North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has today refuted Welsh Government claims that its position on managing coronavirus is “overwhelmingly supported by members of the public”, by quoting from the hundreds of emails he has received from charities, businesses and individuals who are far from happy with the approach being taken by those in power in Wales.
Speaking in the Welsh Conservatives Debate calling for an Independent Covid-19 inquiry during today’s virtual Plenary meeting, Mr Isherwood highlighted the various concerns that have been raised with him over the Welsh Government’ handling of the pandemic, including complaints that “the response from the First Minister has been weak, confused and definitely Cardiff and South Wales based”.
He said:
“Last week, Vaughan Gething stated that the Welsh Government’s position on managing coronavirus was "overwhelmingly supported by members of the public".
“So let me burst their ‘bubble’ by quoting from some of the hundreds of e-mails I have received stating otherwise.
“The scene was set at the start of lockdown by people in isolation stating they “have had next to no information from the Welsh Government, it’s all coming from Westminster, Drakeford needs to get his finger out!”
Mr Isherwood said many charities and organisations who are experiencing a greater demand for their services as a result of the pandemic, such as Welsh Women’s Aid, and Hourglass Cymru, formerly Action on Elder Abuse, have not received the additional support they require.
He also stated that after he raised RNIB Cymru’s concern that blind or partially sighted people are having difficulty getting their groceries, the Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, replied that they will only be a priority if they are identified as shielding.
Mr Isherwood added:
“Bed and Breakfast businesses wrote “Rebecca Evans: if we don't get the top up grant then our business will cease to trade”, “I am grossly insulted by the remarks that Ken Skates has made, essentially dismissing us as insignificant, unimportant, unreal businesses who are playing at making a living”, and “Sadly, Ken Skates’ lack of action is providing fuel to the argument against devolution”.
“Holiday let businesses wrote “The guidance from the Welsh Government is not only unfair but clearly discriminates against holiday letting businesses”, “There was no consultation with the industry”, and “sadly a marked lack of confidence is building in the Welsh Government response”.
“I submitted an urgent Written Question to the First Minister on 30th April, asking him to respond to calls by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association for a specific plan to support tourism businesses in Wales….’.
Other than a holding response, no reply has yet been received.
“Dental Practices wrote “England, Ireland and Scotland have commenced planning for reopening of Dental Practices with strict new protocols…… there is no reason why Welsh Dental Practices should not be reopening as soon as they are fully prepared”.
“A Nursing home which wrote “I have grave concern regarding how the access to PPE and Health Hygiene products in the care sector has been handled and continues to be farcically managed”, subsequently wrote stating that 5 residents had suffered COVID-19 related deaths and that “Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have so far contributed not a single penny towards the COVID-19 crisis”.
Mr Isherwood said Veterinary Practices have expressed concern that the veterinary profession has so far been overlooked by the Welsh Government, and that despite the Welsh Government receiving £12million consequential funding from the UK Government’s commitment to fund hospices in England, the Welsh Government has only announced £6.3 million for hospices.
Mr Isherwood added:
“Recent emails have included: “It is frightening enough to be living through this pandemic, but the shambolic management and politicisation of the crisis by Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething etc. is criminal”.
“By seeking to emasculate our motion today, this Welsh Government is showing that they still haven’t got it.”
ENDS