The decisions we need to make in Wales about managing the response to the pandemic are not binary. In my view it is not about lives or livelihoods, but rather lives and livelihoods, and my contribution to this debate seeks to air that view. There is no doubt that COVID-19 is a destroyer. The whole process of infection, deteriorating health and hospitalisation has put our already stressed and pressurised NHS and social care systems under further stress, and the contagious nature of the disease means that a number of health and social care workers are away from work because they're unwell or because they have to undertake pre-emptive self-isolation measures. So, I do understand the pressures felt by the health and care services.

But for those who escape the reach of COVID, or who catch it but recover, there is another equally important weft to the weave of life—the ability to earn a living, to have purpose, to be able to continue with an admittedly changed life. Working from home, social distancing measures, different methods of travel, obeying regulations, following guidance, curtailing activities, shopping differently, disinfecting acres of Perspex are all becoming part and parcel of our normal lives. And to humankind's great credit, we have sought to save lives. Scientists have given their all, communities have pulled together, and many individuals have stepped up, become evermore innovative, and looked out for their neighbour, their friend and the stranger down the road.

But we must also look to preserve livelihoods, for a number of reasons: the macro-economic consequences of having an economy that has tanked; relieving the burden of support from the Government, which will have many other calls on funds; preserving the jobs, careers and wages of people; stabilising the tax base; enabling opportunity for purpose, for education and training for self-fulfilment; and, above all, recognising that, in Wales, we have a disproportionately high number of businesses that fall into the micro or the SME category—businesses that are often family run or involve employees from a tight geographical area, and once those businesses are gone, it will be incredibly difficult to replace them. We already know there's been a 41 per cent increase in unemployment in Wales, compared to just 18 per cent in England. So, in real terms, that means that there are another 20,000 people looking for work in Wales. Businesses need the right environment, and if that environment becomes unsustainable, it will not support business, people will not lose just a day's wages or a few weeks', but their whole job or their investment in a business, their life savings, the mortgage on the house and the future for the kids. The hospitality sector absolutely epitomises the balance the Welsh Government needs to find between ensuring COVID-19 is suppressed without suppressing our economic life. But I believe the Welsh Government has not yet got that balance right.

The coronavirus restrictions imposed on the hospitality and indoor entertainment industries from 4 December were greeted with shock and fury by many of the businesses within my constituency—businesses who've spent money and time ensuring that every guideline issued by the Welsh Government has been adhered to. They feel that the regulations currently in force are disproportionate and illogical. They ask, 'Where is the evidence?' Where, indeed? Minister, your Government has failed to provide evidence behind the transmission rates in the hospitality industry. When providing evidence for the Government's second national lockdown, the technical advisory group wrote that the closure of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants would have a medium effect, with a potential reduction in R transmission rates of 0.1 to 0.2.

Now, a few weeks on, I'm sure the Minister will point out, rightly, that cases are rising across Wales, hence the need for national measures. But let's be clear: there are still massive variations, and I do not believe it is beyond the analysis to look at how to deliver targeted lockdowns to deal with hotspots, while allowing the areas with low R numbers to continue to trade in a more holistic manner. And the Welsh Government must remember that this vital hospitality industry, which takes shape in so many innovative forms, supports a supply chain that is also devastated.

Many speak of the chronic lack of certainty in the hospitality sector. They'd like to have a better sight forward than a few weeks at a time. Many businesses will have bookings for new year and will need to plan, especially when it comes to staffing and liaising with suppliers. Businesses also raise the mental health of staff, as many are worried daily as to whether they'll be needed to turn up for work the next week. And, of course, the failure of the Welsh Government to provide the hospitality industry with support before January is a further demonstration that this Welsh Government is a fair-weather friend of the business community. 

And, Minister, let's be clear. There was a disastrous roll-out of the development grant in November. Lessons need to be learned and businesses will need access to this funding in a fair and equitable way. We've seen months of uncertainty, last-minute decisions and the poor rolling out of Government funding. There needs to be a better balance in the Welsh Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Welsh Government needs to preserve lives and livelihoods, Minister, and I urge the Senedd to support our motion.