Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Restrictions

Wednesday 14 October 2020 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial co-operation between UK Government and Welsh Government has not been reciprocal.
  • The UK Government listens to various scientific advisers on pandemic measures.
  • UK Government respects devolution and works constructively with Welsh Ministers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Simon Baynes
Wales
Context

The Welsh Government has implemented lockdown measures in Clwyd South and north Wales, causing difficulties for hospitality, wedding industry, and leisure businesses. The questioner seeks clarification on the frequency of UK-Wales government meetings and whether targeted evidence-based approaches are discussed.

Question

Restricting the virus is vital, but the Welsh Government's lockdown measures in Clwyd South and the rest of north Wales need reviewing. Given the difficulties they are causing for hospitality, wedding industry, and leisure businesses by using county boundaries rather than being targeted on specific areas with high covid case numbers, how often has the UK Government been invited to participate in Welsh Government's planning meetings, and have these discussions addressed the use of more detailed evidence?

Answer from David Davies (UK Minister for Wales)

Although the UK Government extend an open invitation to the devolved Administrations to take part in Cobra meetings and ministerial implementation groups, this spirit of co-operation has not been reciprocated. I was invited to one meeting by Welsh Government Ministers to discuss matters reserved to the UK Government anyway.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific frequency of UK-Wales government meetings and discussion on community-level data approaches were not addressed concretely.

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Q2 Simon Baynes
NHS Scotland Wales
Context

The First Minister of Wales called for an extraordinary Cobra meeting to discuss a circuit-break lockdown. The Welsh Government has already considered such measures, but effectiveness is enhanced with a four-nation approach.

Question

With cases rising across the UK, the First Minister has called for an extraordinary Cobra meeting to discuss plans for a circuit-break lockdown. Measures are under active consideration in Wales and would be implemented if necessary. Will the Government now listen to their scientific advisers and Opposition parties and meet the devolved nations to discuss these proposals?

Answer from David Davies (UK Minister for Wales)

Throughout this pandemic, the Government have listened to a wide range of scientific advisers. Some suggest circuit breakers while others advise against overly strict measures. The Government follow evidence and have held over 100 meetings with Welsh Ministers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to convene a Cobra meeting was not given, only mentioned listening and following the evidence.

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Q3 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Wales
Context

The Welsh Government's measures in Wales have stopped people from moving virus from high-prevalence areas. The questioner wants the UK Government to align with these measures to protect lives.

Question

Unlike this Tory Government, our Labour Government in Wales follows science and has implemented rules stopping people from taking the virus from high-prevalence to low-prevalence areas, protecting lives. We want the same for visitors coming to Wales from higher-prevalence UK regions. Why is this Tory Government ignoring the First Minister, failing to protect people's lives by playing politics?

Answer from David Davies (UK Minister for Wales)

We are not playing politics. Honorable Member should consider that 25% of Wales' workforce travels to England; livelihoods could be affected by strict measures. We have followed science throughout, and the Welsh Government has largely mirrored UK policies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to aligning with Welsh policies or addressing politicization concerns specifically.

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Q4 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
NHS Wales
Context

Public Health Wales has not conducted a community-level analysis before implementing lockdown measures, causing concern about the effectiveness and fairness of these actions.

Question

The hon. Member for Cardiff North says we should follow science, but Public Health Wales did not do community-level analysis before imposing lockdowns in north Wales. Does my Friend agree that this virus does not respect county borders, yet again allowing Welsh businesses to suffer?

Answer from David Davies (UK Minister for Wales)

Let me wish my Friend a happy birthday. This virus does not respect borders, but UK Government respects devolution and Welsh governance. My role is to work constructively with Welsh Ministers without criticizing their approach.

Not addressed: Avoided the question on community-level analysis and targeted approaches by focusing on respecting devolution.

How: Wish A Happy Birthday, Respecting Devolution

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Q5 Rob Roberts
Economy Wales Local Government
Context

Welsh Government's strict measures have led to significant economic difficulties for businesses, and there are concerns over the effectiveness of county-based restrictions versus community-specific approaches.

Question

Restricting the virus is crucial, but Welsh lockdowns cause problems for hospitality, weddings, leisure businesses. Using county boundaries instead of targeting high-prevalence areas, how often have UK Government been invited to join Welsh planning meetings and has this included discussion on more precise evidence?

Answer from David Davies (UK Minister for Wales)

We extend an open invitation for devolved Administrations to join Cobra and implementation group meetings. The Welsh Government's spirit of cooperation is not matched; I was invited once for reserved matters only.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Frequency of meetings and detailed discussion contents were not provided, focusing on the lack of reciprocation instead.

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