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UK-wide approach to Covid ‘inspires compliance’, argues Welsh Secretary

21 Jul 2021 2 minute read
Simon Hart (left) by Chris McAndrew (CC BY 3.0).

A UK-wide approach to the Covid-19 pandemic inspires “compliance”, the Welsh Secretary has argued.

Simon Hart, who represents the Conservative government in Wales, made the claim in response to David Simmonds MP, who complained about the Welsh Government “announcing extended lockdowns” without “due consultation”.

The remarks from Simmonds prompted sniggers from the Tory benches in the House of Commons.

The MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner asked whether the Welsh Government should “meet the financial cost of supporting businesses to keep their heads above water during those lockdowns?”.

The Welsh Government announced a firebreak lockdown in October 2020 because of a spike in Covid-19 cases.

It asked the UK Government to extend the furlough scheme, because Westminster controls the necessary borrowing powers, not the Senedd. But the Chancellor Rishi Sunak refused the request.

The furlough scheme was extended a few weeks later when England went into its own lockdown.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price has argued that an independent Wales would have the power to borrow to fund its own scheme.

‘Frustrates’ 

David Simmonds said: “Like my right hon. Friend, I hugely welcome the progress that has been made in Wales, but what frustrates many is that the Welsh Government seem to be in the habit of announcing extended lockdowns at short notice – [laughter] – without having due consultation with the Government.

“Does he agree that, should this practice continue, we should expect Cardiff Bay to meet the financial cost of supporting businesses to keep their heads above water during those lockdowns?”

Simon Hart replied: “I notice the laughter stopped at the moment my hon. Friend raised that particular question. I will say again what I have often said from the Dispatch Box: certainty is crucial in all this.

“I have always preferred a UK-wide response to covid, in whatever respect that might come, because it inspires confidence and compliance.”


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Bruce
Bruce
3 years ago

A**ehole.

Chris
Chris
3 years ago

Oh the Viceroy is off again is he?

Quornby
Quornby
3 years ago

Strange…. I always thought that Quisling was Norwegian…. We live and learn.

hdavies15
hdavies15
3 years ago
Reply to  Quornby

They turn up in all subject nations, the urge to pal up with a dominant partner is uncontrollable in such people. “Uncle Dai’s” might be an appropriate term although that might prompt a recall of more racist times.

Bruce
Bruce
3 years ago
Reply to  hdavies15

How about “Uncle Taffy”? Again it has racist connotations so probably best to avoid.

Welsh_Sion
Welsh_Sion
3 years ago
Reply to  Bruce

“Dic Sion Dafydd” I thought was the appropriate term, though I suppose that applies to those who are turncoats.

I wasn’t aware that Hart-less was a Cymro in the first place …

Chris
Chris
3 years ago
Reply to  Welsh_Sion

I used Uncl Twm

Bruce
Bruce
3 years ago
Reply to  Chris

How about Uncl Twmffat?

Leigh Richards
Leigh Richards
3 years ago

Someone should explain to the ill informed moron that wales has one of the highest take ups of the vaccine in the world – it is england that is out if step with us!

George
George
3 years ago

Mark Drakeford, Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson has spoken about a UK approach however England believed it’s best to have a “freedom day” earlier than other nations and has therefore taken that action with the outcome of this still unknown. What we do know though is that… England also believed dividing regions into tiers was sufficient in winter to respond to rising cases which resulted in over half the recorded deaths from covid, and they felt that schools going back at start of January was correct and therefore took that action for one day before reversing it. Both of these… Read more »

Stephen Owen
Stephen Owen
3 years ago
Reply to  George

Very well put, thanks 😊

Welsh_Sion
Welsh_Sion
3 years ago

Simon Hart, who represents the Conservative government in Wales … The MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner …

__________

Aye, very representative of ‘his’ people, is he not? – ‘[He] represents the Conservative government in Wales’ AND NOT ‘[He] represents Wales in the Conservative government.’

Ave, Viceroy-General!

Hannergylch
Hannergylch
3 years ago
Reply to  Welsh_Sion

His constituency is Carmarthenshire West & South Pembrokeshire (it’s the other MP in the discussion who represents a Middlesex constituency).

However, you’ve hit the nail on the head in your observation about the difference between representing the UK government in Wales and representing Wales in the UK government!

Welsh_Sion
Welsh_Sion
3 years ago
Reply to  Hannergylch

Diolch, Hannergylch. Duly noted. 🙂

From history, we know Tory Viceroys don’t always have constituencies in Cymru fach.

Stephen Owen
Stephen Owen
3 years ago
Reply to  Welsh_Sion

Yes the Viceroy of Wales.

Welsh_Sion
Welsh_Sion
3 years ago
Reply to  Stephen Owen

Or if you prefer … (Dedicated to the great man.) I am the very model of a modern Viceroy-General I am the very model of a modern Viceroy-General I only have information on matters Better Togetheral, I know nothing of Welsh kings, nor of battles historical Not Glyndŵr nor Llywelyn, in any order categorical. I’m not at all acquainted with matters mathematical, I mis-understand equations, both the simple and quadratical About binominal theorem, I really have no news, With a doleful look about the square of the hypotenuse. I’m hopeless at integral and differential calculus; I dunno scientific names of… Read more »

Erisian
Erisian
3 years ago

Please refer to him as the Appointed Secretary of State for Wales – he has no connection to Wales, nor has he ever shown in interest in what might be good for Wales.

Stephen Owen
Stephen Owen
3 years ago
Reply to  Erisian

Yes he is just an appointed Viceroy, as there used to be in India.

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
3 years ago

These Tories – honestly! The attitude – so colonial ! I’m really looking forward to the day we banish this Westminster lot from Wales for good! Independence is coming.

Stephen Owen
Stephen Owen
3 years ago
Reply to  Steve Duggan

Cymru am byth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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