Written question WQ95953
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- First Minister
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 13 days
Question
What steps is the the Cabinet Secretary taking to ensure that Members of the Senedd are notified during an emergency crisis when a gold, silver, or bronze command is put in place?
Answer
Answered by First Minister (Eluned Morgan)
We recognise the important contributions of MSs, MPs and local councillors, alongside other community leaders, in supporting their local communities during emergencies.
When circumstances demand a multi-agency response to major emergencies and other disruptive challenges, Strategic and Tactical Coordination Groups are established at a local level to coordinate the response. Guidance on the engagement of elected officials during emergencies is set out in Emergency response and recovery - GOV.UK and National Recovery Guidance - GOV.UK, to which we expect statutory responders to adhere. We also expect responders to ensure their communication plans reflect the need to engage with elected officials in planning for emergencies to meet their Civil Contingencies Act obligations
When emergencies demand a strategic response and support from the Welsh Government, Ministers ensure the Members of the Senedd are kept updated through written and oral statements. Recent examples include the following:
• Oral Statement: Storm Bert (26 November 2024) | GOV.WALES
• Statement from the Deputy First Minister: Red Warning for Storm Darragh GOV.WALES
• Oral Statement: Storm Darragh (10 December 2024) | GOV.WALES