These powers are truly draconian, and, yes, they send shivers down the spine. The powers being granted to Government Ministers across all four nations impact upon the civil liberties of us all, and most people could not be anything other than concerned. And in normal circumstances, I would not even countenance such a transfer of powers. Unfortunately, these are not normal times, because, in a matter of weeks, coronavirus has spread around the globe, posing a severe health risk to us all. Governments have been forced to play catch-up as they try to minimise the impact this disease is having on their populations.

Here in the UK all four home nations have worked together on a unified approach, an approach designed to limit the impact of COVID-19, while the scientific community seeks a cure through possible vaccines and therapeutics. Unfortunately, a few people have not been following public health advice, and it is therefore necessary to take more decisive actions. We are today being asked to give legislative consent to a Bill that gives Governments unprecedented powers to curtail our basic freedoms and limit our civil liberties. Normally, I or my party would not permit such a transfer of powers, but we are in unprecedented territory, because we have an invisible enemy, one that does not respect borders. Everyone is at risk—not just the elderly or infirm, because young people have also passed away. Unless we take drastic and decisive action, tens of thousands of people will die. This is the stark reality facing us.

So, I accept that these powers are necessary in order to protect us from COVID-19. And make no mistake, this coronavirus is extremely infectious and very deadly. We have tried asking and even cajoling the public to do the right thing, and whilst the vast majority are heeding the public health advice, far too many are ignoring the warnings. The only alternative is for the state to force compliance. We can't allow the actions of a few to put us all at risk.

So, I am glad that the UK Government listened to reason and subjected the Bill to a six-monthly review, because these powers are open to abuse by the state, and therefore it is vital we ensure that these powers only exist for as long as is necessary. I still have concerns about clause 76, which gives the four Governments the power to alter the expiry date, and I would therefore ask the Welsh Government to agree to seek permission from this Chamber before invoking this power. It is vital that these powers are in force for the shortest time possible.

I will support, with a heavy heart, the legislative consent motion before us today. I was elected to support my constituents, and, unfortunately, the best way to do that is to place limits on freedoms that we all usually take for granted. We need to save lives and protect our communities, and I hope the Welsh public will heed the warnings, listen to the advice and act in everyone's best interest. This is the surest way to stop the spread of coronavirus, and the sooner that we do that, the sooner we can all return to our normal lives. Diolch yn fawr.