The Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament, Paul Davies MS, has written to the Presiding Officer of the Welsh Parliament calling for the parliament to be recalled to discuss the Welsh Government’s decision to ban the selling of “non-essential” items in shops in Wales.

The issue is currently subject to a petition of more than 18,000 signatures in one day and has seen outraged customers across Wales who have been stopped from buying items such as books, bins and baby clothes.

Currently, Members of the Welsh Parliament are in the October half-term recess.

Commenting on the letter, Paul Davies MS, said:“Since the First Minster let it slip that the selling of non-essential items would be banned in all shops during the Wales-wide lockdown there has been anger across Wales.

“It is madness that people have been banned from buying books, bins and baby clothes in local shops. The Welsh Labour-led Government may not think these items are essential, but many will beg to differ. 

“The Wales-wide lockdown is disproportionate, unnecessary and biting our economy hard. I'd rather see people being able to buy items in shops in their communities that provide employment to local people than see millions spent at online internet giants. 

He added:“The petition calling for the end of the ban has been signed by tens of thousands of people across Wales in a short period of time. It's a clear sign to Labour Ministers that people want this rule scrapped immediately and the Welsh Parliament must meet to resolve this matter as soon as possible.”