Frustration at Wales’ role in the Brexit negotiations
THE UK’s exit from the EU is now under way as Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, declaring it as “an historic moment from which there can be no turning back”, writes public affairs consultancy Deryn.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said the Welsh Government is committed to the priorities agreed with Plaid Cymru, as set out in the White Paper, Securing Wales’ Future. This places full and unfettered access to the Single Market as a priority.
Welsh Government ministers have expressed their frustration that the UK Government has not accepted more of their help ahead of Brexit negotiations.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford has said that while they want to ensure that the Prime Minister gets a good deal, UK ministers must show that they can listen to the devolved administrations and be willing to accept assistance.
The UK Government has published its White Paper on the Great Repeal Bill, which sets out what will happen to EU powers in devolved areas such as farming post-Brexit. Westminster will take control of all devolved functions immediately after Britain leaves the EU, in a “holding pattern”. A permanent UK-wide framework will then be negotiated with the devolved nations, which have been told to expect a significant increase in powers after Brexit.
The Welsh Government this week welcomed news that more than €3m is to be invested in the Ecostructure project. This will develop and trial new methods to enhance coastal structures, including sea walls and tidal lagoons, with more ecologically sensitive design. It has been funded through the Ireland-Wales cooperation programme, which is helping to strengthen economic links and collaboration between the two countries.
Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths announced a £223m boost for Wales’ rural communities. Ms Griffiths said the funding, which was announced on the eve of the triggering of Article 50, will help rural communities be more resilient in the post-EU transition.
At this week’s First Minister’s Questions, Carwyn Jones said he was not optimistic that there will be any EU or UK Government money beyond 2020 to pay for farming subsidies.
Plaid Cymru has called for a “Brexit Barometer” tool to help Welsh businesses understand the risks following the UK’s departure from the EU and assess their readiness to deal with them.