8. Statement by the First Minister: Coronavirus — December Restrictions

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:33 pm on 1 December 2020.

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Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 5:33, 1 December 2020

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Two quick points, if I may, First Minister. First of all, I'd like to put on the record that I disagree with the actions you've taken, but I understand you, as a Government, have the right to do that. I do ask for your support, though, in seeking a debate in this Chamber tomorrow. I have tabled a motion in the Table Office for consideration. I appreciate, procedurally, under Standing Orders, we can do that, and you, as a Government, along with Plaid Cymru, did that very thing when the firebreak was announced. So, I'd hope that you, as a Government, will offer your support to allow that motion to be taken tomorrow, because, as a Welsh Parliament, I think it is vital that we, as parliamentarians, have the ability to vote on this. You've given a statement today, and all you're doing is taking questions, which is appreciated, but it is important, as parliamentarians, we have the ability to vote. 

And, secondly, you talked in First Minister's Questions today about liaising with the enforcement agencies. As someone who represents South Wales Central, where, last time, licensed premises were shut comprehensively, back in the summer—and I appreciate the weather was quite different then—there were various instances across my region of civil unrest that caused great anxiety to many people across the region. How confident are you that there will be no replication of such activities of unlawfulness in public places, and that the enforcement agencies have given you the assurance that they will be able to deal with such actions? Because, in my opinion, it is far better to deal with alcohol in licensed premises, where it is regulated, rather than move it on to the street or into house parties, which your regulations will have the effect of doing.