A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).

Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths writes…

I wish I could bring you all some more positive news but, unfortunately, coronavirus continues to dominate the agenda.

Last Friday, Wales entered a two-week firebreak that is designed to help bring coronavirus under control and save lives. It will end on Monday 9 November and the Welsh Government is aware it may be a few weeks after the firebreak has concluded before its impact is apparent.

Expert medical and scientific advisors were unanimous that a short, sharp shock would give us an opportunity to reset.  Doing nothing was simply not an option. Without a significant reduction in transmission, it was believed the impact on hospitals and intensive care units would have been too high for the NHS to sustain.

The Welsh Government wants to ensure we come out on the other side of the firebreak better prepared.  During this fortnight, more staff will be hired to strengthen the Test Trace Protect system and the NHS will focus on deploying its field hospitals.

It is a difficult balancing act.  As a member of the Welsh Government, we act on the latest scientific evidence and every decision is considered carefully and thoroughly.  The overriding aim, as always, is to help keep people safe.

Final Welsh Government Cabinet meeting ahead of the firebreak announcement on 19 October 2020

This has already been a challenging period for many businesses and I recognise the latest restrictions create further difficulties.  Throughout this pandemic, I have been supporting and updating local firms as best I can.  I have regularly attended Wrexham’s Town Centre Forum and am pleased the Welsh Government has been able to offer a generous financial package to businesses.

All those affected by the firebreak will been supported with a new £300m fund, which opens for applications this week. The support from the Economic Resilience Fund is unique to Wales and has been critical to hundreds of Wrexham businesses, helping protect the livelihoods of many local residents.

In Wales, we have accepted the medical and scientific advice and the Welsh Government has worked closely with its partners to initiate a properly funded firebreak. Once the two-week period is over, there will be a clear path in the run up to the festive period, enabling businesses to take full advantage of the vital pre-Christmas trade.

https://twitter.com/WGEconTransport/status/1318585165350948875

Coronavirus has impacted every aspect of our lives and has transformed the Welsh Government’s agenda, with more emergency measures being drafted to support particular sectors and areas of society. With passenger numbers dropping dramatically, the Welsh Government has decided to nationalise rail services. This step has been taken to protect services for the public, safeguard jobs and enable its ambitious projects, such as the Metro upgrades, to continue.

We’ve stepped in and brought the Wales and Borders rail service under public control.

Coronavirus has hugely impacted passenger numbers and rail revenue. This move will help secure a vital service, protect jobs and maintain our Metro projects.

➡️ https://t.co/TCVexDKFqp pic.twitter.com/xch5vZQgK8

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) October 22, 2020

The Welsh Government has guaranteed free school meal provision for all school holidays up to and including Easter 2021. Up to £11m has been outlined to help protect the most disadvantaged children in Wales. Manchester United footballer, Marcus Rashford MBE, who is heading a high-profile campaign on the issue in England, has welcomed the move. No child should go hungry.  This is one of the most challenging periods any of us have faced and I am proud the Welsh Government is standing up for the most vulnerable in society.

This week we announced we'll be providing free school meals for every school holiday up to and including Easter 2021.

It's crucial families don't have the added pressure of worrying about food in these uncertain times.

A big diolch to @MarcusRashford for his continued support. pic.twitter.com/t3DkNUi9lP

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) October 17, 2020

The vast majority of news relating to coronavirus is pretty miserable but I was lucky enough to discover more about a positive community initiative that has grown throughout this pandemic and is continuing to move from strength to strength. Operating out of Llay Industrial Estate, PPE Hwb Wrecsam are producing thousands of high-quality face coverings free of charge to local groups and individuals every week. I recently met the team virtually and was very impressed with everything they have achieved so far. I hope to visit the site in Llay soon.

https://twitter.com/lesley4wrexham/status/1313448574290743297

I appreciate the current situation it is both frustrating and challenging, but until there is a vaccine in place, unfortunately, I believe this will be something we have to live with. 2020 has been a difficult year.  We are all weary of the restrictions.  Over this winter, we will all be asked to make further sacrifices to protect our loved ones, to help prevent our NHS from being overwhelmed and to keep as many businesses open and operating safely as possible.
Every person must play their part to help keep Wrexham and Wales safe.

My staff and I continue to offer support to constituents and if there is anything I can help you with, please email [email protected]

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).