Welsh Labour call off party conference due to rising Covid cases

Welsh Labour has called off its annual party conference, due to rising rates of Covid cases in the country.

In a statement, a party spokesperson said the executive committee agreed to postpone the event until November.

It said it was not an "easy decision" but believed it was the "right one at this time".

Mark Drakeford recently warned cases had peaked at the same rate seen in December before Wales was placed into lockdown. On Monday, the party said there is an expectation cases will "peak" in the Autumn with additional pressure on the NHS.

The conference, which would have been led by Mark Drakeford has not been held since 2019. The party added it plans to hold its annual conference in March 2022.

The announcement comes after the first minister said there would be an introduction of a Covid pass scheme from October, which will require people to show their double vaccination status, or a negative lateral flow test, in order to attend nightclubs and large events.

He warned, cases have risen to "very high levels over the summer" as more people have been gathering and meeting.

“The last thing we want is further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again. That’s why we must take small but meaningful action now to control the spread of the virus and reduce the need for tougher measures later.”