Dear Each,

Thank you for your e-mail about the #PubsMatter campaign, which I am pleased to support.

Pubs and social clubs across the UK are a force for good.

I am sharing on my social media why pubs matter massively to me -  ale, food, community, social contact and supporting local, responsible businesses - using the campaign’s hashtag #PubsMatter and its social media graphics.

As you will appreciate, I am a  member of the Welsh Conservative Official Opposition and Shadow Cabinet in the Welsh Parliament/Senedd Cymru, not of the separate Welsh Government which is responsible for the Coronavirus Regulations and lockdown restrictions in Wales.

I last spoke up for pubs during Wednesday’s Welsh Conservative Debate (9th December) on “Coronavirus – December Restrictions” – see attached.

Our Debate Motion proposed that the Welsh Parliament:

1.            Notes the coronavirus restrictions imposed on the hospitality and indoor entertainment industries in Wales from 4th December 2020;

2.            Regrets the adverse impact of the restrictions on Welsh businesses and jobs;

3.            Calls upon the Welsh Government to:

a.            Suspend the restrictions with immediate affect;

b.            Adopt a more proportionate and targeted approach to tackling the coronavirus in Wales.

Our Debate Motion was defeated at the vote - For: 17/Abstain: 9/Against: 27.

All Welsh Government Ministers and Labour backbenchers voted against. Plaid Cymru abstained.

https://www.markisherwood.co.uk/news/call-new-approach-tackling-covid-save-north-wales-businesses

Best wishes

Mark