We note with concern the Centre for Towns's report 'The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our towns and cities', which suggests that the economies of towns in the Valleys and on the north Wales coast will be amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic. As mentioned in my address during the Brexit debate, the threat to our Valleys towns from the lockdown is very real. If we do not carry on interventions post coronavirus, perhaps for years to come, it could be that many of these towns will never recover.

There is evidence that many banks have used this crisis to accelerate the use of remote working, meaning that they may be in a position to close even more of their branches. They have shown they have no social conscience with regard to these closures, so they will base their decisions on pure economics. As they were an important catalyst in creating footfall in town centres, the knock-on effect for our towns of these continuing closures will be substantial. It is clear that only Government interventions, particularly for the foundation economy, will save these vulnerable communities. But we must act now—to wait will be too late. In his reply to this debate, could the Minister indicate any long-term interventions planned by his Government?