THE CIRCUIT BREAKER

Let’s be honest, this announcement is long overdue and I am, like many people pleased to see the Welsh Government finally taking this necessary course of action to protect the people of Wales. What is now needed is the detail -  the proposed timescales and plans for implementation and how this is to be communicated across the UK. With half term arriving for much of England next week, timing is now very critical. Recent events, should be a real lesson to Welsh Government. Simply sending correspondence to Downing Street and hoping for an answer will not get us the answers we need. We in Cymru /  Wales should have learnt our lessons from the first wave: simply depending on Westminster for leadership, to solve our problems and to simply constructively help does not work for Wales.

LEADERSHIP NOT LETTERS

“Wales needs leadership not letters” – Plaid Cymru Leader calls for Welsh Government action on England lockdown travel restrictions

 

First Minister Mark Drakeford should use the powers under his disposal to implement travel restrictions today between areas of high Covid-19 rates in England and other parts of the UK and Wales Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS had said.

 

The Plaid Cymru Leader criticised the First Minister’s decision to write another letter to the Prime Minister and urged him to act “independent” in the interest of the people of Wales.

 

Mr Price said this was about “public health” and “protecting our communities” and that Wales could not afford to wait a single day “let alone a week”.

 

Health Minister Vaughan Gething confirmed yesterday that there had been “an importation of coronavirus cases from contact with some of those high prevalence areas in England.”

 

There were five more Coronavirus deaths and 764 more confirmed cases reported today by Public Health Wales.

 

Mr Price added that if the Welsh Government required extra parliamentary time this week to get the necessary legislation through then Plaid Cymru would be supportive.

 

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS said,

 

“This is the fourth week running that I have highlighted the absurdity of people in areas of high Covid-19 rates in England and other parts of the UK being allowed to travel into parts of Wales.

 

“Rather than respond to the legitimate concerns of our rural communities, instead the First Minister, rather bafflingly, sought it fit to suggest this was being portrayed as some “contest between Wales and England”.   

 

“This is about public health and protecting our communities. The First Minister knows that. Rather than writing another unanswered letter to Westminster, the First Minister should act independently in the interests of the people of Wales.

 

“A pandemic calls for quick and decisive action by Government. We can’t really afford to wait another day let alone another week. Wales needs leadership – not more letters.

 

DIWEDD / ENDS

SAVING OUR ARTS

These past few months have reminded people how important art, culture and heritage is. At times like these it is more important than ever to people and communities; a vital buttress that protects and enhances our quality of life. 

Currently however, we face a cultural emergency, as well as a health and economic one. Culture is part of the key that will ensure we prosper economically and in terms of our collective health as we move towards the future.

The impending decimation of the Welsh arts industry from this pandemic will have a grave and far reaching impact. Not only for the thousands who have or will lose their jobs and careers, but without a thriving creative industry, who will tell our story now?

It is deplorable that the Westminster job support scheme is unlikely to save many of our cultural attractions and live music venues from closure. In one simple move thousands of jobs – which, up until now, had been saved through furlough – have been re-categorised as ‘unviable’. 

Both the Conservative Government in Westminster and the Labour in Wales Government in Cardiff have produced plenty of warm words but offer no real actions nor solutions on the short, medium and long-term problems. Instead, the sector has been left to wither on the vine. Plaid Cymru stands as the only party speaking out and offering real leadership and guidance to the sector. 

For many young people in Wales, the Arts has been a viable career choice, but with such a threat to the industry in Wales, many young people will find yet another door closed to them when it comes to starting their careers. 

THE FIRST 100 DAYS

The first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru government will be more radical than the preceding 20 years: Caring, building and believing – in a good life for everyone and a better life for you and your family.

Changing Wales for Good.

Now that’s something worth believing in. pic.twitter.com/C8X4DUBU18

— Plaid Cymru (@Plaid_Cymru) October 2, 2020

FOCUS ON OUR COMMUNITIES

"If we are looking for a silver lining in all this disruption, it just might be that it has shown us where our priorities should lie: on the streets, with the communities we serve." @LeanneWood | #ChangeWalesforGood pic.twitter.com/k9aeRjbyFu

— Plaid Cymru (@Plaid_Cymru) October 3, 2020

A RENEWABLES REVOLUTION

 

"By implementing Plaid’s plan for a renewables revolution, we can reinvest our nation’s wealth in those communities so long neglected, and build bridges that are not constrained by today’s horizons." | @DelythJewellAM | #ChangeWalesforGood pic.twitter.com/eWkGP0B6xq

— Plaid Cymru (@Plaid_Cymru) October 3, 2020

Plaid Cymru - Virtual Conference 2020