Plaid Cymru - standing up for Dwyfor-Meirionnydd

Local tourism industry disproportionally impacted by Covid-19 crisis. Plaid Cymru Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts has warned of the disproportionate economic impact facing local areas heavily reliant on the tourism and hospitality industry, as newly published data reveals a fourfold increase in benefit claims since the Covid-19 lockdown. Figures from the (ONS) Office for National Statistics reveal Dwyfor Meirionnydd had the biggest increase of all the Welsh constituencies, in people claiming welfare benefits since the start of lockdown.

The Coronavirus lockdown should not be lifted in Wales as the most up to date evidence suggests that parts of the country are yet to reach peak, says Plaid Cymru. UK newspaper headlines are suggesting that the lockdown will be eased, and Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, is expected to make an announcement on the lockdown in Wales soon. However Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor has warned that evidence shows that Wales might not have reached peak infection, and it was too early to consider easing the lockdown.

Plaid Cymru Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts and Mid and West Wales Member of the Senedd Helen Mary Jones have called on the Welsh government to ensure targeted support reaches businesses in Dwyfor Meirionnydd not covered by existing financial aid. The Plaid Cymru MP and MS said it was vital that small businesses, sole traders and some accommodation providers in the constituency were sufficiently supported in order to see this crisis through and support the recovery of the local economy.