The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young People

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:32 pm on 6 October 2020.

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Photo of Lynne Neagle Lynne Neagle Labour 1:32, 6 October 2020

First Minister, thank you for that. We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on children and young people, and I very much welcome the commitment in the COVID reconstruction plan you published today that you will make sure that our young people do not lose out educationally or economically, and that you will support all of our young people to stay in education. 

Many young people who travel from Torfaen to Hereford college for their post-16 education are being prevented by Transport for Wales from boarding trains, despite holding season tickets to travel, and are instead being made to travel on buses, without social distancing, while other passengers are being prioritised for socially distanced train seats. Some young people have been left stranded or are arriving at college late. Do you share my concern, First Minister, that young people are being treated differently to other passengers, and what steps will the Welsh Government take to ensure that young people are not disadvantaged on public transport?