Understand
Wales' national poet describes royal visit poem rejection as concerning
Overview
The National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa, has stated that it is concerning that her poem was rejected from the Senedd's opening ceremony. Issa's poem, titled 'To Grow', touched on topics including Gaza and trans healthcare, leading the Senedd Commission to conclude it was not the right fit for an apolitical event attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Issa subsequently withdrew from attending the ceremony.
Key points
- National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa had her poem rejected from the Senedd's opening ceremony ahead of a visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
- The Senedd Commission stated the poem was rejected because the ceremony was intended to be apolitical and was not the right fit for the occasion.
- Issa's poem, 'To Grow', referenced political issues including Gaza and trans healthcare.
- The poet expressed concern that a poem raising political issues was deemed unwelcome in a political chamber, and chose not to attend the ceremony.
- Senedd Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies described Issa as a fantastic poet but maintained that the ceremonial opening was not the appropriate day for political debate.