Dealing with UK Government on easing of quarantine measures has been ‘utterly shambolic’ says First Minister

Dealing with the UK government on quarantine lifting for people entering the country has been “utterly shambolic” First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford has said.

People arriving from countries including France, Spain, Germany and Italy will no longer need to quarantine from next week, UK transport secretary Grant Shapps announced yesterday.

The new measures will come into force from 10 July, meaning that people arriving from more than 50 destinations will be able to enter England without needing to self-isolate unless they have travelled in or through non-exempt countries in the previous fortnight.

The UK government said Wales would set out its own approach to exemptions and that passengers returning to the devolved nations “should ensure they follow the laws and guidance which applies there.”

But Mr Drakeford said the Welsh Government was not in charge of border security and would follow rules implemented by Westminster.

Speaking at yesterday’s daily press conference, he said: “Dealing with the UK Government over the last few days has been an utterly shambolic experience.

“If there was ever an example of making an announcement first and then trying to work out what you meant by it, that is what we have seen since this announcement was first trailed in the press.

“Day after day we have attempted to get a sensible answer from the UK Government of how they intend to make the changes, which countries they intend to extend the new arrangements to.

“I just have to say it’s been an impossible experience to follow.

“We still don’t know, even as I stand here, the list that the UK Government will finally publish. When we have it, then our chief medical officer will provide me with advice.”

He went on to say he expected that he would put regulations to the Senedd to make the changes known to the people of Wales.

However, he accused the UK Government of being incapable of being incapable of making its mind up and communicating decisions to the devolved nations.

According to the BBC, Mr Shapps said he had “held off” from his announcement in the hope that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would reach a decision at the same time as England.

Mr Shapps said there was “still an opportunity” for the devolved nations to match England’s decision ahead of the changes coming into effect on 10 July.

“I very much hope that we can do this as four nations at the same time – I think it would just simplify it for people a great deal – but they will need to make that decision themselves,” he said.