News
‘Nothing to apologise for’ over Wales Covid rules says Mark Drakeford
FIRST MINISTER Mark Drakeford has rejected Conservative calls for him to apologise to pubs and restaurants for the impact of Wales’ coronavirus restrictions.
During the weekly First Minister’s Questions, Tory leader Andrew RT Davies accused Mark Drakeford of keeping tighter restrictions in place than were in force in England during the outbreak of the omicron variant.
Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS called on Mark Drakeford to apologise to business owners across the country and increase financial support to help them survive and thrive.
But during today’s First Minister’s Questions, Drakeford insisted he had “absolutely nothing to apologise for” and refused to make more cash available for businesses.
The Tories say that many business owners are anxious that the money set aside by Labour ministers won’t even scratch the surface when it comes to recouping losses over the festive period and covering staffing costs.
Davies also pressed the First Minister to reveal what metrics will be used to judge when restrictions such as vaccine passports and masks to be removed in Wales.
However, Drakeford swerved the question, failing to outline criteria that would have to be met.
Commenting after the FMQ exchange, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS, said: “The First Minister’s refusal to apologise for the damage his overzealous restrictions have done to companies across Wales will feel like a massive slap in the face for business owners.
“Traders have been shouting from the rooftops that the current financial package isn’t enough and it’s clear they need more, but as well as refusing to say sorry, the First Minister is also refusing to provide them any additional support to compensate for the lost trade.
“It was also disappointing that the First Minister couldn’t give the Senedd a full and frank answer about what criteria has to be met before the use of COVID passports and other anti-business restrictions are dropped in Wales.
“Welsh residents and businesses deserve answers and clarity so they can start planning for a time when they can trade and live their lives as normal again, but Labour ministers are leaving the country in limbo.”
In response the First Minister said he had “absolutely nothing to apologise for.”
He said: “The Conservative Party in Wales has a great deal to apologise for, in the way that it has time after time, sought to deny people in Wales and businesses as well the protections that are needed from a global pandemic.
“We put in measures that were designed to make sure that lives were saved in Wales, and that businesses could go on trading and there’s absolutely nothing to apologise for in doing that, because those measures were necessary, and those measures have been effective.”
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.
Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.
The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.
During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”
The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Community
Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop
ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.
Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”
Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.
Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.
Community
Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market
MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.
There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.
If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.
Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!
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