WSA Advocacy Update 17th May 2021
The new First Minster of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS confirmed on Friday that Wales will move to Alert Level 2 today. Further packages of financial support for businesses impacted by restrictions have also been announced and there is an eligibility checker here.
At alert level 2, up to 50 people can gather outdoors for organised activities, and 30 can gather indoors. Most businesses previously closed by the Coronavirus regulations can now reopen, with exceptions including ice rinks, nightclubs and other late night venues.
During his press conference on Friday, the First Minister suggested that a move to Alert Level 1 – including larger gatherings, and the possible return of larger events – could be considered during the next statutory review of lockdown regulations announced on the 4 June.
Last week, following his confirmation as the new First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS has also announced the new Welsh Government cabinet, the press release is available here, ac yn Cymraeg yma.
Key roles are listed below, deputy roles are italicised and underneath the Minister. We welcome Dawn Bowden MS as the new Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport.
- Mark Drakeford – First Minister
- Mick Antoniw – Counsel General designate and Minister for the Constitution
- Rebecca Evans – Minister for Finance and Local Government
- Vaughan Gething – Economy Minister
- Dawn Bowden – Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip
- Lesley Griffiths – Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Jane Hutt – Minister for Social Justice
- Hannah Blythyn – Deputy Minister for Social Partnership
- Julie James – Minister for Climate Change
- Lee Waters – Deputy Minister for Climate Change
- Jeremy Miles – Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
- Eluned Morgan – Minister for Health and Social Services
- Julie Morgan – Deputy Minister for Social Services
- Lynne Neagle – Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing