NDM7345 Welsh Conservatives Debate - Covid-19 and Transport

NDM7345 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the recent relaxation of coronavirus restrictions on travel.

2. Acknowledges the adverse impact of the previous travel restrictions on personal relationships, people’s mental health and wellbeing, and retailers.

3. Regrets the failure of the Welsh Government to provide adequate support for Welsh bus operators during the coronavirus pandemic.

4. Expresses disappointment that the Welsh Government has discouraged airlines from flying from Cardiff Airport.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) rule out the introduction of quarantine requirements for residents travelling to Wales from within the Common Travel Area;

b) urgently review and increase the support available to bus operators in Wales to enable them to increase the frequency and capacity of bus services for the people of Wales;

c) promote the establishment of new routes from Cardiff Airport to safe destinations around the globe to help it bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Amendment 1 Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that while transmission of Coronavirus in the community has reduced owing to the measures put in place, the virus has not gone away, which warrants the Welsh Government’s prudent approach to balancing public health risks against economic, social and other risks, including travel.

2. Recognises the significant pressure Coronavirus has put on Welsh Government finances and that without additional flexibilities from the UK Government, increased investment in one area, such as health, business support or transport, means less funding available for other areas.

3. Welcomes the significant package of emergency support put in place by the Welsh Government to rescue bus and rail transport operators in Wales during the pandemic.

4. Recognises the important role Cardiff Airport has played during the crisis, helping bring in vital PPE supplies to Wales.

5. Notes the Welsh Government's work:

a) with other devolved governments to explore a four nation approach to lifting international travel restrictions;

b) with bus operators and local authorities to explore the appropriate increase of services and put the industry and its management on a sustainable footing for the future; and

c) with Cardiff Airport to explore new routes and secure its future as part of an integrated public transport system across Wales, despite ongoing resistance from the UK Government in what is largely a reserved policy area to create a level playing field for regional airports.

[If Amendment 1 is agreed amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2 Siân Gwenllian (Arfon)

Delete point 5(a) and replace with:

'agree to establishing air bridges to other nations when it is safe to do so and to keep travel arrangements under constant review;'

Amendment 3 Caroline Jones (South Wales West)

Add as new sub-point at end of point 5:

'make the wearing of face coverings mandatory on all forms of public transport;'