Pub Closures Covid-19 2020-12-16
2020-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the impact of strict lockdown measures, particularly concerning pub closures in Wales.
What discussions has he had with Welsh Government Ministers on the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on pub closures in Wales?
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to the First Minister before he announced the closure of pubs in Wales and asked him to consider a tiered structure for covid restrictions, which would have better targeted areas with a high incidence of the virus. Regrettably, at that time the First Minister chose not to do so. I believe he may now be about to follow my right hon. Friend's advice.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly address whether discussions have been held in detail but rather focused on the tiered structure suggestion and current potential changes by the Welsh Government.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Infection rates were 33 per 100,000 before the circuit breaker was introduced; now they are 423. This highlights concerns about the effectiveness and impact of severe restrictions.
Before the Welsh Labour Government had the bright idea of bringing in a circuit breaker, the infection rate in Wales was 33 per 100,000 head of population. Since then, Wales has had one of the toughest lockdowns. Pubs have to close at six o'clock and they cannot serve alcohol. Infection rates in Wales are now 423 per 100,000. Have Welsh Government Ministers confided in my hon. Friend the reasons for this raging success?
It is a sad fact that at the moment Wales has the highest number of cases per 100,000 in the UK, the highest number of deaths per 100,000, and the lowest amount of testing, but I do not think my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I wish to make any political point out of that.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a direct response regarding reasons for high infection rates despite strict measures but pointed out current statistics without addressing the specific ask.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Pubs in north Wales have been closed despite significantly lower infection rates compared to south Wales, leading to concerns about the impact on businesses.
As we have heard, pubs in north Wales have been closed down by the Welsh Government and their trade is being destroyed, despite the fact that infection rates in north Wales are significantly less than in much of south Wales. When my hon. Friend does speak to Welsh Ministers, can he urge them to adopt a more intelligent and nuanced approach to covid restrictions? Otherwise, many of those pubs will never reopen.
As I have just said to my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton), we would welcome the Welsh Government working in tandem with the UK Government to bring in a tiered system, so that in areas with a low incidence of the virus fewer restrictions are put in place. I believe that is an approach the Welsh Government are finally going to adopt.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly address urging a more nuanced approach for north Wales but instead referred to a general tiered system.
Response accuracy