Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Mark Isherwood AM, has this week challenged the Welsh Minister for Housing and Local Government over action being taken to prepare public services in Wales for a No-Deal Brexit, and in doing so hit out at the Welsh Government for trying to push forward a ‘Brexit In Name Only’.
Responding to the Minister’s Statement in the Chamber on Tuesday, ‘Preparing our Public Services for a No-Deal Brexit - Civil Contingencies”, Mr Isherwood criticised the Welsh Government for proposing measures that would ensure that it was a ‘Brexit In Name Only’ and asked what consideration the Minister has given to the potential impact on civil order were there to be a second referendum.
He said:
“We've heard today and many times previously that the Welsh Government respected the result of the 2016 referendum. But, of course, their subsequent White Paper with Plaid Cymru then proposed measures that would have ensured that it was Brexit in name only, with no control over borders, money laws, trade or what have you. So, be honest, tell people that's the case and then let them decide. But let's not pretend that it's a Brexit alternative.
“In that context, what consideration have you given to the potential impact on civil order were there to be a second referendum, or, for example, were your White Paper commitment to remain in the customs union to bear fruit and result in us not being able to make independent trade deals with other states or economic regions across the world? Because, of course, many other parts of the world have their own regional economic arrangements.
“On the day when we heard that the UK employment total has reached a record high, we should remember that the Prime Minister has consistently stated that she wants a customs arrangement; she does not want a 'no deal'. In fact, the deal she's negotiated includes a 21-month implementation period, giving time for businesses to prepare for the future EU arrangements and to ensure a smooth and orderly Brexit process, and the transition period is part of the UK Government withdrawal agreement, but will only exist if a deal is agreed. So, those who seem to think, in Westminster, that, by voting down any deal will then enable them to use a transition period to negotiate perhaps need reminding that that's not the case.
“The UK Government's draft deal also secured good access to the single market, but not staying in the single market, because that would have meant that large amounts of money continue to go to the EU in perpetuity, with no control on the borders and regulations over which we have no hand in creating. Now, whatever people's individual views are about that, that's not respecting the referendum.”
Mr Isherwood went on to question the Minister over her, or the Welsh Government’s, role in the UK Government process to ensure preparedness for key issues with councils and local authorities, action she is taking to ensure reserve soldiers in Wales are prepared for a worst case scenario, and what is being done to ensure that the aspects of policing which are devolved are prepared. He also questioned her over ports and the civil contingency issues that could arise.
