Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called on the Welsh Government to lift the current Covid-19 restrictions and to allow church congregations to sing again.

Darren told eputy Minister Jane Hutt in the Senedd he had been contacted by members of various faith communities about the current restrictions on worship and the impact they are having, and asked the Welsh Government to reconsider in light of new research which suggests that singing is no more likely to spread coronavirus than talking.

He said: “One of the issues that has been raised with me by members of various faith communities is the impact of the restrictions on the ability to worship through song in our churches at the moment, for congregational singing.

“Recent research, by the University of Bristol, seems to suggest that singing doesn’t produce substantially more respiratory particles than speaking at a similar volume. Therefore, will you look again at the current coronavirus restrictions in relation to worship in churches, and the ability of congregations to sing as part of their worship, and consider that piece of research in order to assist your decision?”

Jane Hutt said: ”I am very well aware music and singing are an important part of services and ceremonies. It’s greatly missed, and we’re looking at this, based on scientific advice again, and the guidance from the task and finish and ceremonies group. I hope we’ll able to make further announcements.”