“Ramadan once again falls in the midst of the ongoing public health emergency. 

 

“Although we continue to take steps to unlock the restrictions we have all lived with for so long, the pandemic will have an impact on the way Muslim communities across Wales observe the holy month.

 

“But it will not diminish the values which underpin Ramadan – values of prayer and philanthropy, of feeding the poor and needy and offering support to others.

 

“I want to pay tribute to the way Muslim communities have adapted to new and different ways of worship and are embracing the new coronavirus vaccines. 

 

“Coronavirus has cast a long shadow on all our lives and too many families are grieving the loss of a loved one.

 

“But we can look forward to the future with hope and optimism for better times ahead.

“It will not be long before Iftar can be broken and shared with members of the extended household once again and we are working with the Muslim Council to explore the possibility of people coming together to celebrate Eid.

 

“Ramadan Mubarak to you all.”

Mark Drakeford, 

Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister