7. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Restrictions) (Amendment) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:58 pm on 24 November 2020.

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Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour 4:58, 24 November 2020

Thank you, Dirpwy Lywydd. Being half Danish, I have a particular interest in this particular set of regulations. We reported as a committee on these regulations yesterday. As Members will know, they came into force at 4 a.m. on Saturday 14 November 2020. As the Minister has explained, the regulations amend the original coronavirus, international travel and restrictions regulations, including by adding a new measure prohibiting aircraft and maritime vessels whose last departure point was in Denmark from arriving in Wales. This restriction is subject to limited exceptions.

The regulations also amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 4) (Wales) Regulations, as the Minister has mentioned. We as a committee identified one technical reporting point regarding a difference between the English and Welsh texts as to the meaning of 'arrive in Wales' as regards a vessel coming directly from Denmark. We also identified three merits points. The first point notes the justification for any political interference with human rights, and the second that there has been no formal consultation on these regulations. Our final reporting point welcomes the fact that these regulations correct issues in the No. 4 regulations and the original coronavirus, international travel and restrictions regulations that our committee raised in previous reports. Thank you, Llywydd.