Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has comprehensively challenged the Welsh Government’s approach to the easing of lockdown following today’s update by the First Minister.
Commenting, he said:
“While every move closer to normality is welcome, the Welsh Government’s approach to the easing of lockdown continues to bewilder and frustrate. In January, they published their ‘Coronavirus Control Plan: Alert Levels in Wales – A guide to restrictions’. Inexplicably, today’s announcement seems to bear no relation to that plan.
“We now find ourselves in a situation where hairdressers (much as we desperately need them) are to open before secondary schools and before High Street shops. The non-essential retail sector had been of the understanding until today that it would, at least in part, be able to open this coming Monday. The announcement otherwise has provoked much anger among business owners, who in many cases had spent money and time preparing for next week.
“The “rule of 6” in England is to be a “rule of 4” in Wales, with no clear reasoning given as to the difference.
“Self-contained holiday accommodation is likely to open from 27th March but the First Minister has threatened that if, prior to 12th April, any bookings are taken from outside of Wales, he will reverse this decision. Yet people look set to otherwise be able to travel without restriction throughout England and Wales from 29th March. This must surely be a recipe for argument and confusion.
"Perhaps worse still, the hospitality industry and their supply chains have again been left in limbo, with no indication whatsoever as to when they will be allowed to operate again. They desperately need dates so they can plan.
“We could be forgiven for not knowing whether to laugh or cry at the prospect of the reopening of “non-essential items aisles” in supermarkets on 22nd March.
“A clear roadmap for England was published by the Prime Minister on 22nd February. Nearly three weeks on, it is difficult to view the non-aligned decisions announced today by the Welsh First Minister as being anything other than politically-motivated – or “different for the sake of it”.
“This week, Mark Drakeford said that the “United Kingdom is over”. He seems intent on using every opportunity to stoke division and ensure his wish becomes reality.”
