North Wales MP urges Welsh Government to reopen the economy in line with England

A Conservative MP has urged the Welsh Government to reopen Wales’ economy in line with England.

Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton claimed businesses in her constituency were being “left to suffer” because of the difference in coronavirus legislation between the two nations.

Non-essential shops over the border have been given permission to start serving customers again from this month, with some resuming trade earlier this week.

Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay recently said retail firms in Wales should prepare to reopen over the next three weeks, but any decision to ease lockdown restrictions would depend on scientific evidence.

However, Ms Atherton said she had been contacted by local companies who were concerned about losing out on income.

In a letter to the Welsh Minister for Economy, Ken Skates, she said: “I am concerned about the future of businesses in Wales, particularly in border constituencies such as Wrexham, being negatively affected by differing lockdown rules between England and Wales.

“As you know, many businesses in England will be reopening this month, albeit with social distancing policies in place to protect staff and customers.

“I have been contacted by many businesses in Wrexham, concerned about both the short-term and long-term impact of their not being able to reopen at the same time.

“As you are aware, around 80 per cent of businesses in Wales have taken advantage of the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“However, there are a number of ways in which a delay to easing the lockdown could, in the long term, directly harm the viability of local businesses.”

Ms Atherton said people in Wrexham would easily be able to buy goods in England, putting Welsh businesses at a disadvantage.

Having spent several months with no earnings, she claimed many firms were reliant on the initial sales rush once lockdown lifts to start paying staff again.

However, the former nurse warned the economic boost would not happen if customers are able to shop elsewhere, putting companies at risk of insolvency.

The Welsh Government has been asked to comment on her request.

In response to similar concerns raised by car dealers in Wales, a spokesman said: “We have said that non-essential retail business which can comply with physical-distancing duty should prepare to reopen over the next three weeks, and we will take a decision at the next review.

“There is an ongoing risk to public health from coronavirus and any decision will depend on the scientific and medical evidence.

“We have delivered the most generous business support package in the UK, including £1.7bn of direct financial support for businesses of all sizes through our Economic Resilience Fund and grants targeted at those paying business rates in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.”

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter