'Why is it that England are seeing consistent and indeed increasing, vaccination numbers?'

MS for North Wales

Questioning the First Minister, I quoted constituents unable to walk safely in their local areas and struggling with mental health issues due to isolation, who asked me to appeal to the Welsh Government for an extended travel rule ‘so that we can talk, cry and support’.

Responding to the Health Minister’s ‘Vaccination Rollout’ Statement, I quoted constituents who contacted me asking “why is it that England are seeing consistent and indeed increasing, vaccination numbers, as ours fall?”.

In the Debate on petitions concerning the Covid-19 vaccination programme submitted to the Senedd Petitions Committee, I highlighted the 10,879 signature petition to ‘Give Police Officers the Covid Vaccination’, and criticised the Welsh Government for having dodged calls by North Wales Police Federation for Officers to be prioritised on standby lists.

I again challenged the Economy Minister over his failure to provide small B&B Businesses with the Grants available to other hospitality businesses during the pandemic. Instead of offering help, he insulted these desperate businesses by saying they could apply for the Local Lockdown Discretionary Grant, just £1,500, and the Discretionary Assistance Fund, averaging just £65.

During a Short Debate on providing safe, accessible homes for those with Motor Neurone Disease, I called on the Welsh Government to invest in third sector organisations providing vital support to unpaid carers.

I also questioned the Minister for European Transition over his engagement with the UK Government and Welsh Councils regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Responding to the Energy Minister’s Statement on her new Fuel Poverty Plan, I expressed sector concern that “the Welsh Government has fallen short of its statutory duties and that unless urgently addressed, thousands of people living in the coldest and most expensive to heat homes may not be helped for many years to come”.

I Chaired a meeting of the Cross Party Group on Hospices and Palliative Care, attended meetings of the Cross Party Groups on Deaf Issues and on Dementia, Business Committee and Finance Committee, and spoke with the Finance Minister before publication of the Welsh Government’s Final Budget.

Other meetings included Transport for Wales’ Development Director for North Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s new Chief Executive and Chartered Institute of Taxation.

I also spoke at the launch of Conwy Citizens Advice’s ‘Tackling Modern Slavery in Ever Changing Times’ project, and to Flint and Holywell Rotary Club about ‘Life in the Senedd’, and attended the AGM of Llay based Autism charity ‘Your Space Marches’.

Stay safe. If you need my help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.