Deeply concerning developments at the ‘COVID-19 Inquiry’ in London has shed light on how the former Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething failed to read documents related to pandemic planning while in post. James Evans MS shares deep concerns over the suitability of a Welsh Labour government to continue governing citing that “the basic standards we should all expect from a Welsh Government have failed at every turn to protect the people of Wales.”
Commenting on the latest developments, James said.
“Today’s findings at the COVID-19 inquiry are damning for First Minister Mark Drakeford, having refused to have a specific COVID inquiry at home in Wales. He and the former Health Minister have been called to London, when they should be giving evidence here in Wales, being held accountable by the Welsh Media and the families of all those who want answers on the decisions taken by the Welsh Labour Government.”
What’s been shown today is a level of arrogance and complacency from former Health Minister Vaughan Gething who admitted to not reading some of the most basic frameworks which could have aided in saving unprecedented levels of excess deaths in Wales. Let there be no doubt, the failings found today go beyond the public’s expectations of some small inadequacies and brings into question the suitability for Welsh Labour to govern to the standard we should expect after having been in power for almost 25 years. To learn that the former Health Minister failed to read documents related to pandemic planning nor the national risk register while in post, summarises the amateur nature of standards upheld by the Welsh Government at the time.”
James goes on to add.
I sincerely hoped that through this process, a clear pattern of coherent strategy and vision was adopted by officials in the Welsh Government to counter the spread of COVID-19, but that faith has all but gone and now what’s on show is a Welsh Government under pressure and under the microscope for failing to act with due-diligence and care.”
James Evans MS has been increasingly vocal in calling for a privileges committee to be established in the Senedd, so that the Welsh Government and elected representatives can be held to account for standards in office. James Evans MS will continue to be outspoken over previous incidences where the First Minster and current Health Minister Eluned Morgan have been forced to correct the record for misleading the Senedd.
