Two Conservative members of the Senedd have give up its COVID committee over a row about taking the oath.
The Wales COVID-19 inquiry particular objective committee was arrange by politicians in Cardiff Bay to fill any “gaps” within the UK-wide inquiry’s scrutiny of choices made by the Welsh authorities.
Tom Giffard stated he had resigned as co-chair of the committee after Welsh Labour members voted in opposition to an modification which might have allowed witnesses, together with ministers, to provide proof underneath oath.
Fellow Conservative Senedd member Sam Rowlands has additionally stepped down from the committee.
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Tom Giffard (left) and Sam Rowlands (proper). Pics: Senedd Fee
In an announcement, Mr Giffard stated that he had resigned “with a heavy heart” and that the Welsh Conservatives would “no longer engage with the committee”.
“Families who lost loved ones deserve honest answers, yet Labour’s decision to block oaths being taken undermines any chance of getting to the truth,” he stated.
“Without the safeguard of requiring witnesses to speak under oath, this committee has become a pointless talking shop.”
The UK COVID Inquiry has heard proof from politicians and specialists in Wales, together with Mark Drakeford, who was first minister throughout the pandemic.
Households of those that died throughout the pandemic have known as for Wales to have its personal inquiry, as is the case in Scotland.
However the Welsh authorities has rejected requires the nation to have its personal impartial inquiry into the COVID response.
Mr Giffard stated the Welsh Conservatives would proceed to name for an impartial probe into the pandemic in Wales.
