THE Liberal Democrat – Green Group on Powys County Council has criticised Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones’s comments on the Welsh Government’s lockdown policy

Group leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt has described Ms Jones's views about the Welsh Government's schools’ policy as ‘irresponsible’.

Brecon and Radnorshire's MS, Kirsty Williams, is the Welsh Government's education minister.

Cllr Gibson-Watt said: “Brecon and Radnorshire’s MP has described the lockdown policy in Wales as having ‘caused confusion’, when in fact the policy in Wales remains crystal clear. It is the confused change of message from the UK Government that is the problem.

"In Wales we are not yet at the point in which the lockdown can be safely eased, other than a welcome relaxation to allow more outdoor exercise subject to social distancing rules.”

He added: “As far as schools are concerned, the Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams has got the policy absolutely right. For our MP to advocate that Wales should follow the policy in England of allowing some children back to school from June 1 is irresponsible.

"The evidence shows that this would carry huge risks and I and my council colleagues completely support the Welsh Government’s current stance of no change to the current arrangements in Wales from June 1.

“It should be noted that Kirsty Williams has received near universal support for her stance from teaching professionals and parents in Wales, whereas in England there appears to be genuine concern and anger from both parents and schools staff about the plans there.”

Earlier today Ms Jones said the Welsh Government's stance on school's not reopening in Wales, while they may open in England on June 1, was causing confusion.

She said: "Schools over the border are now drawing up plans to open and welcome some pupils back. In Wales, all we have been told is that ‘this won’t happen on June 1.’ This unfortunately creates another area of confusion. It is essential that Welsh Government Ministers work with the UK Government to make sure that while messages might need to be different – they can be clear.

"The country has sacrificed so much to coronavirus. It has taken a huge toll on our society, but also on our economy. Having now flattened the curve of the virus and shielded our NHS from the worst of the outbreak, it is essential that we start to prioritise the economic health of the country. The Welsh Government needs to prepare Wales for returning to work and should come forward with a plan immediately."