Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans has slammed the Welsh Government for “refusing” to distribute booklets about the Queen for her upcoming Diamond Jubilee.

Mr Evans accused the Welsh Government of being “anti-British” and “anti-monarchy” in a heated statement released last week about the announcement which he said has “thoroughly disappointed but not surprised” him.

The UK Government announced in February that it is spending almost £12 million on the project to deliver the “commemorative book” to schoolchildren across the UK in June.

The book, which will be available in both English and Welsh, is planned to be part of a year-long programme of events to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years as the British head of state.

However, both the Welsh Government and Scottish Government recently announced that schools in both countries would have to opt-in to receive copies of the education books.

The Welsh Government - led by First Minister Mark Drakeford who is understood to be a republican - has agreed to make schools aware of opt-in arrangements so they can order books.

Mr Evans said: “I am thoroughly disappointed but not surprised by the refusal by the Welsh Government to distribute this book to pupils across Wales.

“We are sadly witnessing a rise in anti-British and anti-Monarch related policies by this Welsh Government, supported by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats.

“I will always speak out in favour of our great Union, and our nation’s history and Monarchy. We have given the world so much and the Queen has been a stalwart for this nation through many difficult periods.

“The Welsh Conservatives will fight the rise of nationalism and republicanism being pushed in Wales from various quarters in the media, culture, and our political class. I know where most of the people in Brecon and Radnorshire stand on this issue and will stand up for their views.

“My team and I will be contacting every school across Brecon and Radnorshire over the coming weeks to encourage them to sign up to receive this amazing book.”

Mrs Evans said that the UK Government was keen to ensure all schools across the UK received the book prior to reluctance from the devolved nations.

He highlighted that the book aims to provide pupils, their families and teachers the chance to develop a collective understanding of the Queen’s reign and provide children with the correct information about her legacy through the ownership of such a book.

Despite rumours of Westminster being “furious” at the decision, it is thought that the Welsh Government’s issue with the book is that it is “too anglocentric” and of failing to reflect the devolved nature of the UK.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Department for Education in England is producing the Platinum Jubilee book, which we understand the DfE plan to issue in September. The Welsh Government has no role in the production or distribution of the book. 

“Education is a devolved matter. We have been clear that the book should be available in Welsh and English and schools only receive the book on an opt-in basis.”