Some Members of the Senedd (MS) were reportedly unable to leave a Welsh Parliament building after a crowd of protesters gathered outside following a controversial vote on Covid passes.
A number of politicians said they couldn't leave their offices in the Ty Hywel building by the Senedd after a crowd of protesters gathered outside shouting following the vote on introducing mandatory Covid passes for nightclubs and major events in Wales.
Welsh Labour's Covid pass plan passed by 28 votes to 27 when the vote was held at about 7pm. This was despite the three opposition parties uniting to vote against the measure and reports that one Conservative MS was unable to get onto Zoom to cast his vote. You can read the full story here.
Members of the Senedd were reportedly asked to remain in their offices for a time to ensure their safety. By 9pm members were given the all clear to vacate the building by car or foot.
Read more: How do I get an NHS Covid pass, when do I need it and where will I have to use it?
The protest started at 2pm with a small group gathering on the Senedd steps. As the afternoon went on and the vote got closer, more people joined, and security was upped.
Some protesters were reportedly seen putting their signs against the windows and banging as people inside the building, which still has restricted access to staff members, passed by.
As the Senedd's business drew to a close, some of the group made their way round to the Ty Hywel entrance, which most staff and MSs use to enter and exit the estate.
Conservative MSs Samuel Kurtz, James Evans and Tom Giffard all tweeted to say they were being kept inside the building.
Mr Giffard, who represents South Wales West, tweeted: "Surreal evening in the Senedd. And to compound matters, we can’t get out of the building at the moment because of the protests outside!"
Mr Kurtz said: "Stuck in my Tŷ Hywel office as protestors shout ‘shame on you’ and block us from leaving. To be fair, I’m as frustrated as them."
His Brecon and Radnorshire colleague Mr Evans shared his sentiment: "I’m as disappointed as anyone that tonight’s vote went the way it did.
"Sadly, a small minority are venting their frustration and anger at the front doors, stopping people leaving the Senedd. Let those inside go home to their families."
Staffer James Wallice added: "Bonkers stuff outside Ty Hywel. Can’t leave due to protestors outside the Welsh Parliament chanting scum & threatening staff.
"Irony being of course, the anti-lockdown protestors now have us locked down."
A Senedd spokesperson said members were given the all clear to leave on foot or by car by 9pm.
Senedd Commission spokesperson said: “Senedd security teams have worked with the police to manage a small protest at the Senedd. Extra precautions were taken to ensure Members and staff get home safely."
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