(Title Image: ITV Wales)
- Petition calling for non-essential items to be sold in supermarkets during lockdown the most-signed Senedd petition to date.
- Labour MSs accuse the Conservatives and UK media of willfully misleading the Welsh public over supermarket restrictions during the 17-day firebreak lockdown.
- Minister expresses “regret” at communication problems, but time wasn’t a luxury.
P-05-1060 “Allow supermarkets to sell ‘non-essential’ items during lockdown”
Submitted by Gareth Howell
Signatures: 67,940
High levels of engagement “a positive for democracy”, but with a serious message behind it
Chair of the Petitions Committee, Janet Finch-Saunders MS (Con, Aberconwy), said the petition received the most signatures since the public petitions system was established, with 92% of signatures coming from within Wales. The committee is on course to consider more petitions during the Fifth Senedd than previous terms combined – which was a sign of improved engagement with the institution. Despite that, it made a very clear and obvious statement.
Huw Irranca-Davies MS (Lab, Ogmore) noted that the petition referred to a very short period and believed attacks of the firebreak policy were politically-motivated and spun by the Conservatives and a London-centric media.
He noted that the Shadow Health Minister, Andrew RT Davies MS (Con, South Wales Central), described the restrictions as “a socialist’s wet dream” but with England now pursuing a similar (but not identical) policy for a longer period, did the Tories still think that was the case?
Other members could see what the Welsh Government was trying to do – protect smaller businesses (that had to close) from being usurped by the supermarkets.
Most of the criticisms related to how the “non-essentials ban” was handled and communicated by the Welsh Government, particularly the fact many elements had to be re-explained after the firebreak started.
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS (Plaid, Ynys Môn) noted confusion over the inclusion of children’s’ clothes in the list of items not for sale, while Alun Davies MS (Lab, Blaenau Gwent) noted the popularity of the firebreak lockdown as a whole which contrasted with the levels of confusion surrounding the non-essentials ban in isolation.
One of the more measured responses came from the Conservative benches via Nick Ramsay MS (Con, Monmouth):
Time wasn’t a luxury in announcing firebreak lockdown
Responding on behalf of the government, Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths (Lab, Wrexham), said the restrictions aimed to reduce unnecessary travel and the time people spent shopping.
“It is a matter of regret that there was some initial confusion, and Members have referred to the fact that we do need to learn lessons, and I agree with that, and the feedback I’ve had from the retail sector was that it’s really important to engage earlier around these regulations. But protecting public health has to be done quickly at times, and we don’t always have the luxury of time to do that.”
– Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths
She went on to say it was a shame that a “thoughtless minority” sought entertainment and fame by causing alarm and distress to other people – whether it’s by deliberately sharing misinformation or attempting to rip down barriers in stores etc. Retail workers don’t deserve to be on the receiving end of abuse – which has increased since the pandemic started.
The petition was unanimously noted.
