During the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 Statement on Monday 2nd November, Fay Jones MP reiterated that essential travel is permitted across the border from Wales to England.
Brecon and Radnorshire has roughly 50 miles of the border between Wales and England, with many residents regularly crossing into England for work, healthcare and education. As Powys does not have a district general hospital, many people travel to hospitals in England to access vital healthcare.
Since both Wales and England have entered second lockdowns, Fay Jones MP has received many queries from constituents asking whether they are allowed to attend schools, hospital appointments and workplaces in England.
Taking the opportunity to clear up the confusion, Miss Jones asked the Prime Minister “can my Right Hon. Friend confirm that essential travel across the border is not only permitted, but encouraged, and that the Welsh Government should not be using this pandemic to create artificial barriers between Wales and England?”
Commenting on the exchange, Fay Jones MP said:
“I want to be absolutely clear that it is only essential travel which should be encouraged.
“The statement from the First Minister on Monday, risked giving the impression that cross-border travel is not allowed at all between the two countries. This is not the case.
“During my question to the Prime Minister, I sought to make it clear that people are still allowed to cross the border to access work, health care and education. It is so important that my constituents know they can visit Hereford Hospital or Shrewsbury Hospital for treatment.
“When work cannot be done from home, we should encourage businesses to continue operating following COVID guidelines. We should encourage people not to miss hospital appointments, and we should encourage people to continue attending their places of education.”
The full exchange between Fay Jones MP and the Prime Minister can be watched here.
