By Mark Isherwood, MS for North Wales

Speaking in the Welsh Conservatives Debate on the Welsh Government's December Coronavirus Restrictions, I highlighted the detrimental impact they are having on pubs and other hospitality businesses in North Wales, which have invested time and money to make their premises Covid-safe, and called on the First Minister to consider their evidence and change his "brutal broad brush approach".

I quoted comments I had received from doctors, who warn that "Increasingly stringent regulation which is not evidence based will alienate those who do understand the need for some restrictions for a period and encourage them to ignore the restrictions", and who said that "instead of penalising hardworking people, the First Minister needs to listen to their calls and urgently review his ruthless measures before it is too late for them".

With family and friends who test negative for Covid-19 allowed to visit care home residents in England this Christmas, I called for the same programme to be rolled out in Wales.

Questioning the Minister for Transport and North Wales, I again highlighted constituents' concerns regarding the planned 'Red Route' road scheme in Flintshire, including the environmental impact on habitats, meadows and ancient woodland, and asked him what plans he now has for community engagement and why he has dismissed alternative solutions suggested.

Questioning the Minister for European Transition, I asked what discussions he has had with the UK Government and HMRC regarding the Port of Holyhead after the EU transition period comes to an end.

I had meetings with the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales to discuss their priorities for the next Welsh Parliamentary term and development of equality related policy for the Welsh Conservative Manifesto ahead of May's Welsh General Election, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's Acting Chief Executive to discuss issues raised with me by constituents, including mental health services, the importance of key voluntary sector organisations as a recognised part of the care pathway, and Covid-19 patients in our Hospitals.

Other engagements included chairing a meeting of the Cross-Party Group on Neurological Conditions, the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee, Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru to discuss their 'Back Housing 2021' manifesto, and an interview with 'The Commitment', campaigning for a healthy planet.

I also had a meeting with the chief executive of homelessness charity Llamau to discuss their top Manifesto priorities for the May 2021 Welsh General Election, and was a guest at the Covid-secure 'Welsh Forest Rally Revival' event.

Stay safe. If you need my help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.