2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:40 pm on 28 September 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:40, 28 September 2021

Thank you. I think you're certainly correct in the fact that the UK Government did not have that long-term planning that we should have had, and we have certainly seen chaotic scenes over the weekend. I think it's really important to say there is no shortage of fuel in the UK, and we continue to encourage people to buy fuel as they normally would. The civil contingencies part of Welsh Government are currently having discussions. I'm aware of meetings this morning, and I will certainly ask the Minister at the most appropriate time to come forward with a statement for Members.

I think we all recognise that, again, furlough finishing on Thursday is too soon. We would have preferred to see it continue, because clearly we are still in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Obviously, as a Government, we have limited funding and limited levers in relation to this. So, I know that the Minister for Economy continues to have discussions with the UK Government about what we can do to support our businesses.