Written statement (Wales) on Conflict in the Middle East - Mar 3

First Minister (Eluned Morgan): The Welsh Government is deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Our immediate priority is the safety and security of people in Wales and those from Wales who may be in the region. We are monitoring developments closely and assessing potential impacts on Wales as the situation evolves. 

Foreign affairs and defence are matters reserved to the UK Government. My officials are keeping me informed on developments. Over the weekend, I was briefed directly on the situation by senior UK Cabinet Office officials. I also received a follow-up briefing yesterday.

The Welsh Government's crisis management arrangements have not been activated at this time; but we continue to coordinate with partners, share information and will keep our position under review.  

The safety of civilians, whether in the Middle East or here at home, is paramount. British nationals who are in the Middle East are advised to register their presence with the appropriate Embassy to receive direct updates. Details are on the Foreign Office website.

The Welsh Government joins international partners in calling for restraint, a return to diplomacy and full adherence to international law. 

Public safety and community cohesion in Wales 
We are maintaining close oversight of any potential impact on our communities. There is no place in Wales for hate or intimidation.

We have reached out to community partners to provide them with useful resources and to encourage them to let us know about any tensions arising. We continue to work with partners, including local authorities, police and community and faith groups, to ensure people feel safe.

Travel, threat level and cyber security 
UK embassies and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are providing support to UK nationals in the region. Anyone in affected areas should follow FCDO advice and where appropriate, the advice of in-country authorities. The UK's terrorism threat level – assessed by the UK Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) - remains at SUBSTANTIAL (“an attack is likely”) and has not changed at this time. We are maintaining heightened cyber vigilance across Welsh public services in line with UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance and advise businesses to do the same. 

Economic and operational impacts

Whilst this is primarily a humanitarian issue at this stage, we recognise that if the conflict endures it could have real consequences for households and businesses in Wales.

A further rise in energy costs would impact household budgets through higher petrol and domestic heating prices, with potential knock‑on effects for consumer confidence and the wider retail economy. This in turn could drive inflation higher, keeping interest rates elevated for longer and prolonging existing cost‑of‑living pressures.

We are monitoring disruption to air travel in the region – which is clearly very significant - and the potential for indirect impacts on Wales, including through global energy markets, trade and supply chains. We will continue to work with the UK Government and partners to understand and mitigate any effects on people, services and businesses in Wales. 

Our approach to Wales' resilience 
We live in an era of unprecedented challenge and uncertainty. Through the Wales Resilience Framework, which I announced last summer, we are strengthening emergency preparedness, communication and partnership working across government and with the emergency responder community, and voluntary sector. 

The Welsh Government has already made significant strides in delivering on our commitment to drive up resilience and learn the lessons of the past. We have sharpened Wales' resilience governance and crisis management arrangements, while also provided new core funding for our four Local Resilience Forums.