6. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Restrictions) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2021

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:31 pm on 19 January 2021.

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Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 5:31, 19 January 2021

Thank you, Minister, for moving the regulations this afternoon. We will be supporting these regulations. Obviously, we've had additional information as the week progressed last week about other new variant strains of the virus from Brazil and South America. Last week, I did ask you the specific question about whether you had any concerns about other countries and whether other conditions or restrictions would have to be imposed. At that point, on the Tuesday, you were unable to highlight any concerns, but, within 24 hours, we were alerted to the fact about the Brazilian strain and additional restrictions that might need to be put in. I appreciate these restrictions that we're voting on this afternoon do not refer to that, but I think it would be helpful if, in closing this part of the debate, you could highlight how Welsh Government is kept informed of the evolving situation around mutant strains of the virus, because, as night follows day, there certainly will be additional mutant strains across other continents happening, and I think it's important we try and understand how these decisions around travel restrictions are reached so that we can have assurances that the Welsh Government are playing a full part in reaching those decisions.