Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies last week questioned the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, Robin Walker, over the continuation of ferry crossings between Great Britain and Norther Ireland during the Covid-19 outbreak, emphasising the huge importance of these connections to the people of North Wales, including those in the Vale of Clwyd.
James asked what steps the UK Government is taking to support the continuation of the crossings during the pandemic. His question, delivered via Zoom, can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/1913kFHE_Sk.
He also asked that Minister whether he could confirm “that keeping these ferry routes open is sustaining the supply chain of food and medical supplies that are so vitally needed on both sides of the crossing, including in the Vale of Clwyd”.
Speaking after the meeting, James said:
“I was pleased to hear from the Minister that a financial package of up to £17 million has been made available to keep critical freight routes open between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
"The Minister also confirmed that keeping the connections open is sustaining the supply chain or food and medical supplies and referred to the exchange of PPE, where both Great Britain has benefited from those connections to Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland has benefited from those connections to Great Britain.
“Keeping these connections open as we move forward will be vital to businesses across North Wales in their recovery from this crisis, and the efforts of the UK Government in protecting these ferry services and ensuring that they can continue, is important for us all.
