Easing of lockdown restrictions in Wales down to Welsh Government

Welsh Government has reiterated it is in charge of how and when the coronavirus lockdown is lifted in Wales, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to announce the easing of certain lockdown measures in England on Sunday (May 10).

First Minister Mark Drakeford has reminded the Welsh public to stay at home over the bank holiday weekend.

In a tweet, the First Minister said: “Some of the reports in today’s newspapers risk sending mixed messages to people across the UK. Our message this bank holiday remains the same: Stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

He added: “My cabinet met this morning [Thursday, May 7] to discuss lockdown restrictions and will meet again this evening. We will take the right decision for Wales, based on the latest scientific advice.”

Mr Drakeford previously told Caerphilly Observer that a UK-wide exit strategy would be his preferred way forward.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “It is crucially important that the people of Wales are informed clearly and accurately about what, if any, changes are made to the current stay-at-home restrictions.

“Some of the reporting in today’s newspapers is confusing and risks sending mixed messages to people across the UK.

“The First Minister of Wales will announce the outcome of the cabinet’s decision in due course.”

The First Minister is set to discuss the lockdown with Mr Johnson, as well as Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon later today.

Ms Sturgeon has already announced an extension to the lockdown in Scotland and said any plans to drop the ‘stay at home’ message would be a “mistake”. However, like Mr Drakeford, the SNP leader has stated she would prefer a UK-wide approach to ending the lockdown.

Meanwhile, writing in the Western Mail, the UK Government’s secretary of state for Wales, Simon Hart MP, said: “All four nations entered lockdown restrictions at the same time and should, if at all possible make any modifications to the restrictions at the same time. This is because our economy and systems are so intertwined.”

Mr Hart added: “It is a UK-wide approach in this next phase which will be the best for the people and businesses in Wales. We entered this fight as a United Kingdom and we will come out of it even more united.”