Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 Stop watching Netflix and go to the pub, Welsh first minister says

Eluned Morgan said her government can't be expected "to step in and do the work" to save struggling pubs.

* Eluned Morgan, Welsh First Minister, suggests people should stop watching Netflix and go to pubs instead to support struggling businesses.
* Her government has announced a 15% business rate discount for pubs, restaurants, cafes, and live music venues for one year.
* Opposition leaders criticize Morgan for blaming the public rather than taking responsibility for the sector's difficulties.
* The Welsh plan is shorter-term than England's similar scheme, which will see pubs get a 15% discount from April and have their business rates frozen for two more years.
* Trade bodies welcome the rate cut but express concerns that it does not go far enough to address rising property valuations and changing consumer habits.
* Morgan faces criticism for shifting blame onto others, including Welsh citizens and Netflix, rather than taking responsibility for her government's actions.
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