Ahead of the latest lockdown review in Wales, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader, Andrew RT Davies has called for ministers to outline a “roadmap to recovery”.
Labour’s First Minister has previously confirmed there will be very few changes to the current restrictions in the latest review, and the Welsh Conservatives’ first priority is to see more children back into the classroom, particularly those in key stage 2 and exam year groups.
Where there is other headroom, Davies has said he’d like to see consideration given in the areas of physical and mental well-being and a potential easing on exercise restrictions.
And given the likelihood of continued restrictions on businesses in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors into the spring, Welsh Conservatives are also calling for an extension of the business rates holiday into next year to save jobs.
Commenting ahead of tomorrow’s announcement by the First Minister, Andrew RT Davies MS said:
“Welsh Conservatives have been clear that we want this lockdown to be the very last, and preferably we’d like to see a uniform approach across the UK as we move forward but acknowledge that is unlikely with the current Labour administration in Cardiff Bay.
“And whilst a cautious and prudent approach to coming out of lockdown is sensible, we also need to start to provide a roadmap to recovery for people across Wales.
“The priority has to be to get more kids back into the classroom, and we want to see dates provided for the return of those in key stage 2 and exam years groups.
“Where there is other headroom, we would also like to see consideration given in the areas of physical and mental well-being and a potential easing on exercise restrictions.
“It’s important ministers provide businesses with a path to reopening, and whilst they will be unable to provide guarantees, rough timescales would be beneficial to many in the retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors who are planning their survival.
“And given the likelihood of continued restrictions on these sectors into the spring, Welsh Conservatives also want Labour ministers to confirm that the £650 million of extra coronavirus support announced by the UK Government for Wales on Monday, will be used to save Welsh jobs including an extension the business rates holiday into next year.
“This is a difficult balancing act for governments and politicians of all colours, but with the roaring success of the British vaccination programme, it is important we now start to provide some hope and a map forward for the Welsh public.”
