PAUL DAVIES, the Leader of the Conservative Group in the Welsh Parliament, has stood by his criticism of the Welsh Government’s ‘fire-break’ lockdown.
On Saturday (Oct 31), Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown in England, only a week after ruling one out.
Conservatives in Wales spent the period up to the PM’s announcement repeatedly attacking the Welsh Government. They claimed a national lockdown was unnecessary.
Paul Davies said: “The actions being taken in England are a matter for the UK Government. And what is appropriate for England isn’t always appropriate for Wales. I hope the Welsh Government will listen to our calls and start publishing fully the data they are using to show why they are taking the actions they are.”
Mr Davies continued: “Regardless of the UK Government’s actions, the Welsh Government’s handling of the Wales-wide lockdown has led to confusion, especially over what is an essential item and the inadequate support for business, with one scheme being suspended just 24 hours after it opened.”
“We need urgent clarity on the rules post-9th November and all Governments need to work together so that we can have a UK-wide approach for the Christmas period.”
Mr Davies also addressed the heavy criticism of alleged double-standards over the extension of the furlough scheme across the UK only after the Government decided to place the whole of England in lockdown.
Paul Davies defended the decision loyally.
“The support for Welsh workers at the start of the Wales-wide lockdown was the same for other workers across the UK if their place of work was forced to closed.
“The speed at which the situation is changing means that extending furlough for the whole of the UK is the right approach.”
Boris Johnson refused to extend the furlough scheme for Wales and the North of England.
The u-turn on furlough gave a significant boost to Yes Cymru and also attracted scorching criticism from Mayors in the North of England.
