Welsh ministers air their worries over Brexit Bill

THE UK Government’s latest proposal to amend its controversial flagship Brexit legislation has failed to quell the concerns of Welsh ministers.

The EU (Withdrawal) Bill is a source of concern for the Welsh and Scottish Governments, with First Ministers Carwyn Jones and Nicola Sturgeon describing the original legislation as a “naked power-grab”.

The UK government wants to ensure that the legislation wins the consent of the Assembly. AMs do not have a formal veto but a refusal to consent to the bill would be deeply embarrassing for the government.

Yesterday evening the Department for Exiting the European Union announced it would make changes to the “correcting power” which allows changes to be made to legislation so it makes sense when the UK is outside the EU.

The department stated: “Where they previously needed to seek the consent of the UK government they would now only need to consult.”

Brexit Minister Steve Baker said: “This is a landmark piece of legislation which is paving the way for our smooth departure from the EU. That’s why our consistent approach to the bill has been to listen and work with MPs who’ve made constructive suggestions to improve it.

“In bringing forward these amendments today, we’re showing the seriousness with which we take Parliament’s views. We’re looking forward to hearing the debate on these, and further amendments tabled by others, next week.”

However, the amendments published by the UK government have not put an end to the concerns of Welsh ministers.

A Welsh Government spokesman made this clear, stating: “We continue to have grave concerns about this bill and its implications for devolution and we will maintain pressure on the UK government to bring forward the necessary amendments. Our focus remains on getting the bill amended to ensure it properly respects the devolution settlement, and we will continue this fight as the bill continues its passage through Parliament.”