North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has this week questioned the Brexit Minister for Wales over the Secretary of State for Wales’ invite to the First Minister to attend meetings of the EU Exit Preparedness Committee.
Speaking in the Chamber yesterday, Mr Isherwood said the Secretary of State for Wales has asked the First Minister to “share your conclusions around work in Holyhead and the Pembrokeshire ports”, and asked the Brexit Minister what response has been made to the request.
He said:
“In his 13 January letter to the First Minister, the Secretary of State for Wales invited the First Minister to attend meetings of the new EU Exit Preparedness Committee, Chaired by the Prime Minister, when relevant issues to Wales were on the agenda.
“He also stated: 'I have asked officials to share with you the experiences around the recent exercises in Kent, and similarly it would be helpful if you were able to share your conclusions around work in Holyhead and the Pembrokeshire ports.' What response, if any, therefore, has the First Minister, or yourself on his behalf, made in response to that request?”
The Brexit Minister replied: “A response has gone to the Secretary of State for Wales, indicating that most of the issues on which an invitation has been extended to the Welsh Government relate to where matters have been devolved to Wales. Obviously, there isn't an equivalent in terms of the work we do here, because we don't deal with reserved matters here, but I know the First Minister has also indicated that he has asked officials to share information on certain projects with the Secretary of State for Wales”.
Mr Isherwood added:
“As the ‘Holyhead Infrastructure Prospectus’ states, ‘Holyhead has the added benefit of being Wales’ busiest ferry port and a key international gateway’, and the top 2 items it lists under ‘Transformational Projects’ are ‘Holyhead Port Access Infrastructure’ and ‘Port Masterplan’.”
ENDS
