopic pool of available properties. At the same time, our local GP surgery is so overwhelmed that getting an appointment feels like winning the lottery, and our council has just cut funding for local youth groups and road repairs to balance their books.

When I see the Welsh Government committing to open-ended, long-term structural policies without a single public vote or consultation, I feel completely ignored. This isn't about a lack of compassion—it's about math. Our local infrastructure is breaking, and the people who live here and pay into the system are being left behind."

The Hard Facts: A System at Breaking Point

This isn't just one family's frustration. The data shows that Wales is facing unprecedented structural pressures:

The Housing Crisis: According to recent 2026 data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), house building in Wales has plummeted to the second-lowest level on record, with just 4,638 new homes delivered in a year. Yet, official figures show Wales needs at least 8,700 new homes every single year just to keep up with newly arising demand—leaving a massive, growing shortfall

The Unmet Need: There is already an existing "unmet need" of 9,400 affordable homes in Wales—representing a staggering 64% increase since 2019 of people who are currently homeless, overcrowded, or in temporary accommodation.

Council Budgets Stripped: The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) revealed that local councils face an overwhelming £1.6 billion in financial pressures over the next three years. Councils are being forced to squeeze discretionary services like parks, libraries, and leisure centres just to stay afloat.

Yet, there has been zero direct, Wales-wide public consultation on how the "Nation of Sanctuary" policy fits into these real-world limits.

Decisions that reshape our communities for generations should not be made behind closed doors by political consensus alone. Good governance means getting a clear, democratic mandate from the public—not just assuming consent.

This isn't about turning our backs on vulnerable people. It is about fairness, transparency, and democratic accountability. The people who pay for, live in, and maintain our communities have a right to be heard.

By signing this petition, we are demanding that the Welsh Government:
 
PAUSE the full implementation of the "Nation of Sanctuary" policy immediately.
 
LAUNCH a completely transparent, independent review into its long-term impact on housing, NHS services, and local authority capacity.
 
CONSULT the public through a formal, nation-wide consultation process to establish true public consent.

No government should implement sweeping national changes without the explicit agreement of the people they affect.

Sign this petition today to demand transparency, protect our public services, and ensure the people of Wales finally get a voice.