Covid-19 Restrictions 2020-10-14
2020-10-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific frequency of UK-Wales government meetings and discussion on community-level data approaches were not addressed concretely.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to convene a Cobra meeting was not given, only mentioned listening and following the evidence.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to aligning with Welsh policies or addressing politicization concerns specifically.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Avoided the question on community-level analysis and targeted approaches by focusing on respecting devolution.
Wish A Happy Birthday
Respecting Devolution
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Frequency of meetings and detailed discussion contents were not provided, focusing on the lack of reciprocation instead.
Response accuracy