Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Europe Mark Isherwood AM has today called for an end to the negativity regarding Brexit, stating “it’s time to make Brexit work for a Wales in Europe, but not the EU, as part of an outward looking Global UK”.
Speaking in the Debate on the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee report: “Wales' future relationship with Europe. Part one: a view from Wales”, Mr Isherwood stressed that “a special and different solution” is needed.
He said:
“In accepting our report’s recommendations 1 and 4, the Welsh Government reiterates its position “that we must maintain full and unfettered access to the Single Market and we remain to be convinced that being outside a Customs Union with the EU is in our interests, at least for the foreseeable future”.
“However, as we heard from policy think tank ‘Open Europe’ in Brussels, “it would be strange if the UK was in the Customs Union. Like Turkey, the EU would negotiate trade agreements with third parties without the UK at the table”.
“As they also said, “If the UK is in the Single Market, it would have to accept all the rules without being able to vote on them”.
“And as the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU told us, “The EU 27 Governments now have a better understanding of where their own economic interests, and those of their own sectors, lie, regarding access to the UK market”.
“We therefore need a special and different solution, rather than something done before.”
He added: “In accepting our recommendation 2, the Welsh Government states that it is “working with the UK Government to protect Wales’ international reputation for high animal welfare, environmental and food standards, which must not be sacrificed through allowing cheap imports”.
“As the UK Brexit Secretary clearly stated in February, the UK will not seek to lower legal and regulatory standards in order to compete with the European Market – and he proposed a system of mutual recognition.
“Further, the UK Government has said that it will match the current EU budget that supports farming and rural economies, but we need to see more of the annual £350 million currently coming to Wales under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy getting to the frontline.
“Whilst welcoming the Phase One agreement in respect of rights for EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals living and working in the EU, our Report noted concerns that uncertainty may be having an effect on the number of EU and EEA nationals leaving the UK – referring, for example, to evidence from the British Veterinary Association and RCN Wales.
“The UK Government has made clear its continued commitment to meeting the workforce needs of our economy and society, and a post-Brexit White Paper is now expected before the summer recess in July.
“Like Senna the Soothsayer in ‘Up Pompeii!’, this place is full of prophets of gloom preaching “The End Is Nigh”. Contrary to the predictions of the doomsayers, it’s time to make Brexit work for a Wales in Europe, but not the EU, as part of an outward looking Global UK.”
ENDS