Leader of the Opposition comments on Level 4 lockdown announcement

Commenting on the announcement today (December 16) on a staggered Level-4 lockdown beginning on Christmas Eve, Paul Davies MS – the Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament, said:

“It has become very clear in recent days that the Welsh Labour-led Government has lost control of the pandemic and we now need a fire blanket, not a firebreak, to put out the flames of infection that are raging in some parts of the country.

“While nobody wants to see further restrictions imposed, in the face of some of the highest rates of coronavirus infection in Western Europe and with rates rising in all parts of Wales, doing nothing is not an option.

“The situation is very serious, and we have a duty to act now to protect our NHS from being overwhelmed so that it can save lives.

“Clearly, this decision will have an impact on livelihoods and businesses across Wales, so it is essential that firms are able to access the financial support that they need. We will continue to press the Welsh Government to make this available as a matter of urgency.

“There is also a need for greater clarity regarding Christmas arrangements. The mixed messaging with guidance saying one thing and regulations saying another is very unhelpful.

“We will urge Minsters to keep the situation under review in order that the restrictions can be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so, including on a regional and local basis where possible.”