“Plan further ahead” Plaid urge Welsh Government as changes to lockdown rules in Wales announced

THE Welsh Government should “plan further ahead” on easing restrictions, Plaid Cymru have said.

The Welsh Government today announced further changes to lockdown laws in Wales.

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Health Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said people and businesses needed a longer term view than “two and three week block” and suggested a “phased approach” as seen in other countries – with caveats that things can change.

The Shadow Health Minister repeated his call for Welsh Government to move “as fast possible” whilst “challenging and testing its evidence” in the safest way.

Mr ap Iorwerth stressed the need not to “compromise on health”.

First minister Mark Drakeford confirmed today that there would be a cautious go ahead to trips to tourist attractions from 6 July, and for booking for self-contained accommodation from 13 July.

He also confirmed that the Wales’ travel restrictions could be lifted from 6 July so people can “travel as far as they like for all purposes,” the first minister Mark Drakeford has said.

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for the Economy Helen Mary Jones MS added that whilst this may be good news for the tourism sector, the sector had still lost two thirds of its season and would still require long term support to survive the winter.

Ms Jones stressed that there shouldn’t be tension between business and communities and said neither should be “sacrificed” and should instead be “working together”. Ms Jones suggested that any loss of income business suffer should make them eligible for additional support

Plaid Cymru Shadow Health Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said,

“Whilst it’s good that we’re moving in the right direction in terms of lifting restrictions and that Government feels it is safe to do.

“However I still urge Government to plan further ahead. We’re moving in a two and three week blocks here. People and businesses need to have a longer term view, a kind of phased approach as seen in other countries, with dates set for likely changes – but obviously with caveats that things can change, depending on outbreaks and the R rate.

“I repeat my call for Government to move as fast as possible, continuously challenging and testing its evidence in a transparent manner, but in the safest possible way too – we can’t compromise on health, and the outbreak in my constituency reminds us of that.”

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for the Economy Helen Mary Jones MS added,

“This is a welcome announcement and will be good news in particular for the tourism sector. However, the sector has still lost two thirds of its season and will still need long term support to survive the winter.

“There certainly shouldn’t be a tension between business and communities. If it’s not safe to ease restrictions then communities shouldn’t be sacrificed – but equally business shouldn’t be sacrificed either and for any loss of income they suffer they should receive extra support.

“It’s not a zero sum game between our businesses and our communities and both should be working together.