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Conservatives call on Welsh Government not to reintroduce ‘arbitrary’ five-mile rule

11 Mar 2021 2 minute read
Picture by John Jones (CC BY-SA 4.0). Andrew RT Davies picture by Senedd Cymru (CC BY 2.0).

The Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government not to reintroduce the “arbitrary” five-mile rule when new Covid-19 restrictions are announced tomorrow.

First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to announce the end of the ‘stay at home’ regulation but to introduce a ‘stay local’ rule like the one which existed between June and July last year.

Andrew RT Davies was a vocal critic of what he called the “five-mile cruel rule” at the time, and spoke against the possibility again today.

“Given the great national effort, it’s also the right time to end the ‘stay at home’ regulation but encourage people to ‘stay local’, but without reintroducing the arbitrary five-mile rule,” he said.

Mark Drakeford is also expected to announce a staggered opening of non-essential retail, hairdressers, and tourism that stretches until mid-April.

Andrew RT Davies also renewed calls on the First Minister to provide a roadmap out of lockdown for families, workers and businesses in Wales.

‘Wellbeing’

“Labour should use this review to provide some hope and above all a detailed plan for families, workers and businesses across Wales,” he said.

“As a priority, this should include dates and windows of opportunity for businesses in the retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. It’s the least those sectors deserve.

“I believe it’s important we see a greater acknowledgement from ministers over the importance of exercise to the mental and physical wellbeing of so many people in Wales, and where data allows, we should look to reopen gyms and ensure our sporting fields are once again occupied, particularly for our children.

“The great British and Welsh vaccination story has improved the situation considerably and as Welsh Conservatives, we are unapologetic about our focus on getting Wales back on track after this gruelling and painful ordeal for our country.

“That should now start with a roadmap out of lockdown. And for the sake of families, workers, and businesses across Wales, I hope Labour ministers listen.”


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