With Welsh ministers voicing significant concerns amid reports - denied by Downing Street - that the NHS in England is being prioritised for supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) over other nations, a Tenby county councillor has contacted local AMs to look into the matter in Pembrokeshire - with equipment being used not fit for purpose it has been claimed.

The Welsh Government has stated it is making every effort to source PPE for the coronavirus response, including engaging with suppliers domestically and internationally.

Clr. Michael Williams who represents Tenby’s north ward on Pembrokeshire County Council has highlighted concerns locally.

“Where do we live, North Korea? Care staff in a residential home which serves more like a hospital, than a residential home, have been given paper face masks which at best last 5 to 7 minutes, and told to only use them when absolutely necessary!” he said.

“These are the only new items of so called extra PPE that they have been given, but told - ‘don’t use them’.

“Some staff are terrified, and that’s not an exaggeration. Some have underlying medical conditions and some with families that are ‘shielded’.

“We appear to live in a third world country. Does anyone care? I find this utterly sickening. And, these staff are paid a pittance,” added Clr. Williams.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price has written to the European Commission urging it to investigate reports that PPE suppliers have been told to prioritise the NHS in England.

Downing Street has denied that England is being prioritised for the vital equipment, and Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has written to her UK counterpart Matt Hancock seeking full clarity on the matter.

Mr. Price has written to the Commission president Ursula von der Leyen asking her to look into the matter.

“I have lodged a formal complaint to the European Commission relating to instructions reportedly issued by Public Health England to the main domestic suppliers of PPE in the UK not to sell certain high-demand items to care homes outside of England.

“I have been made aware of countless cases of care home workers being left to work with wholly inadequate PPE, endangering themselves and those they care for.

“This really is a matter of life and death and the Welsh and UK governments must get to grips with the problems surrounding the supply and distribution of PPE as a matter of urgency whilst doing so in a manner which doesn’t discriminate any nation in any way,” he added.