The Welsh Labour Government's most recent restrictions have been controversial, contradictory and full of loopholes that have caused untold damage to the economy of our country, as well as our vital hospitality industry, individuals, businesses and organisations, who have all been hit hard by these sets of restrictions. After weeks of Welsh Conservative calls to ease these restrictions, and, as Huw Irranca said, even if it was from upper 12 in the millennium stadium, I'm pleased that the Cabinet of the Welsh Labour Government finally put a plan in place on 14 January. However, we need more than this and greater certainty going forward.

The Welsh Labour Government deterred the public from visiting our hospitality venues in the run-up to Christmas, yet it provided pitiful support. Pubs and restaurants spent thousands and thousands of pounds on food and were well stocked for the festive period, much of which has been wasted at a cost to the wider supply chain. What is all the more hard for those individuals and businesses caught up in these restrictions is to learn that the Welsh Labour Government is still sitting on a war chest of cash, cash meant to be there to support our local businesses and the connecting industries hit by these restrictions. Out of the £500 million war chest, only £120 million has been made available for businesses. This figure is grossly inadequate, considering the Welsh Government has brought in restrictions at a time when these businesses are traditionally busy.

During Christmas and the new year period, millions of pounds flew out of Wales, with individuals travelling to England to enjoy the Christmas festivities and new year celebrations, all at a time when some businesses in Wales, such as nightclubs, were shut and others with tough restrictions. These restrictions were brought in on doomsday predictions, and all they have done is spell potential doom for the economy of our country. It is now time to learn to live with COVID, as the UK Government have set out today, as we start to return to normal. And I hope that the Minister will set out clearly the Welsh Government's route back to pre-pandemic times.

Because of the success of the booster jab roll-out, 90 per cent fewer patients have been admitted to UK hospitals. In Wales, two thirds of people have had their booster jabs, highlighting that, because of the tireless efforts of NHS staff, GPs and pharmacists and a public willingness, Wales should now be turning the corner on restrictions, and it's only right to commend the Welsh Government on the roll-out of the booster jabs. COVID has cost many lives and my heart goes out to all those people who have lost loved ones and friends. We must learn from the mistakes of the pandemic. We must have a specific COVID inquiry in Wales and I think the UK Government should change its position here and encourage Wales and the First Minister to have our own public inquiry here in Wales. 

We are now, hopefully, turning a corner with COVID. We have made the sacrifices to keep the public safe, but now is the time when we must give people hope. The press must end their scare tactics and all Governments must start the process of governing the country and tackling issues other than COVID. We owe it to everyone, right across Wales and across the country, to return people's freedoms and return people's hope. I would urge all Members to support our motion this afternoon. Diolch, Deputy Llywydd.