Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 4. Questions to the Counsel General and Minister for European Transition (in respect of his European Transition Minister responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 12:32 pm on 15 July 2020.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative 12:32, 15 July 2020

Yes, I saw the statement that was published yesterday—no doubt rushed out in advance of your appearance before the Senedd today. Because the reality is that you've made very few appearances in relation to this important role, which, of course, is going to become even more important as time goes on. So, to issue periodic statements that are so distant apart that they are, frankly, like a comet—Halley's comet, perhaps—is unacceptable in my view.

Now, we've heard references in this Chamber today—and I think you've referred to it, also—to the cautious approach that is being taken to reopening Wales by the Welsh Government. But, the reality is that you've thrown caution to the wind as far as our economy is concerned. And you've also thrown caution to the wind in terms of the potential long-term health impacts of your longer lockdown on our economy too. You weren't cautious, either, when it came to the testing of residents in care homes or the staff in care homes, and you have not been cautious in relation to the use of mandatory face coverings, either. So, can you tell us what the economic impact of the longer lockdown is here in Wales, and why the Welsh Government continues to drag its feet when we could be reopening more if there were a more cautious approach on things like face masks?